Our Vision
Contribute to an effective and sustainable rural and remote health system
Initiatives
Rural Allied Health
The IRCST recognises the contribution that allied health professionals make to the health and welfare of our communities. As key players in the delivery of health services, all allied health professionals and their assistants face challenges in regard to developing models of care that ensure service delivery to a geographically diverse client population with small numbers of staff. It is our belief that allied health staff continually demonstrate innovation, and we look forward to working with them to promote innovation across the system to add to the sustainability of our rural and remote health services.
A NSW Rural Allied Health Project Officer was recruited for a project commencing in January 2007. The role was developed in order to provide advice to IRCST on allied health issues and act as a rural allied health advocate as well as to produce several specific project outcomes. With the conclusion of the project position, outcomes were achieved in the following key result areas: 
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Conducting and evaluating the biennial NSW Rural Allied Health Conference in 2007. The conference was held in Dubbo during October 2007. More than 200 Allied Health professionals attended. Evaluations were very positive and a photo journey of the conference is included in the link on this website. Click on the logo for additional information.
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Monitoring the progress of three allied health related projects funded by IRCST in the 2007 funding round which included:
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facilitating the provision of the education in regard to the Indigenous Diabetic Foot Project across rural and remote NSW
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facilitating and monitoring the progress of the NSW Rural Allied Health Assistants Project funded in GSAHS
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monitoring the progress of the Strengthening Rural Allied Health Services: New Skills to Consolidate Local Service Delivery to Rural Communities project in HNEAHS.
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Develop the professional framework in which rural and remote Allied Health professionals work which included completing a literature review in regard to clinical supervision
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Improving access to relevant rural allied health workforce information and data. IRCST has funded the NSW Rural Allied Health Workforce Study currently being conducted in collaboration with the University Department of Rural Health at Lismore and Tamworth.
Where to from here
The IRCST remains committed to supporting and assisting Allied Health professionals and their assistants across rural and remote NSW. Each year many Allied Health staff participate in the Rural Research Capacity Building Program where they continue to show their commitment and passion for improving the services that they provide.
The Executive Director has set up an allied health reference group which will meet when required to review Allied Health directions for the IRCST. This group includes several members of the IRCST Executive Committee and the Rural Area Allied Health Directors. Other Allied Health academics or professionals will be invited to participate as indicated.
For further information, please contact the Executive Director, Linda Cutler, on Linda.cutler@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au or phone (02) 6841 2651.
Links
The following have been identified as useful links for Allied Health Professionals:
SARRAH
NHS Allied Health Professionals Bulletin
Centre for Allied Health Evidence (University of South Australia)
Allied Health Professions Australia
ACT Health---from the Home page Click on Health Professionals--this takes you to a page with that includes information on Allied Health Projects being undertaken in ACT
QLD Health---from the Home page, click on health professionals--Listed on this Health Professionals Page is an excellent resource on Demand Management Project for Allied Health Professionals
http://www.health.qld.gov.au/health_professionals/default.asp
Last Updated: 15 September 2009