The "changing face of rural health" will be the theme of speeches and workshops when Queenstown hosts hundreds of health professionals next month.
Early-bird registrations closed on Friday for the latest New Zealand Rural General Practice Network conference, which returns to the South Island in the Millennium and Copthorne hotels from March 8 to 11.
The conference's theme was designed to cover innovations, developments, research, technology and trends in the sector, organisers said. The programme would include general topics such as the rural ranking score, rural broadband initiative, the integrated family health centre and the team approach to rural health, along with a host of accredited medical and clinical sessions, workshops and keynote sessions.
The conference would also host the gala launch of a Pat Farry Rural Health Education Trust fundraiser. A wine and art auction would be held in aid of the charity, which continues the work of the late Queenstown GP, on March 10.
A 5km and 10km fun run were planned. Registration will be by gift, with proceeds going to the Queenstown-based trust.
The conference will feature a Friday night get-together for delegates, a function for rural hospital doctors, the network's annual meeting, a political session featuring the Health Minister, in addition to a Sunday members-only breakfast forum.
Prof Paul Worley, of the Australian Rural Immersion Programme, along with Associate Minister of Health Jo Goodhew, Kerry Bolton-Oetzel and John Oetzel with their suggestions for health-care workers to engage communities, BNZ Otago managing partner Clark Taylor, of Dunedin, plus Barbara Docherty, Leanne Te Kahu, Dr John McMenamin and Dr Alan Doris, were among the confirmed speakers.
The conference committee organised a children's programme in association with the New Zealand Institute of Rural Health.
Activities from luging to gold panning, picnicking and cruising on TSS Earnslaw were planned.
