State of health in the west

Monday 10 October 2005

The University of Newcastle's Centre for Rural and Remote Mental Health (CRRMH) will launch a survey to gain a better understanding of the health needs of people living in rural and remote NSW.

Director of the Centre Professor Brian Kelly says, "The current drought has pushed the need for a greater understanding of how aspects of rural community life can play a part in influencing the wellbeing of its people."

The Centre will contact selected residents of Yass, Urana, Bombala and Bourke Shires to find out about their physical and mental health needs.

"We will be asking how people feel about their community and how they have been affected by some of the pressures facing rural areas."

"Such studies enable us to learn more from rural people about what they need, what people find is working well in their districts, including the health services they use," says Professor Kelly.

500 residents from each shire, who are 18 years or older, will be invited to complete a short survey. Eligible residents, randomly selected from the Australian Electoral Roll, will be mailed the survey this month. All answers will be strictly confidential and no persons will be identified when reporting the findings.

The CRRMH located at Orange, is a major rural initiative of the Faculty of Health at the University of Newcastle and NSW Health.

Media contact: Professor Brian Kelly on (02) 6360 7991 or email brian.kelly@gwahs.health.nsw.gov.au