Better health the aim of high level partnership

Southern Cross University, the North Coast Area Health Service and TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute will sign a Memorandum of Understanding aimed at improving the health and well-being of people throughout the North Coast, on Thursday, September 29.

Professor Jenny Graham, SCU's Executive Dean, Faculty of Health and Applied Sciences, said the MOU emphasised collaboration between the three organisations.

"Articulation of education programs, joint use of resources in teaching and research, professional development initiatives, industry development projects and commercial ventures are all captured by the MOU," Professor Graham said.

The Preferred Partner Relationship recognises the expertise and resources of each of the parties, highlights the value of sharing the resources available within each organisation and identifies opportunities for greater collaboration.

North Coast Area Health Service Chief Executive Mr Chris Crawford said the relationship would help strengthen the theoretical underpinning of clinical service delivery.

"This relationship will provide increased opportunities for joint clinical appointments and education support," Mr Crawford said.

The partnership between the three organisations will also play a key role in regional development, according to Mr Neil Black, Director of TAFE NSW-North Coast Institute. "Partnerships between TAFE NSW and other organisations are a major component of our strategic plan for growing educational and vocational opportunities for the North Coast community."

Mr Black said the agreement would lead to enhancements in educational pathways for students in the health field as well as increased opportunities for work placements and joint research projects.

"We have developed strong ties with the North Coast Area Health Service and the North Coast Institute and look forward to increased opportunities to share our resources. This relationship formalises our commitment to improving health outcomes for residents from Port Macquarie north to the Queensland border," Professor Graham said.

Professor Graham said the MOU did not exclude relationships already existing between any of the parties and other education or health providers.

Interviews and photo opportunity at PARTNERSHIP SIGNING CEREMONY
5 PM 29 SEPTEMBER Invercauld House, Lismore.

Media enquiries Helen Hughes Director Marketing & Media SCU 0418 431 484;
Robin Osborne Community Relations and Media Manager NCAHS 0413 028 683;
Neil Brown Manager Media & Public Relations TAFE NSW – North Coast Institute
0438 624 804.