The University of New England (UNE) clinic opened in March in response to a shortage of clinical placements for nursing students, particularly in rural areas, with a $1.6 million grant from Health Workforce Australia.

It began operating each Monday but now also opens some Tuesdays, with plans to expand it to four days a week by the end of the year.

The clinic sees up to 30 people each day who are treated by second- and third-year nursing students from UNE.

Cynthia Stuhlmiller, who established the clinic, said students were “a great equaliser” and had more time to devote to individual patients.

Members of the public can attend the clinic to undergo health assessments and get information about their health.

There are also less traditional health services on offer, including laughing yoga and tai chi.

To date sudents have led and participated in such initiatives as a rewrite of Hunter New England Health’s stroke book, a birth certificate registration day and Homeless Connect Day, and are organising a women’s health day.

Professor Stuhlmiller said once high-speed internet was installed, the clinic would conduct telehealth consultations with specialists, for which the students would do the pre-work and follow-up.

The installation of the internet service will be part of $500,000 worth of renovations and upgrades to the centre over the next six months.

This work will bring it up to the accreditation standards of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners, which will allow health practitioners to work from there.

Professor Stuhlmiller said the goal was to have a student-run, community-governed centre that integrated all the services in the building.

Other agencies involved include Hunter New England Health, NSW Justice Health, New England Medicare Local, Walhallow Aboriginal Health, Tamworth Family Support Services and Family and Community Services.