Rural proofing for health: a commentary

Helen Swindlehurst

qualifications: BA(Hons)

contribution: wrote the first draft

position: Rural Proofing Officer

I have just commeced in post as a Commissioner for End of Life Care working across the NHS for Shropshire County and Telford & Wrekin Primary Care Trusts in England. My role is to commission appropriate services according to local need. This ensures that there is equity of access to high quality appropriate care and support for both patients and carers.

Jennifer Deaville

qualifications: PhD

contribution: contributed to drafts

position: Research Manager

United Kingdom

Jenny has a PhD in rural Geography (1998, Coventry University) and a Post-graduate diploma in Public Health and Epidemiology (1998, University of Birmingham). Prior to her current post as Research Manager for the Institute of Rural Health (IRH), she was Epidemiologist at Worcestershire Health Authority (1997-1998). She now has responsibility for the research function at IRH and has managed projects worth in excess of £330k over 5 years (funders have included the HSE, Welsh Assembly Government and Community Fund).

Dr John Wynn-Jones

qualifications: MBBS, FRCGP

contribution: contributed to drafts

position: Honorary Academic Director

United Kingdom

Chair RuralWonca Senior Lecturer in Global and Rural Health, Keele University, UK

Kate Mitchinson

qualifications: Post Grad Diploma

contribution: contributed to drafts

position: Policy Manager

Hello, I am the Co-ordinator of the Rural Health Forum (uk). The Forum provides a national point of contact for all involved in the health and well being of rural communities. The Forum has a web site and messaging facility www.ruralhealthforum.org.uk. The Rural Health Forum's remit is to influence policy and practice locally and nationally.