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MEMBERS UPDATE JUNE 2023
International Nurses Day
On Friday 12 May on behalf of the Pilbara Health Professionals Network, Program Officer Alisha visited the nurses from the emergency department and inpatient units at Karratha Health Campus with some morning tea hampers to show our appreciation and thank all our amazing nurses working tirelessly to keep our communities well and safe.
PHPN Early Career Health Summit | Mackerel Islands
Over four days, 24 early career health professionals networked and upskilled while also exploring one of our hidden treasures off the Pilbara coast - Thevernard Island. Their days were a mix of educational components and relaxation. They enjoyed swimming and fishing whilst learning how to deal with emergency situations in unfamiliar contexts and also provide an opportunity to socialise and connect with peers living and working in the Pilbara. At night they were able to socialise with dinner under the stars with fellow participants.
A big thank you to our facilitators Millie Caddy, mental health clinician from Connect Paediatric Therapy Services; Alyce Hoksins, physiotherapist from Pilbara Therpary Services; Cherelle Fitzclarence and Graeme Fitzclarence, doctors from WA Country Health Service - Karratha for your support and expertise to make the health summit a huge success.
Thank you to our Pilbara Health Professional Network partners for helping our early career healthcare heros of the future have access to this unique island experience.
Spirometry workshop | Karratha
On Saturday 27 May 2023 health professionals from across the Pilbara attended the Spirometry practical workshop at Karratha Health Campus. Participants completed their practical skills assessment which included spirometer machine training, scripts for operators, patient testing and more.
A big thank you to senior respiratory scientists Sharon and Chris for delivering the Spirometry Workshop. The competency-based spirometry training is coordinated by Cystic Fibrosis WA and would not be possible without the generous sponsorship and support from the Pilbara Health Professionals Network and funding from Connellan Airways Trust and Mediplast Australia Pty Ltd.
Mental Health Education Event | 14 June 2023 | Karratha
The Pilbara Health Professionals Network would like to invite you to our Karratha Mental health education event presented by Dr Temi Metseagharun (MBBS, MRCPsych/CCT, MA (Philosophy), FRANZCP) and Charity Chihi (Registered Nurse and Psychotherapist).
Presentation topics:
- The range of psychiatric diagnoses in a rural and remote area
- Understanding suicide
Venue: Karratha International Hotel, Cnr Hillview and Millstream Rd Karratha.
Schedule:
5.30pm-6.15pm Registration and networking drinks
6.15pm-6.30pm Food served (light dinner provided)
6.30pm-7.30pm Presentation and Q&A
Click on the above image to register.
Women and Maternal Health Education Event | 22 June 2023 | Newman
The Pilbara Health Professionals Network would like to invite you to our Newman Women’s Health education and networking event presented by Dr Susan Downes (Rural generalist-procedural Obstetrician).
Presentation topic: Caring for women in the East Pilbara.
Dr Susan Downes will share her experiences of working with women in the Pilbara for the past 25 years and suggest ways to navigate the current referral systems and resources for women.
Venue: Mia Mia House in the Desert, 32 Kalgan Drive, Newman.
Schedule:
5.30pm-6.15pm Registration and networking drinks
6.15pm-6.30pm Food served (light dinner provided)
6.30pm-7.30pm Presentation and Q&A
Click on the above image to register.
Decolonising mental health when working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families | 6 June 2023, 5.15pm | Webinar
Panellists will discuss
- The meaning of decolonising mental health for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families.
- Strategies and resources that support the cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families at an individual, family, and community level.
Palliative care - A public health approach with Dr Julian Abel | 7 June 2023, 3.00pm | Webinar
Public health palliative care focuses on the positive aspects of illness, not just for the patient but also for the caring network, for communities and for civic society. Health promotion is, therefore, possible even in the context of death, dying, loss and care giving. Physical health is only one aspect of health.
To hear Dr Abel speak about public health palliative care, register HERE.
SHAPE Session two: The role of General Practice in supporting people with weight concerns | 14 June 2023, 6.30pm-7.30pm | Webinar
Following the launch of WA Primary Health Alliance’s SHAPE (Supporting Holistic And Person centred weight Education) website and Conversations About Weight online training, WA Primary Health Alliance is pleased to present a six part masterclass webinar series on supporting patients with weight concerns to improve their health and wellbeing.
The second session will provide attendees with an understanding of:
- The role of general practice in supporting patients with weight concerns.
- How GPs, practice nurses (and other healthcare professionals) can overcome the risk of providing unsolicited advice when initiating conversations about weight.
- How to incorporate a behaviour change and motivational approach to chronic disease care planning
These sessions are open to all healthcare professionals, including GPs, practice nurses, allied health practitioners, and hospital based medical practitioners. Registration and details here.
