November 7, 2014
Agreement expands medical research and teaching in regional centre
UOW's Graduate School of Medicine has entered into an agreement with Grand Pacific Health (GPH) which will provide exciting opportunities for both students and local health professionals as part of the new health precinct in Nowra.
First year UOW medical student Francesca Dudas (front left) will be one of the students to benefit from the agreement.
The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed between the two organisations will include the provision of medical education, interdisciplinary training, placement and mentoring for students within the Grand Pacific Health Centre – Nowra. In turn, there will also be enhanced support for GPs and other local health professionals.
“We are delighted to enter into this MOU and formalise arrangements with UOW which will enable us to explore new models of training, education and support,” said the Chief Executive Officer of Grand Pacific Health, Ms Dianne Kitcher.
From left: Dr Vicki Mc Cartney, Dr Tony Fitzpatrick, Ms Dianne Kitcher, CEO of Grand Pacific Health and Professor Andrew Bonney.
“In fact, the partnership will provide GPs and medical staff located at the new Centre with an integrated and collaborative approach to training, continuing professional development, peer networking and educational support.
“Local health professionals will also benefit by having access to continuing professional development and other training initiatives offered by the School of Medicine,” she added.
UOW’s Dean of Medicine, Professor Ian Wilson, said the MOU would also extend to research collaborations between the University and the health staff across the region.
“By strengthening our cooperation, we can enhance research collaborations in general practice, primary health care, education and training, or other research activities,” Professor Wilson said.
“Whether it’s at a regional, rural, national or global level, we equip our students to graduate as practitioners and health professionals ready to navigate society’s healthcare challenges now and into the future. We believe that our agreement with Grand Pacific Health can only help strengthen our mission,” he said.
Construction of the GPH Centre - Nowra, located between the Shoalhaven District Memorial Hospital and the Cancer Care Centre, is well under way. It will be completed in the first half of 2015.
Inspiration for the building design was found within the artworks of Arthur Boyd that captured the natural environment of the Shoalhaven. The Centre has been designed with the intention of becoming the first green four-star health building in NSW and the first green four-star building in the Shoalhaven.