Remote and Rural Advisory Group Update January 2025
Practising medicine in rural and remote areas is challenging. When compared with their urban counterparts, doctors practising in these locations may be described as “extended generalists”. They provide a wider range of clinical service, sustain a workload and carry a high level of clinical responsibility, in relative professional isolation.
In 2017, the College’s Remote and Rural Reference Group was established. The purpose of the group was develop a remote and rural programme of work seeking to recognise the breadth of issues in remote and rural practice and address resilience, identity, standards and sustainability. Part of the group’s remit was to support the personal and professional resilience of remote and rural physicians by developing a meaningful network where knowledge and skills could be shared. During Covid-19 pandemic the work of Rural Advisory Group was put on hold. In September 2023, the RCPE renewed its commitment to this initiative by establishing a new Remote and Rural Advisory Group. This group comprises the RCPE Remote and Rural Adviser (Chair) and other College Fellows and Members dedicated to supporting the needs of those in rural medicine.
The current Chair and RCPE Remote and Rural Adviser is Dr Pauline Wilson, Consultant Physician at NHS Shetland. The current working group includes members from various specialties and regions, reflecting a broad spectrum of expertise and experience in remote and rural healthcare.
The group's aims are to ensure that the health care needs of remote and rural communities are met effectively. The key aspects of the groups focus are:
- Advocacy: Acting as a representative body for remote and rural physicians, the group advocates for policies and resources that address their unique needs.
- Training and Education: Ensuring that medical education and training programs include specific components and opportunities relevant to remote and rural medicine. This includes influencing curriculum development and promoting placements in these areas.
- Support and Resilience: Creating networks to support the professional and personal resilience of healthcare workers in rural settings, fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing.
- Research and Policy Influence: Promoting research into rural health challenges and influencing health policy to reflect the realities of practicing in remote and rural areas.
- Improved Healthcare Delivery: Working to enhance the accessibility, quality, and sustainability of healthcare services in remote, rural and island communities.
The group's work will remain crucial for ensuring equitable healthcare access and improving outcomes in remote, rural, costal and island communities.
If you work in a remote or rural setting and would like to find out more or become involved, please contact pauline.wilson2@nhs.scot.