James Cook University and the Central West Hospital and Health Service have collaborated to establish a new clinical teaching facility in Longreach.
The facility, designed to bring top quality medical training and telehealth services to the western region, was opened by federal Minister for Rural Health, Fiona Nash.
JCU’s Mount Isa Centre for Rural and Remote Health (MICRRH) director, Professor Sabina Knight, said the facility on the Longreach hospital campus had been fitted out with state-of-the art-technology to enable audio-visual teleconferencing and remote training.
“It will be used by everyone from undergraduates to people going through our GP registrar program,” she said.
“It means doctors, nurses and allied health workers won’t have to leave Longreach to get extra training – we’ll be bringing the trainers here – and that will mean a huge difference to the town.”
Professor Knight said the project reflected the minister’s commitment and understanding of need.
The new facility is operational only nine months after receiving a $90,000 grant from the Commonwealth.
“It is also a great example of JCU partnering with the community and I’m delighted it’s happened,” Ms Knight said.
Central West Hospital and Health Board chair, Ed Warren, said the new training centre would have significant benefits for all rural and remote areas of Queensland.
“The centre will expand our region’s capacity to host clinical students, including medical students, as well as support ongoing clinical training for our existing workforce,’’ he said.
Central West Health has donated both the relocated building and its site.
The new building will complement JCU’s ten-bed student accommodation already on the Longreach hospital campus.
