Centre for Rural Emergency Medicine

At the Centre for Rural Emergency Medicine, we research the differences between clinical outcomes in rural and metropolitan areas.

Small rural emergency departments are often considered to be merely scaled-down versions of their large urban counterparts, yet they face distinct clinical and organisational challenges. In Australia, small rural hospitals play a significant role in handling emergency presentations each year. Evidence-based care in these facilities is often hindered by a lack of research tailored to their unique circumstances.

Since 2008, our researchers have explored the unique challenges these emergency departments face and contributed research, resources and training to provide much needed support.

We are focused on both training and research to support the provision of emergency medicine services in rural hospitals across the following areas:

We bring together renowned researchers who are passionate about enhancing care delivery in small rural emergency departments in Australia.

Clinical Associate Professor Tim Baker is the director of the Centre for Rural Emergency Medicine and an emergency physician with an extensive research career exploring emergency department presentations in rural communities.

Our research projects address key issues impacting regional and rural emergency medicine, working toward more equitable health outcomes for all communities.

The Centre for Rural Medicine is the result of a partnership between the Victorian Government, Portland District Health, South West Healthcare (Warrnambool), Alcoa of Australia and Deakin’s School of Medicine. Financial support was gratefully received from Alcoa, the Victorian Government and both health services.