25 August 2009

State-wide conference on delivering critical care in rural settings

NSW Minister for Health, John Della Bosca, said the latest advancements in delivering critical care in rural settings are the focus of a state-wide conference being held in Wagga Wagga today (21 August).

Mr Della Bosca said the ninth annual Rural Critical Care Conference is focusing on the theme Teamwork Strengthens Rural Critical Care.

“Critical care is unique in a rural context. Distance and isolation are a part of rural life however, when it comes to health care those aspects are an added challenge we face,” the Minister said.

”We need to work as a team for the best patient outcomes, especially in the area of emergency/critical care.

“This is an excellent opportunity for critical care nurses, doctors, ambulance officers, allied health workers and chaplains from across the State to develop a greater understanding of how they can all work most effectively as one larger team to support emergency health needs.

“A distinguished panel of expert speakers from across the country to present over the two-day conference.

“Keynote speaker will be Associate Professor Mark Fitzgerald, Director of Trauma Services at Melbourne’s Alfred Hospital. He will offer his personal insight into Victoria’s tragic bushfires, at which he attended many of the major burns victims.

Mr Della Bosca said rural and remote hospitals were becoming increasingly capable of providing early management of complex patients to their respective local communities.

“The ongoing strengthening of rural and regional centres continues to improve access to care for rural patients, with the added benefit of reducing the load on metropolitan critical care services,” Mr Della Bosca said.

“Advances in technology and resourcing allow rural nurses to care for more patients in their regional hospitals, thereby improving the patients and families experience in the health system.”

“Communities throughout rural and regional NSW have greater access to high quality care, after the Rees Government allocated $15.1 billion to health in this year’s budget.

“A total of $4.12 billion has been allocated to rural and regional areas, an increase of $276.8 million on the previous year,” he added.

For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au