Staff recognised for excellence in rural health
Three of WACHS' fourteen finalists in the 2022 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards
Fourteen health professionals and one healthcare team from across the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) have been shortlisted for the 2022 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.
The annual awards celebrate the incredible contributions of rural health professionals in fields such as general practice, nursing, clinical leadership, rural research, education and community health.
Each year, WACHS and Rural Health West host the awards to acknowledge the extraordinary and critical role health professionals play in supporting the ongoing health, vitality and sustainability of rural communities across Western Australia.
WACHS Acting Chief Executive Melissa Vernon said it has never been more important to recognise country healthcare workers.
“Our staff in the regions continue to perform the extraordinary in what are difficult times for the entire health system but particularly those working in the bush,” Ms Vernon said.
Congratulations to the following WACHS finalists:
|
Category |
Finalist |
|
GP of the Year |
Dr Peter Maguire – Narrogin |
|
Clinical Leadership
|
Dr Catherine Engelke – Kununurra |
|
Dr Cherelle Fitzclarence – Karratha |
|
|
Specialist of the Year |
Dr Anna Robson – Kimberley |
|
Dr Lydia Scott – Kimberley |
|
|
Metropolitan-based bush champion |
Dr Richard Forbes – Emergency Telehealth Service |
|
Dr Jenny Vance – Karratha |
|
|
Rural Nurse/ Midwife of the Year |
Howard Kay – Wheatbelt Mental Health Service |
|
Rural Allied Health Professional of the Year |
Jan Batchelor – Katanning |
|
Rising Star |
Sheree Davies – Karratha |
|
Building Healthy Country Communities |
Healthy Country Kids Telehealth Program - Wheatbelt Ear Health Team and Perth Children’s Hospital |
|
Intern of the Year |
Dr Alec Disley – Albany |
|
Dr Elizabeth Tierney – Bunbury |
|
|
RMO of the Year |
Dr Fiona Spencer – Bunbury |
|
Dr Alice Vella – Albany |
Overall, 125 nominations were received from across ten award categories, including 29 nominations for the newly introduced Rural Allied Health Professional of the Year category.
The finalists were nominated by colleagues, peers and community members for their significant contributions and outstanding commitment to rural health.
Finalists were selected by a panel of clinicians and representatives from rural and health organisations.