Health New Zealand is helping grow and sustain Canterbury’s rural health workforce through rural-focused education, training and research at the Rural Health Academic Centre Ashburton (RHACA).
Based at Ashburton Hospital, one of New Zealand’s largest secondary rural hospitals, RHACA is a collaboration between Health New Zealand, the University of Otago, the Mackenzie Charitable Foundation and the Advance Ashburton Community Foundation.
Bernice Marra, Health NZ General Manager of Rural Services for Canterbury says training in rural settings is crucial to strengthening the rural workforce.
“Initiatives like RHACA give them a real understanding of rural healthcare and help them build the expertise and connections that encourage them to return,” she says.
One of RHACA’s flagship education offerings is the University of Otago’s Rural Medical Immersion Programme (RMIP). This places fifth-year medical students in rural communities for a full academic year to learn alongside experienced clinicians across hospitals, general practices and community settings.
University of Otago research has found graduates of the programme are six times more likely than their peers to go on to work as rural doctors.
"We want people living in rural areas to enjoy long, healthy lives, supported by a health system that understands and responds to their unique needs,” says Bernice.
"We know that growing a sustainable rural workforce is essential if we are to provide consistent, high-quality care closer to home for rural communities. That’s why initiatives like RHACA are important not only for Ashburton, but also for strengthening rural healthcare across the country.”
Around 20 per cent of New Zealanders live in rural communities, where accessing healthcare can be more challenging.
Hannah Wilkinson completed the Rural Medical Immersion Programme in Ashburton and has since returned to Ashburton Hospital as a House Officer.
"In a smaller hospital, you get to know the people you work with really well, and there are often more opportunities to get involved and learn practically,” Hannah says.
“We’re learning to be adaptable, work closely with other health professionals and often manage a broad range of health issues.”
Since it began in Ashburton in 2020, 25 students have completed the programme, with several already returning to Mid Canterbury as house officers, like Hannah, as well as rural hospital medicine training registrars.
With student numbers approaching 100 each year across a range of University of Otago programmes delivered both in person and online, RHACA continues to play an important role in developing the skilled workforce needed to support rural communities throughout New Zealand.
Photo: RHACA Clinical Director and Health NZ Rural Medical Specialist Dr Chris Hill (left) with former RHACA students, Ashburton Hospital house officer Hannah Wilkinson and rural registrar Sam Tait, alongside Karly Burrowes, Nursing Lecturer, and Dr Janine Lander, RMIP Director and Ashburton Programme Coordinator.