Albany paediatrician named finalist in excellence awards

Albany Consultant General Paediatrician, Dr Angela Alessandri, is one of more than 30 trailblazing health professionals shortlisted for the WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.

A fierce advocate for child and adolescent health, she is a finalist for Specialist of the Year thanks to her dedication to young people and families in the Great Southern.

After joining WA Country Health Service (WACHS) in 2020 Dr Alessandri spearheaded the establishment and expansion of the Great Southern Integrated Paediatric Service during the height of COVID-19.

“We listened to the local community when they voiced their need for paediatric care close to home and since then it’s grown exponentially,” she said on the achievement.

“In just over two years we have expanded from just one locum paediatrician to a permanent team of four, providing 24/7 care and supported by a team of clinical nurses and allied health professionals.

“It’s been a rewarding experience to be able to treat children, some of whom have serious acute illnesses, close to home – especially during a time when COVID-19 brought many unknowns for families.”

Since then, Dr Alessandri has expanded her reach across the Great Southern, providing medical paediatric outreach clinics in Katanning and Albany.

Prior to joining WACHS Dr Alessandri was an accomplished Paediatric Haematologist and Oncologist, working with the Child and Adolescent Health Services and an Associate Professor at the University of Notre Dame.

Additionally, she remains an active member of the Child and Adolescent Health Clinical Ethics Service and the Doctors’ Health Advisory Service of WA.

WACHS Great Southern Regional Director Geraldine Ennis said being named a finalist in the Rural Health Excellence Awards was thoroughly deserved recognition of Dr Alessandri’s commitment to country communities.

“This recognition is testament to Dr Alessandri’s outstanding work to improve health outcomes, not just for the Great Southern but all of country WA,” she said.

“As well as providing high quality, specialist care for children and their families, she’s helping to expand the training and development opportunities for her colleagues and peers in the region.

“Her contribution to country health – particularly in the field of paediatrics – is exceptional and on behalf of WACHS I extend my congratulations and good luck in the awards.”

Dr Alessandri joins 19 other WACHS clinicians shortlisted in the awards which recognise and celebrate the outstanding contributions of rural health professionals in WA.

The winners of the award will be announced at an awards ceremony next month.