It’s been Groundhog Day for rural health experts this week, as a national forum threw up the same old problems plaguing the sector.

Rural health leaders came together in Wellington, and agreed a lack of funding is the biggest concern for a sector facing rising costs and less income.

Forum chair Dr Carol Horgan, from Dunstan Hospital in Central Otago, says rural health providers are looking to share more information to help each other through.

“What works in one place might not always work in another. You might hear about a great idea that works in the Bay of Plenty but say ‘Oh, I don’t think that would work in Central Otago’.

"But on the other hand, you can say ‘That’s great, you’ve done the hard work, I don’t need to reinvent the wheel, let’s get together and talk about it.'"

Dr Horgan says it's important to encourage medical graduates to take on rural posts.

"Most medical schools send students out on rotations to various hospitals, and some immerse them into the rural reality.

"That’s encouraging young people who have come from a rural background or may have an interest in a rural practice to develop their skills and face challenges they will have to live with, in the rural environment.”