The Spencer Gulf Rural Health School (SGRHS)

 

The Spencer Gulf Rural Health School (SGRHS) was established in 2001 as a joint venture between the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. The School is a multidisciplinary entity that brings together the University Department of Rural Health and the Rural Clinical School as a single operational unit.

 

Where we are...

The SGRHS operates from a distributed network of learning centres based at the University of South Australia in Whyalla, Pt Augusta, Booleroo Centre, Pt Pirie, Minlaton, Maitland, Clare, Kadina, Barossa Vallley and Pt Lincoln . There is also a small operational unit at the Adelaide University in Adelaide.  Most of these centres are equipped with dedicated student facilities including student accommodation, study areas, libraries and up-to-date information technology.

SGRHS Map (Click)

Who we are...

The SGRHS comprises a multi-disciplinary team of highly trained and experienced health professionals and key support staff. Staff have a range of backgrounds including health disciplines (medicine, nursing, pharmacy, mental health, podiatry), administration, business and finance, public service, education, clerical and information technology.

 

Our 60 staff  include academic staff, research staff, project officers, student support officers, administration staff and technical (IT) personnel. The School  also jointly funds several other positions in the Northern and Far Western Regional Health Service, the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia.

What we do...

The purpose of the SGRHS is to ".. conduct education and research to improve the health of rural and remote communities...We do this by providing quality placements for undergraduate and post graduate students; by assisting in the planning and establishment of effective models of health service delivery; by conducting research and evaluation to improve the health of rural South Australians and by providing education, training and support of existing health professionals in the region. 

The SGRHS provides a wide range of consultancy and support services to the rural and remote health sector. As a group we have experience in many health service areas and also in aboriginal cultural settings, and are working to meet the needs of Indigenous Australians. Our core activities include research and consultancy, education and training, and facilitation of clinical service delivery.

How we do it...

Specifically the SGRHS undertakes a range of activities including:

  • Education and training of undergraduate students of medicine, allied health and nursing
  • Providing rural experiences for students in the health professions including medical, nursing and allied health undergraduate and postgraduate students
  • Providing training and support for preceptors so that rural experience for students is of high quality
  • Partnering with health services, agencies, and Commonwealth and State government to develop strategies to address indigenous health issues
  • Providing support for and building the research capacity of health professionals and health service managers
  • Providing training to ensure that health professionals become culturally aware and sensitive to indigenous health issues
  • Providing a base for senior university staff, including those linked to teaching hospitals and research units, to provide training and practice their skills in rural and remote settings
  • Providing support and continuing education (CE) opportunities for rural health professionals
  • Developing innovative service delivery models, including academic service models, to meet the needs of rural and remote communities
  • Undertaking research into rural and remote health care issues with a particular focus on primary health care services, public health and population health
  • Assisting in the planning and evaluation of health services and health programs

What we are good at...

The SGRHS has particular research interests and expertise in:

  • Rural and remote health
  • Aboriginal history, tradition and culture
  • Aboriginal cultural awareness
  • Health service and program evaluation
  • Participatory Action Research
  • Community Development in health
  • Primary Health Care Research, Development and Education
  
  • Community Development in health
  • Chronic Disease self management 
  • Quality use of medicines
  • Health Service and Health program Evaluation
  • Domestic Violence (in Aboriginal Communities)
  •  Mental Health Planning
  •  Education program evaluation
  •  Collaborative models of service delivery, including academic models
  •  Innovative use of IT/IM in service delivery and teaching
  •  Falls prevention

The Joint Management Committee ...

The operations of the SGRHS are governed by a Joint Management Committee (JMC) which has equal representation from the University of Adelaide and the University of South Australia. The Committee members are:

  • Executive Dean, Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Adelaide; Professor Justin Beilby
  • Pro Vice Chancellor, Division of Health Sciences, University of South Australia; Professor Robyn McDermott
  • A senior academic of the University of Adelaide; Professor Konrad Jamrozic
  • A senior academic of the University of South Australia; Professor Neil Ottway

Also attending all JMC meetings are:
  • Head of SGRHS, Professor Jonathan Newbury

Governance...

The function of the JMC is to:

  • make recommendations to the Governing Bodies of the respective Universities on the best means of maintaining and operating the SGRHS
  • work to foster relationships between the SGRHS and other persons to further the objectives of the SGRHS
  • manage the activities of the SGRHS and the overall approach of the respective Universities as to the purposes and objectives of the SGRHS
  • manage the overall operation of the School within the terms of the respective Commonwealth Agreements of the UDRH, RUSC, PHC-RED and RCS contracts
  • oversee the financial operations of the School, including its properly audited accounts and budgets and the collection of funding from government and industry sources
  • prepare and approve Annual Budgets and Annual Reports to be submitted to the Governing Bodies of the respective Universities and the Commonwealth

 

SGRHS Brochures

To find print out information on SGRHS, please click on the following links:

 

Contact details ...

Spencer Gulf Rural Health School (SGRHS)
University of South Australia
Whyalla Campus
Nicolson Avenue, Whyalla Norrie, South Australia, 5608
Ph: 08 8647 6036
Fax: 08 8647 6164
Email: sgrhs@unisa.edu.au
Web: http://sgrhs.unisa.edu.au