Senator Louise Pratt joined Professor Cobie Rudd to launch UDRH SW.
Following the culmination of many years of advocacy led by ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) Professor Cobie Rudd, the University Department of Rural Health sees ECU South West become one of just 19 universities in Australia to offer enhanced rural and remote training, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including clinical labs and simulation suites.
"This Department is not just a building; it's a solution to the health workforce shortages in the fastest-growing region of Western Australia," ECU Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Regional Futures) Professor Cobie Rudd said.
"By encouraging more graduates to practice here, we’re building a pipeline of talent that will serve our communities for years to come."
Professor Rudd said the UDRH is a solution to health workforce shortages.
The UDRH SW was made possible first with Federal Government funding in 2022, then-Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a $36 million investment to encourage more health professionals to serve in regional WA.
The 2022 Budget further supported that vision with over $17 million allocated over four years to establish this Bunbury-based University Department of Rural Health.
"This initiative will add 1,000 placement weeks per year, with over 400 students gaining vital rural clinical experience in the next four years," Professor Rudd said.
"These placements cover fields such as emergency medicine, aged care, mental health, disability services, child and family health and more, providing hands-on experience in a range of community settings that are often hard to access in metropolitan areas."
UDRH SW Director Professor Beth Armstrong.
Director of the University Department of Rural Health, Professor Beth Armstrong said it is a privilege to lead a program that aims to address the unique health challenges of our rural communities, with a particular focus on improving Aboriginal health outcomes.
"One of the strengths of this program lies in its focus on cultural capabilities and responsiveness. Through close collaboration with the South West Aboriginal Medical Service and with the local Aboriginal communities, we will ensure that all of our students are equipped to work effectively and responsively with Aboriginal clients and communities," Professor Armstrong said.
"Our department is also committed to research that drives change. We are building on the excellent work already underway in the areas of student learning, disability, and cross-cultural clinical practice. These research initiatives will not only inform our teaching but also contribute to the broader field of rural health."
Head to the website for more information on how ECU will boost healthcare in WA's South West with the new University Department of Rural Health (UDRH), among other initiatives for the region.
