Laughter as therapy and the future of bio-banking are some of the hot topics to be discussed at next week’s Rural Health and Research Congress.

Health professionals from across the state will gather in Lismore for the annual event, now in its eighth year.

The Congress has become a peak event on the health calendar attracting leading keynote speakers, academics, clinicians, researchers and health leaders for three days of thought-provoking discussion, insights and networking opportunities.

Included in the innovative program are presentations on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, laughter as therapy, the power of conversation, the future of bio-banking and more. 

This year’s theme, “Connecting Communities” will be explored by a line-up of speakers including local humour therapist Mandy Nolan. 

The Congress supports continual improvement in health service delivery for rural patients, by providing a forum to present, workshop and network the latest research and trends in rural health and evidence to support best practice.

The Congress is organised by the Health Education and Training Institute (HETI), with support this year from local host the Northern NSW Local Health District.

Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) chief executive, Adjunct Professor, Annette Solman, said in order to maintain and strengthen a world-class rural health system, “we need to further understand the challenges health care professionals face”.

“We need to have those conversations about how we can continue to build upon the good work that is occurring to improve health outcomes and celebrate what is working well in rural communities,” she said.

“The annual Rural Health and Research Congress provides a unique and crucial opportunity to explore the health requirements of people in rural and remote areas.  

“I encourage all health staff and professionals to join us in this discussion.

For information about the Congress, visit http://www.nswrhrc.com.au

Other speakers at the Congress include:

Danielle Dries, Indigenous Allied Health Australia Board Director and GP Registrar with the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine.

Alistair Ferguson: Director and Founder, Maranguka Community Hub

Professor Nick Goodwin, Director, Central Coast Research Institute (CCRI)

Professor Kathy Eagar, Director, Australian Health Services Research Institute (AHSRI)

Associate Professor Murray Killingsworth, Founding Director, NSW Brain Clot Bank, Principal Hospital Scientist, South Western Sydney Pathology Service 

Nic Marchesi and Lucas Patchett, Orange Sky 

Luke Escombe, Consumer and Creator 

About Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) 

The Health Education and Training Institute (HETI) supports the NSW Health system through the delivery of innovative education and training for the NSW Health workforce.

Working closely with Local Health Districts (LHDs), Specialty Health Networks (SHNs) and other health organisations, HETI identifies needs, develop and delivers health education and training to build workforce capability and improve health outcomes for patients.