Country health lead in Palliative Care Awards

Two WA Country Health Service (WACHS) teams and three individuals have been named finalists in the 2023 Palliative Care in WA Awards.

The awards recognise and celebrate the dedication, innovation and teamwork shown by country health professionals who work in end-of-life care.

Finalists include:

• The East Kimberley Palliative Care team - Outstanding Team Delivering Holistic Palliative Care and Outstanding Achievement in Palliative Care for Aboriginal Communities.
• Abbey Robinson, Clinical Nurse, East Kimberley Palliative Care team - Outstanding Palliative Care Professional.
  
• Fitzroy Crossing Hospital - Outstanding Achievement in Palliative Care for Aboriginal Communities.
  
• Steph Barrett, Coordinator of Nursing, Palliative Care (Central Office) - Outstanding Palliative Care Professional.
• WACHS Palliative Care Aboriginal Health team - Outstanding Achievement in Palliative Care for Aboriginal Communities.
• Penny Tuffin, Senior Pharmacist, Palliative Care (Central Office) - Outstanding Palliative Care Professional.

Executive Director Nursing and Midwifery Yvonne Bagwell said she was delighted to see country clinicians recognised for the high-quality care they deliver in the final stages of a patient’s life.

“At country health, we provide palliative care services across 2.55 million square kilometres.

“We’re focused on putting the patient at the centre of everything we do and our teams aim to provide care that meets their clinical, social and spiritual needs as close to home as possible.

Ms Bagwell said she was particularly proud of the Fitzroy team for their work coordinating the care of two Aboriginal palliative patients.

“Together with other Health Service Providers, the Royal Flying Doctors Service, ambulance services and Aboriginal Liaison Officers, the Fitzroy Crossing Hospital team transferred the patients to Bunuba land to be surrounded by loved ones,” she said.

“We wanted to do everything within our power to make sure they were able to pass away on Country and surrounded by their friends and family.”

Winners will be announced at a Gala Dinner on Thursday 16 November 2023. For the full list of finalists, visit the Palliative Care in WA Awards website.