THE FEASIBILITY OF ESTABLISHING AN AUSTRALIAN COLLEGE OF RURAL AND REMOTE HEALTH

ABSTRACT: The establishment of an Australian College of Rural and Remote Health was recommended at the Third National Rural Health Conference and subsequently endorsed by the National Rural Health Alliance. This paper outlines the progress of a feasibility study, conducted by the National Association of Rural Health Training Units, to determine the prospective role and level of support for the establishment of such a college among health professional groups in Australia. The findings of two national workshops indicated strong support for 'an organizational structure' to facilitate the development of national standards for rural and remote health education and training. While the exact nature of an organizational structure is yet to be determined, it was clear from the workshops that the formation of a college is not feasible at this time. The paper recommends an alternative collaborative forum: an Australian Consortium of Rural and Remote Health.