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Canadian Journal of Rural Medicine
CJRM Summer 2001 / été 2001

Allan Rock visits rural Canada

CJRM 2001;6(3):216.


Rural Canada got a visit from the Federal Minister of Health, Allan Rock, in early May. Rock travelled to Shawville, Que., pop. 1500, to announce federal funding for 3 rural health projects.

The first project, inspired by Dr. Keith MacLellan of Shawville, is the CME/locum project which is, as far as is known, unique in the world. Funding is now available for a pilot project to have rural doctors travel to other rural communities, give Rural Critical Care courses and then stay on and do locums for 1–4 weeks. "It will apply Canada-wide" says Rock. "We'll see what lessons are learned and whether they can be applied elsewhere." (See the enclosed brochure for more details.)

The second project is a rural teleradiology network pilot study to link rural areas, and the third project is the creation and distribution of the Hepatitis C CD-ROM, which was sent out to all rural doctors with the Spring issue of CJRM. Says Rock, "These are practical ways that we can try to bring life to, and make true, the Canada Health Act, to make health care accessible to all Canadians."

While in Shawville, Rock also said goodbye to his first Executive Director of Rural Health, Dr. John Wootton, who is stepping down from the Office of Rural Health, after 21/2 years at the helm, to resume his practice in Shawville and his editorship of CJRM. "He has provided enormous leadership," says Rock, "in creating, starting and taking shape this Office of Rural Health, and we want to express great appreciation from our government and our Prime Minister for everything he has done."

Wootton is acting as a consultant to the Office of Rural Health until his replacement is found.

© 2001 Society of Rural Physicians of Canada