Friday, October 23, 2015

2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

L2

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Details

This session will outline the development and successful transformation of a rural hospital by the addition of complex new niche services. The argument developed is that rural facilities because of their generalist skills and adaptability can transform themselves to provide niche services which are of value to the community and to the greater health service. “Generalism” allows rapid adaptation of new procedures, technologies and services. By using this quality of “generalism” - rural facilities can maintain an evolutionary advantage over more specialised health delivery models and provide relevant, cost effective, patient and community centric care. The specific examples described are the introduction of a high functioning rehabilitation unit, a movement disorder clinic and telehealth driven Hospital in the Home. The underlying theme is that rural facilities are well placed to develop innovated and specialised services to serve their community and embed themselves into the needs of the greater health service allowing the continuation of high quality medical service to rural areas. Presenter : Dr Theodore Chamberlain, Senior Medical Superintendent of the Maleny Soldiers Memorial Hospital