Information about the Project

RANZCP - NSW Branch Rural Psychiatry Project

The NSW Rural Psychiatry Project is a partnership between the RANZCP NSW Branch and NSW Health and commenced in 2002, to provide support for rural psychiatry.

The Project is overseen by a Steering Committee including representatives from RANZCP Branch, NSW Health, NSW Country Psychiatrists Association, and Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (University of Newcastle) and both rural resident and outreach psychiatrists.

Phase I of the project was established in 2002 and concluded in early 2008. Phase II will run between July 2009 – July 2012 will build on the many achievements of Phase I and places increased emphasis on four key initiatives, including: -

• Peer Support and Continuing Professional Development
  Increasing psychiatrist influence with rural Area Health Services through the continuation of Area Psychiatrists Council Meetings. A ‘Rural Psychiatry Professional Development Training Calendar’ will also be developed which will include discussion forums for rural-based trainees and support workshops for the International Medical Graduate. Clinical Leadership Forums targeting psychiatrists working in rural NSW in leadership roles will also be developed.
• Clinical Leadership Mentoring Program
  The aim of this program is to provide mentoring for clinicians in leadership and management positions across rural NSW, specifically Clinical Directors and Medical Superintendents.
• Continuation of the Rural Psychiatry Recruitment Service
  During Phase II the recruitment service will aim to further build communication and opportunities with Area Health Services and private service providers in order to assist recruitment and retention of psychiatrists by facilitating contact between Principals and recruits.
• Further development of the NSW Rural Psychiatry Project website
  The website will be further developed to provide a more interactive resource for rural psychiatrists. The website will; provide information regarding professional development opportunities through a calendar of events, provide links to other learning opportunities, provide an on-line chat forum, blogging and photo galleries.

For Further information please contact:

Mr Nik Todorovski , Project Officer
RANZCP, NSW Branch Rural Psychiatry Project
The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
P O Box 280, Rozelle, NSW 2039
Telephone: + 61 2 9352 3600
Fax: + 61 2 9810 5073
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