Rural Health
Why is Rural Health one of MidCentral DHB’s Health Priority Areas?
There are many rural communities within MidCentral District Health Board and although these areas are serviced by health centres and specialist health and disability services are provided in Palmerston North, there are access issues, including but not limited to, emergency and after-hours services.
More information about planning around rural health is availiable in the Rural Health Strategy.
Cows standing in a row.
Rural Health Strategy - Discussion Document
MidCentral DHB has developed a Rural Health Strategy for the district. As part of this process, a Rural Health Strategy Discussion Document (607KB) was released for comment and feedback.
Staff Recruitment and Retention Issues
Rural Health services require health professionals who are able to deal with a wide range of health conditions, but recruiting and retaining staff in rural areas can be a difficulty.
Since the issue cannot be resolved in the short term, MidCentral DHB is taking a longer term approach.
MidCentral DHB’s strategies to improve Rural Health:
- Develop a distruct-wide transport strategy in collaboration with other agencies
- Establish ‘first response’ units
- Address the capability and capacity of the rural health workforce, including primary maternity services, in collaboration with local and regional councils
- Rural health forums
- Review the district’s accident and medical services
Investment
The value of added investment in this area is yet to be quantified. Regardless, there are funds incorporated within other health priority areas. Specific DHB funds for transport and accident/medical services will be considered in conjunction with initiatives delivered and funded by other agencies, for example the regional council.
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Last Updated 03/03/2010