Bid to better country health

Curtin University is moving to improve engagement with South West general practitioners in the delivery of emergency services as part of a Country Health Innovation Program.

The aim is to determine what GP perspectives are at WA Country Health Service hospitals in regard to their expectations and experiences in the delivery of emergency services.

Curtin’s School of Public Health honours student Melanie Roberts said understanding GP experiences in small rural hospitals provided an opportunity to have local data to direct policy and planning for WA.

“Rural communities experience a higher rate of injury and chronic disease, and have poorer access to primary health services in comparison to metropolitan areas,” she said.

“It’s important to understand the issues to ensure the minimum service delivery requirements are being achieved to provide emergency care at WACHS sites.”

The year-long project is part of Curtin University’s honours program in collaboration with WACHS.