NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH POLICY AND THE ROLE OF THE NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCES

ABSTRACT: The biennial National Rural Health Conference has become an essential feature on the calendar of events for rural and remote health professionals, researchers, public servants and consumers. Since the first conference held in 1991, attendance has grown significantly, factors hindering the achievement of optimal health for all rural and remote Australia have been clearly identified, and recommendations for action have been endorsed by the broad rural health constituency. These recommendations have provided valuable input to the National Rural Health Strategy and many programs and policies of Commonwealth and State departments of health. Significantly, too, the first four conferences have facilitated greater collaboration among rural and remote health professionals and provided a major catalyst in fostering cooperation between consumers, health workers, service providers and governments.     

THE NATIONAL MENTAL HEALTH STRATEGY

ABSTRACT: The National Mental Health Strategy aims to assist people with a mental illness to have access to improved services and support, with community based services as the option of first choice. The Commonwealth, State and Territory governments are working together with consumers, professionals and other key parties so that mental health services are 'mainstreamed' within the general health system. This will also ensure that permanent improvements are made in the way Australia responds to the needs of people with mental disorders. Access to an integrated network of different services, including those outside the health system, is an essential component of the strategy. Ensuring that residents of rural and remote areas have adequate access to mental health services is apriority of the Strategy.     

RURAL HEALTH POLICY: THE THIRD NATIONAL RURAL HEALTH CONFERENCE

ABSTRACT: The Third National Rural Health Conference was convened at Mt Beauty in February 1995, by the National Rural Health Alliance, to promote the continuing improvement of the health and well-being of people in rural and remote Australia. The agenda reflected the initiatives of the National Rural Health Strategy, developed as the result of earlier National Conferences. The conference aimed to share information and direct it to relevant institutions, to strengthen bonds and communication within the rural health field and to encourage the advocacy role of delegates within their own organisations. By drawing the themes together, the conference program highlighted the principle of equity, the plight of Aboriginal health, the right of the community to self determination and participation, and the needs, entitlements and roles of consumers. The conference further emphasised the need for an integrated or holistic approach to service planning and the need for service delivery to reflect the specific needs of rural communities. Delegates, led by the Federal Minister for Health, identified specific strategies for reinforcing and implementing programs that promote dialogue between community, workforce and government and contribute to a cohesive national and state agenda in rural health. Delegates recognised that the rural health community is now much better organised, but considerable inequities remain and must be addressed urgently.