Country Medical Foundation Scholarships support rural health services

4/9/01
A total of 35 nursing and medical students have been awarded Country Medical Foundation scholarships as part of an investment in the future of rural and remote health services.
Health Minister Bob Kucera last night presented 25 scholarships for rural nursing, which were jointly funded by the Department of Health and the Country Medical Foundation (CMF).
The remaining 10 were made up of five medical scholarships and five post-graduate nursing scholarships.
Mr Kucera said the scholarships, worth up to $2,500 each, helped to ensure that people with an appreciation for the country gained expertise in their chosen fields.
"This year was the most competitive yet for scholarship applications, which is a testament to the calibre of this year's recipients," he said.
"The number of applicants this year could also be a reflection of growing interest in the nursing profession in Western Australia.
"It is no exaggeration to say that these scholarships are investments in the health services in rural and remote areas, representing a wealth of knowledge and talent that will be retained by rural communities."
Mr Kucera said this was the first year where the success of the scholarship program could begin to be measured, as nurses who first received scholarships were beginning to come out of the education system.
It was hoped a boost to the attraction and retention of nurses in rural areas would result.
Mr Kucera commended all this year's scholarship recipients for their commitment to the people of rural and remote WA.
Media contact: Fran Robb 9213 7000