Cardiothoracic Surgery | 15 June 2023, 12.30pm-1.30pm | Webinar
Rural Health West in conjunction with Heart Foundation, WA Rheumatic Heart Disease Register and the Australian Cardiovascular Health and Rehabilitation Association invite you to this interactive webinar to assist health professionals working in rural areas with Cardiothoracic Surgery.
Hosted by
Helen McLean – Senior Healthcare Programs Officer, Equity (WA)
Presented by
Nicole Skavik – Cardiac Rehabilitation CNS, Heart Health Support Service
Webinar overview
Cardiothoracic surgery
Management
Challenges
Solutions for those in rural and remote areas
Obstetric Emergencies | 16 June 2023 | Karratha
This workshop teaches participants how to effectively manage obstetric cases and emergencies and how to make appropriate decisions.
Eligibility: GP obstetricians, medical practitioners and midwives. Priority is given to those working in the local region.
Length: One day
Cost: $50.00
Accreditation:
This workshop has accreditation with The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and the Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM) for continuing professional development points/hours for the 2023-2025 triennium.
This Rural Health West education workshop is proudly funded by the Australian Government Department of Health
Click HERE for further information and to join the waitlist.
Practical Obstetric Multi-Professional Training (PROMPT) | 28 July 2023 | Hedland
The PROMPT program is delivered in Australia under license from the PROMPT Maternity Foundation UK PROMPT is an evidence-based, multi-professional obstetric training package for all clinicians required to respond to obstetric emergencies in maternity hospitals. The program aims to reduce preventable harm for mothers and their babies which is best achieved by training staff in their local, real-time working clinical environment.
The PROMPT training package improves teamwork and consists of interactive lectures, drills and workshops, providing hands-on experience of practical skills in simulated obstetric emergency situations. The key components of PROMPT training are that it is multi-professional and locally situated using the whole team in their usual response roles.
Eligibility: All Maternity Care practitioners working in a maternity hospital – Midwives, Obstetricians, GPAs, GPOs and those who are required to respond to maternity emergencies including ward nurses, after hours managers and theatre staff. Obstetric Emergency Training is required every three years for GP’s/Obstetricians and Midwifes.
Cost: No cost for WACHS staff
Expression of Interest: To register your expression of interest application, click here. EOI applications close on the 12th May 2023. Successful candidates will receive a course offer via email shortly after EOI applications close.
For further information, please email WACHS.PROMPT@health.wa.gov.au, telephone 6553 0856 or visit www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au.
Rural Emergency Advanced Clinical Training (REACT+) | 5-6 August 2023 | Karratha
The Rural Health West CPD REACT+ workshop is designed to assist Western Australian Visiting Medical Practitioners to maintain their emergency knowledge and skills, and gain formal assessment towards their emergency credentialing, as required by WA Country Health Service. Covering medical emergencies, major trauma and cardiac arrest in adults and children, and associated lifesaving procedural skills training, REACT+ is a highly interactive workshop. Participants are provided with audio-visual pre-learning materials and the course consists almost entirely of small group practical skills stations and simulated scenarios.
Eligibility: All medical practitioners are welcome to register, with priority given to currently practising rural and remote medical practitioners.
Length: Two days – 8.00am-5.00pm.
Cost: $2,500 (incl GST)
For further information and to register click here.
ARC Advanced Life Support | 16-17 August 2023 | Now in Karratha
An Australian Resuscitation Council (ARC) accredited course, this two day program aims to teach the theory and practical skills to effectively manage cardio/respiratory arrest, peri-arrest situations and special circumstances, and to prepare senior members of a multidisciplinary team to manage the patient until transfer to a critical care area if possible. The course focuses on achieving advanced resuscitation competencies and is also designed to develop leadership and team skills in managing such emergencies.
Course Content:
• Recognition, assessment and management of the deteriorating patient using a structured ABCDE approach
• Treat cardiac and/or respiratory arrest, including manual defibrillation
• Management of life-threatening arrhythmias
• Preparing and planning post resuscitation care
• Care for the deteriorating patient or patient in cardiac arrest in circumstances such as asthma, anaphylaxis, and pregnancy
• Lead a team, work as a team member, and use structured communication skills including giving an effective handover
• Candidates who successfully complete the program receive an ARC ALS2 Provider certificate, valid for 4 years.
Cost:
$300 for WACHS employees
$600 for other Health Service employees
$1500 for external candidates
Expressions of Interest: To register your expression of interest for this course, click here. For further information please email Simulation.WACHS@health.wa.gov.au, telephone 0499 943 381 or visit www.wacountry.health.wa.gov.au.
