JCU health centre a huge addition to Emerald and Central Highlands
James Cook University’s Central Queensland Centre for Rural and Remote Health (CQCRRH) had its official opening in Emerald this week as it continues to make huge strides for the region’s health workforce.
The centre’s build was completed late last year, with JCU moving in and providing health career promotion and student placements, together with student led allied health services.
The centre also secured Australian Nursing and Midwifery Accreditation Council (ANMAC) site accreditation for the JCU Bachelor of Nursing program.
The official centre opening ceremony was on Wednesday, August 20, and was attended by JCU Chancellor Professor Ngiare Brown as well as other top JCU officials and the Hon Emma McBride MP (Assistant Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention and Assistant Minister for Rural and Regional Health.
The opening event was held in conjunction with the opening of the newly constructed student Allied Health Clinic and a suite of Allied health consultation rooms in the Emerald Medical Group next door by JCU’s hosts and partners - Central Highlands Health.
CQCRRH Director Professor Sabina Knight said she is delighted that this rural health facility, supported by Federal Government funding, has been able to encourage the health workforce in the Central Highlands of Queensland.
“The whole purpose is to create local access and to encourage a workforce here in a rural and remote environment and the CQCRRH has been able to make significant impact,” Prof Knight said.
“The centre encourages rural and remote health workforces by offering nursing, allied health, dental and medical placements to students providing fully subsidised accommodation, immersion in the local community and high-quality clinical experience in the rural context.
“Since February we have also been offering JCU’s award-winning Bachelor of Nursing Science, inducing access to a state-of-the-art ward and clinical training facilities.
“Additionally, we have embarked on the essential journey of supporting, fostering, and developing Indigenous health careers, which is central to our mission.”
Outside of the opportunities provided for students, Professor Knight also highlighted the success of the centre in proving increased access to allied health services for people in the Central Highlands.
“Working with the Emerald Medical Group and community organisations, we have helped foster a work force right across the course of the year as the students provide much needed allied health services supervised by the Centre’s clinical leads,” she said.
“Whereas before, many clinicians have not had the ability to refer patient to a social worker, a physiotherapist, speech therapist, exercise physiologist or occupational therapist.
“Having students at the centre working through their professional placements has boosted the Emerald Medical Group as well as the local health services who have been able to recruit from that student pool.
“Our next step is extending our service-learning program to Blackwater to work with Bidgerdii Aboriginal Community Health Services.”