Upcoming Pilbara education events straight to your inbox!
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MEMBERS UPDATE OCTOBER 2023
The Pilbara Health Professionals Network is very excited to officially launch our new three-part podcast series The Pilbara Podcast. Big thanks to ABC Pilbara for covering the story, we are so excited to share this with you. Listen to the interview HERE.
Produced by the Pilbara Health Professionals Network the series has been brought to life thanks to a partnership with BHP’s Future Resources Fund.
The podcast explores the lives of healthcare professionals living and working in the Pilbara region including that of Karratha-based Mental Health Occupational Therapist Millie Caddy, with reflections from regional psychiatrist Kelly Ridley.
Hosted by expert health journalist Casey Beros, the series covers topics of managing mental health as well as life in the regions and balancing resilience and self-care. In Millie's chat with Casey they cover:
- How a girl from Melbourne found her tribe in Karratha
- How to protect your own mental health when you work in it
- How to find boundaries when you love your job and the people you work with
- How nature provides the ultimate circuit breaker after a tough day
- How even healthcare professionals can miss the cues of burnout and struggle
- How lived experience provides the ultimate gift for clinicians and their patients
- How a local footy team became a lifeline
You can find the full episode on Spotify or Soundcloud. If you enjoy it please share it with a friend or colleague to spread the word about our much-loved and incredibly unique slice of the country.
Karratha Diabetes education event
On Monday 18 September, the Pilbara Health Professionals Network hosted a diabetes education event with presenters from the Perth Children’s Hospital travelling diabetes team, Dr Vinutha Shetty paediatric endocrinologist; Nola Harrington Diabetes nurse educator; Aimee Ergovic dietitian; Courtney Roth social worker and also Natlie Jetta Aboriginal Health Coordinator from Diabetes WA where an indepth discussion was held on diabetes management (type one and two and other endocrine conditions), new technology and strategies for managing people with diabetes, especially in a rural context.
A recording of the education event is in the process of being completed. If you would like to receive a link to view the presentation please email PHPN Regional Program Officer Alisha Small at contact@phpn.com.au.
Tuesday 17 October | Hedland Health Campus
SCHEDULE:
- 1.30pm-2.30pm | Education session for nursing staff
- 4.30pm-5.30pm | Education session for medical staff
Registrations for this event will be through WACHS and sessions are held during the double staffing overlap morning/afternoon shift handovers. For further information please email Sonja De Smid at wachspb_regionalstaffeducator@health.wa.gov.au.
Free event.
Thursday 19 October | Karratha Health Campus
Did you know there are currently 34 ostomates in the Pilbara?
The Pilbara Health Professionals Network, supported by Western Australian Ostomy Association Incorporated and Bowel & Stoma Health WA are inviting health professionals to an education breakfast presented by Tania Norman, Stomal Therapy Nurse where she will cover the following topics: .
- WA Ostomy Association/Bowel and Stoma Health WA/supplies
- Your tertiary hospital/telehealth
Overview of GI tract
Terminology - what is a stoma/ostomy, the different types and surgeries that create them
Introduction to appliances and accessories
- High output stomas
- Skin disorders/case studies
- Diet
- Other potential complications
- Where to get help and telehealth/emergency kit
SCHEDULE:
7.00am-8.00am | EDUCATION BREAKFAST for all medical doctors, GPs, practice nurses and allied health professionals.
- For more information about this event and to register for the breakfast session, please email PHPN Regional Program Officer Alisha Small at contact@phpn.com.au.
1.30pm-2.30pm | Education session for hospital nursing staff
- Registrations for this session will be through WACHS and will be held during the double staffing overlap morning/afternoon shift handovers. For further information please email Sonja De Smid at wachspb_regionalstaffeducator@health.wa.gov.au.
Free event.
Tuesday 24 October | The Esplanade Hotel, Hedland
Join our very own Pilbara based mental health team; registered nurse and psychotherapist Charity Chihi and psychiatrists Dr Temi Metseagharun and Dr Matthew Davidson to attend a mental health and addiction interactive education session.
Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm (Dinner provided)
Limited places available. Registrations are essential.
Free event.
Monday 13 November | Karratha Lotteries House
The Pilbara Health Professionals Network would like to invite local health professionals (hospital medical
staff, GPs and paediatric nurses) to this educational event.
Topic: Neurodiverse children – general and stimulant management
Presented by WA Country Health Service Pilbara Paediatric team you will have the opportunity to learn about neurodivergent conditions including ADHD and autism, referral processes, useful pre-referral investigations, stimulant co-prescribing and monitoring. There will also be a Q&A.
Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm (Light meal provided)
Limited places available. Registrations are essential.
Free event.
Come along and share your thoughts on mental health and wellbeing. Help to create a suicide safer community through the development of a Pilbara Suicide Prevention Plan and Aftercare Model.
- ROEBOURNE - Monday 9 October 2023, 9.00am-2.00pm | Ngurin Centre
- ONSLOW - Tuesday 10 October 2023, 9.00am-2.00pm | RM Forrest Hall
Morning tea and lunch supplied.
Registrations welcome but not essential. For further information or to register contact: Kesi-Maree Prior Culture Care Connect Coordinator on 0498 751 015 or email info@paha.org.au
Emergency Airway Skills Management
Friday 20 October | 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
Chronic Conditions of the Foot - Feet on the Ground
24-27 October 2023 | Newman, Hedland and Karratha
The Chronic Conditions of Foot Course is a nationally accredited course that aims to provide students with the skills and knowledge required to provide information and advice in relation to foot health management, and is supported by funding from the Australian Government Department of Health.
