Country health prepares for Leavers Week
13/11/2023
While students across the state are preparing for Leavers celebrations next week (20-23 November), South West staff have been working behind the scenes to prepare for the influx of revellers to the region and ensure Leavers know how to stay safe and where to seek help if they need it.
WA Country Health Service works closely with the Department of Health, WA Police, Department of Transport, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, local shires and community groups to provide support to official Leavers events.
WA Country Health Service South West Regional Lead Caroline Booker says that local staff have been planning and preparing over the past few months.
“We are running emergency drills to make sure we’re up to date with our surge plans.
“We’ve also been assisting with the training of triage nurses for the Leavers Medical zone in our ED.”
Caroline said staff were being provided with access to Recognise and Respond training, facilitated by the Mental Health Commission.
“The training provides participants with an overview of alcohol and other drugs commonly used in event settings.
“They take you through the effects and potential harms, identify signs and symptoms and harm reduction strategies as well as important de-escalation skills,” Caroline said.
Caroline said that as in past years, the preparations were key to making sure young people and families felt supported through any eventuality.
“We’re making a bus available to ensure the Leavers are able to get back to their accommodations overnight from the hospital when there are no regular buses or taxis available.
”We hope they don’t need us, but we’ll be here if they do.”
WA Country Health Service works closely with the Department of Health, WA Police, Department of Transport, Department of Fire and Emergency Services, local shires and community groups to provide support to official Leavers events.
WA Country Health Service South West Regional Lead Caroline Booker says that local staff have been planning and preparing over the past few months.
“We are running emergency drills to make sure we’re up to date with our surge plans.
“We’ve also been assisting with the training of triage nurses for the Leavers Medical zone in our ED.”
Caroline said staff were being provided with access to Recognise and Respond training, facilitated by the Mental Health Commission.
“The training provides participants with an overview of alcohol and other drugs commonly used in event settings.
“They take you through the effects and potential harms, identify signs and symptoms and harm reduction strategies as well as important de-escalation skills,” Caroline said.
Caroline said that as in past years, the preparations were key to making sure young people and families felt supported through any eventuality.
“We’re making a bus available to ensure the Leavers are able to get back to their accommodations overnight from the hospital when there are no regular buses or taxis available.
”We hope they don’t need us, but we’ll be here if they do.”
Last Updated:
13/11/2023