Over three weeks in December, first-year nursing students conducted over a thousand health screenings in rural Kyabram, offering vital healthcare services to locals facing significant healthcare barriers.
The Healthy Ky project, a collaboration between La Trobe Rural Health School, Kyabram Community Learning Centre and Kyabram District Health Service, has had a profound impact on the Kyabram region and surrounding towns such as Lockington, Rushworth, Rochester, Tongala, and Stanhope.
In rural areas, where it can take up to two to three weeks to get a doctor’s appointment, residents have been particularly appreciative of the opportunity to have their blood pressure and blood glucose levels checked by the students. One local said, “Getting a doctor’s appointment is like winning the lottery.” On the days the students visited, many locals who would typically wait for a doctor’s appointment turned to the students instead for immediate and accessible care.
The program has also provided students with the chance to engage with a diverse range of community members, people dealing with mental health struggles, homelessness, and complex health conditions. After being advised by a student to visit their GP, one participant with high blood pressure returned the following week to share the positive news that they had seen their doctor and were now receiving treatment for the condition. This type of real-world experience has been invaluable in helping students refine their clinical skills and apply their learning to real health challenges.
The students’ confidence has grown significantly through the hands-on experience of conducting screenings, where they were able to practice and develop their skills while interacting with real people. Many students have expressed how this practical experience has been critical in building their clinical competence and understanding the broader impact of healthcare in rural communities.
Students like Hollie and Vanessa shared their reflections on the experience. Hollie remarked, “At first, I thought rural healthcare was just about overcoming access issues, but it’s so much more — it’s about understanding the unique challenges of small-town life and being able to support people in a way that’s both personal and impactful.”
Vanessa echoed this sentiment, “Being here has completely shifted my perspective. I’ve come to realise how vital outreach efforts like this are for connecting with people who might otherwise not seek help. It’s been an incredible learning experience.”
In addition to their personal growth, the students have also fostered meaningful connections with the local community, which has been crucial in shaping the project’s overall success. Locals have expressed their hope that the students will return in the future, strengthening the ongoing relationship between the community and La Trobe Rural Health School.
Dr Brad Hodge, Project Lead and Coordinator of the Rural Health Innovation Lab commented on the rapid development of the students, explaining, “The students have really grown even in the first few days, so much so that we had to work as a team to decide what other skills we could develop.” This reflects the program’s adaptability and success in meeting the needs of the students and the community.
The Healthy Ky initiative is not just about improving healthcare access; it represents a model for rural health improvement, where screenings, health promotion, and education help bridge healthcare gaps and promote well-being. By providing these services, the students directly contribute to reducing health disparities in rural areas while gaining invaluable experience that will shape their future careers.
Jen Savage, CEO of the Kyabram Community Learning Centre, highlighted the lasting impact of the program, saying, “By having students immerse themselves in Kyabram, they’re not just learning, they’re actively helping to address some of our local health issues, providing practical support to residents, and promoting healthier lifestyles.”
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