Media release from Tairawhiti DHB
 
Two new staff have been appointed in Gisborne by the University of Otago to lead and administer an exciting new programme for senior health professional students.

The three year Tairawhiti Interprofessional Education programme brings undergraduate students from different health disciplines together to learn and gain clinical experience in rural New Zealand. The programme is a partnership between the University of Otago, Tairawhiti District Health and EIT.

Dr. Patrick McHugh, a doctor with well-established and respected community and professional links, has been appointed to the position of Programme Leader.  Ms Elizabeth Rose Parsons has been appointed to the position of Programme Administrator. Both are locals with valuable combined knowledge and skills that will benefit the Tairawhiti Interprofessional Education programme.

Dr McHugh, who has been involved with GP liaison training for many years, said not only will students gain valuable clinical experience and have excellent opportunities to work in Maori communities and with Maori health providers, they will also have an unparalleled opportunity to engage in a comprehensive interprofessional education programme. "Research shows students who train in rural areas are more likely to return to work in similar areas," he added. 

Tairawhiti District Health Chief Executive Jim Green said planning was well underway for the establishment of a Health Learning Centre on Gisborne Hospital's Ormond Rd campus. "The proposal is for a fully self-contained conference facility, one that can host the 168 medical, dental, nursing, physiotherapy and pharmacy students expected over the next three years, as part of the programme with Otago University."

Mr Green said the announcement of a grant of $150,000 from Eastland Community Trust was a boost for the project. TDH also plans to make the facility available to community groups and other health providers. Along with a learning focus, the concept is to create a centre of health care improvement for the entire district. 

"The Tairawhiti Health Learning Centre is to be a venue for learning and debate that will advance health care outcomes and secure the future of our local health workforce." 

The Interprofessional Education Programme is a collaborative project, with Health Workforce NZ funding several training partners - the University of Otago and Eastern Institute of Technology in Tairawhiti; and the University of Auckland and Auckland University of Technology in Whakatane.