PILBARA SESSIONS:
- Tuesday 24 October - Newman Visitor Centre
- Thursday 26 October - South Hedland Lotteries House
- Friday 27 October - Welcome Lotteries House, Karratha
If anyone requires assistance in enrolling, please call Benchmarque on 1300 855 568 and one of the team will be delighted to assist. Places are limited so be sure to register early!
WA Rural and Remote Mental Health Conference 2023
Tuesday 31 October - Friday 3 November | Fremantle
The WA Rural and Remote Mental Health Conference 2023 will be held at the Esplanade Hotel Fremantle by Rydges.
The WA Rural and Remote Mental Health Conference has been hosted by WACHS since the event’s inauguration at Northam in 1992 and 2023 marks the 30th year for the conference
Who should attend: All professions
Cost: $140-$450
For more information and to register visit the conference website or contact the Events Team on 08 6389 4500 or RRMHC@ruralhealthwest.com.au.
Applied Suicide Intervention Training (ASIST)
Thursday 16 - Friday 17 November 2023 | Hedland
ASIST is a two-day interactive workshop in suicide first-aid. ASIST teaches participants to recognise when someone may be at risk of suicide and work with them to create a plan that will support their immediate safety. Although ASIST is widely used by healthcare providers, participants don’t need any formal training to attend the workshop - ASIST can be learned and used by anyone.
Time: 8.30am-4.30pm
Venue: South Hedland Lotteries House, 2 Leake Street, South Hedland
Morning tea and lunch provided.
For more information or to request a registration form please call 9144 7568 or email
Charity.chihi@health.wa.gov.au
WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum
Thursday 16 November - Friday 17 November 2023 | Fremantle
Registrations for the 2023 WA Ear and Hearing Health Forum are now open. Hosted by Rural Health West, in collaboration with the Aboriginal Health Council of WA and the WA Child Ear Health Strategy, the two-day Forum will focus on regional ear health initiatives, technologies and research in ear and hearing health through interactive discussions and practical upskilling.
- Thursday: 8.00am - 5.00pm
- Friday: 8.00am - 1:30pm
Venue: The Esplanade Hotel by Rydges, Fremantle
The Forum will coincide with the Rural Health West Annual Aboriginal Health Conference. Travel support may be supported for eligible delegates.
Have you registered?
The theme for the Aboriginal Health Conference 2023 is: Dedication: the Story of our Elders. The conference will bring together health professionals from across rural WA, and provide the opportunity to learn from those who came before us. We will hear their stories and reflect on how we can move through the challenges faced by so many, and find a way forward together.
More information, including details on the travel support available for delegates, can be found on the conference website.
Partner Education Grants
The Family Support Program welcomes Partner Education Grant applications from partners of the following rural, Western Australian medical or health professions:
- Medical practitioner
- Nurse
- Midwife
- Dentist
- Allied health professional
- Aboriginal health worker/practitioner
A quick and simple process provides rural partners with financial assistance towards their own professional development.
To review eligibility criteria or to apply please visit Rural Health West Partner Education Grants
Matilda is an early-stage digital health start-up from Perth, WA currently, trialling a new digital health application for people with confirmed or suspected endometriosis. The platform can be easily downloaded from the app stores or accessed online (www.matilda.health) and provides people with access to evidence-based modules, lifestyle tracking, community, as well as live and on-demand classes to help people learn about and manage their symptoms. Founded by Joanna Morris, a Pelvic Health Physiotherapist, and Dr Kevin Wernli, PhD (Persistent Pain), a Physiotherapist and Researcher, the platform has been co-designed with Matilda’s clinical and lived experience advisory board. Health professionals are our second biggest referral source, and your support helps bring affordable, evidence-based care to the pocket of people with confirmed or suspected endometriosis, no matter where they are.
Let’s Fiesta! 14 October 2023, 6.00pm-9.00pm | Point Samson
Tacos, Tequila and plenty of fun & games! What you’re in for:
Margarita on arrival, tacos, 4 different top shelf tequila to try, $10 margarita bar, $5 Mexican beers, and plenty of great games and prizes to be won!
Click on the above image for further information.
Bloody Slow Cup 2023 | Newman
The Bloody Slow Cup is an event held annually to commemorate the passing of 4 police officers in a plane crash new Newman on 26th January 2001.
The rugby game, remembrance service and other smaller events are held each year to assist with the fund raising for WA Police Legacy, a not for profit charity that looks after the families of deceased Police Officers.
Click on the above image for further information and to register.
Sundowner and Barefoot Bowls with Lifeline WA and Leon Ruri |
26 October 2023 | 5.30pm-8.30pm | Karratha
Thanks to the sponsorship of Santos, Lifeline WA and ambassador Leon Ruri invite you to come down for a chat, BBQ and barefoot bowls. All are welcome! Please arrive by 5:30pm, formalities to start at 6pm. Limited food and soft drinks provided.
Click on the above image for further information.
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:
You have received this newsletter as a health professional working in the Pilbara. Email addresses used to disseminate this newsletter were obtained through Rural Health West's databases. Unsubscribing from this newsletter will remove you from the distribution list for all Rural Health West publications. To stop receiving this newsletter only, please email hello@phpn.com.au.