Emergency Airway Skills Management | 15 September 2023 | Hedland
This Rural Health West CPD workshop is designed to assist health professionals to develop and practise skills essential in unexpected crises, particularly with problem airways. Delivered in WA Country Health Service facilities, this workshop has a heavy emphasis on teamwork and the organisation of medical emergency teams incorporating presentations, skill stations and scenario-based crises with simulation manikins (SimMan and baby).
Eligibility: GP anaesthetists and theatre staff. Priority is given to those working in the local region. Should places be available, emergency department doctors and nurses are invited to register.
Length: One day – 8.00am-4.30pm
Cost: $50
For further information and to register click HERE.
Can you help by completing this short survey?
The Pilbara Health Professionals Network is seeking your feedback on the activities that the network has undertaken in the last year.
We would appreciate it if you could take a few minutes to complete this survey. The information you provide will assist us in the planning of future events and activities and assist us to improve the networks.
Should you have any questions, please email alisha.small@phpn.com.au
Sheree Ward
This month's PHPN member profile features Sheree Ward.
Sheree is a registered nurse with six years primarily in ICU. Originally from SA, Sheree moved to WA during the Covid-19 border closures but at that time wasn’t able to enter WA directly, so she went up to the NT and worked at Katherine Hospital for a few weeks. She then travelled across to WA and worked in Roebourne. Sheree enjoyed hearing the stories from the nurses that lived, worked and loved the Pilbara region which really left an impression on her, hence the change in direction career wise by moving to work in a remote medical centre based in Pannawonica.
Click here to read more of Sheree's profile and find out more about her.
Is there a ‘Pilbara star’ in your community? An organisation or individual who has gone above and beyond to make a positive difference to your community? Click on the above image to nominate NOW!
The Pilbara Community Services Excellence Awards 2023 gala dinner will take place in Port Hedland on Saturday 9 September 2023. Tickets to be released soon. For further information about the event email or call 0456 382 351.
Open fishing competition for members and non-members. A fun weekend to catch the biggest of the Ashburton Anglers Club species list.
Click on the above image for more information and to register.
WA Day festival | 3-5 June 2023 | Newman
The Shire of East Pilbara hosts it annual WA Day event to celebrate Western Australia's people, lifestyle and culture with a weekend packed full of free, fun activities in Newman.
For more information on the activities and events in Newman, please contact the Events Team at Shire of East Pilbara or for tickets click HERE.
Attention all little scientists | 4-6 July 2023 | Karratha
Pharmacy 777 Karratha and Pharmacy 777 Tambrey are running their Little Scientist event through the school holidays!
Join us for a series of experiments that fizz and bubble to engage your child in the world of science. This is for children aged 4 years plus (suitable for primary school aged children). Parental supervision required. Lab coats and safety glasses will be provided for our junior scientists, in a Covid-19 safe environment.
Come see Scientist Tommy and Scientist Christian to learn about the wonders of science!
We book up very quickly, so get in fast! Click the image above for further information.
The Karjini experience | 5-9 July 2023
The Karijini Experience provides a diverse and inclusive program of authentic, high-quality arts and cultural experiences designed to connect people to the Homeland of the Banjima people and the breathtaking landscape of Karijini National Park. Enjoy a range of events, from exclusive fine dining under the stars, to live music, free community and family-friendly events, there is truly something for everyone – we welcome locals and visitors alike.
Reflecting its guiding principles of aboriginal culture, environment, enrichment, rejuvenation and learning, the program features renowned artists, high quality emerging performers and grass roots experiences with local Traditional Owners – the Banjima People.
The PHPN is active on Facebook, members can keep up to date with local educational and social events being held in their region.
PHPN members are encouraged to utilise the platform themselves to promote their organisations events and news to keep our community connected and share information!
Practice Assist is a free service that coordinates and delivers end-to-end practice support services for general practice teams, but all health professionals across Western Australia.
The Practice Assist team can help enhance the efficiency, capacity and sustainability of your practice with a comprehensive suite of practice management resources and support services:
- A toll-free help desk between 8am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
- Email the helpful team for advice regarding practice management queries.
- Assistance with Quality Improvement in your practice from Quality Improvement Coaches.
- Visit the dedicated wesbite for the latest news, information, resources, COVID-19 information and more.
- Receive support and information about digital health technologies.
- Educational webinars, networking events and regional workshops.
- Stay up to date by subscribing to Practice Connect, our fortnightly newsletter.
- Contact the Practice Assist team to connect with Primary Care Navigators and Quality Improvement Coaches.
The Pilbara Health Professionals Network is brought to you by the following stakeholder partnership:
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