Library
The IRH library has been established as a resource for rural health professionals and their colleagues in the social care and voluntary sectors. It is supported by the Postgraduate Deanery in Cardiff University.
The IRH continues to work with partner organisations, Powys Teaching Local Health Board and Cardiff University, to develop a range of library services to assist rural practitioners. These services are designed to meet the needs of both rural practitioners, and the communities they serve, with high-quality, easy-to-access, health care information. The library facility at the IRH has recently been upgraded and offers easy access to the IRH catalogue and a "hot desking" facility for visitors to use.
The IRH also produces a weekly Newsflash which sends out vital information to all those involved in rural health and wellbeing and contains news items on a wide range of issues that can impact on rural health and wellbeing.
Reference Library
The IRH currently provides a Reference Library, containing literature on rural health and associated issues. The literature reviews undertaken as part of research and educational projects have resulted in an accumulation of literature on a wide range of specialist subjects at the Institute. There is also a broad base of general information about rural health and wellbeing.
If you are undertaking research or need information about a specific rural health issue, please contact Dr Jenny Deaville or Jane Parry, Librarian for the IRH and Powys LHB, for guidance on accessing appropriate information sources.
Jane Parry
LibrarianA Virtual Library for Rural Health & Well-being
To overcome the traditional barriers associated with rural practice, namely the geographic distance from urban centres of healthcare excellence and their associated Library facilities, the IRH is focusing on the provision of library services using the Internet. The cornerstone of this development is the Virtual Library for Rural Health & Well-being, which is in development.
NHS Electronic library
The NHS has established an electronic National Library for Health which is a modern, integrated, hybrid service that comprises NHS funded services across the country plus commissioned information services and products.
In Scotland the NHS hosts an e-library which contains a specialist library on rural and remote healthcare.
For more information on the development of library services, please contact Jane Parry, the Librarian for the IRH and Powys Local Health Board