Strides in stomal care see Felicity in the running for health excellence award

For her contributions to South West communities, Stomal Therapist Felicity Jones has been named a finalist in this year’s WA Rural Health Excellence Awards in the Nurse/Midwife of the Year category.

In 2014 Felicity established a stoma clinic in Busselton, allowing patients from Busselton to Augusta to receive treatment without having to travel to Bunbury.

She also helped facilitate the creation of a Percutaneous Endoscopic Gastrostomy (PEG) clinic in Bunbury, reducing the need for patients to travel to Perth for routine PEG changes.

A self-proclaimed ‘country girl’, working in the regions was always in her future. 

“I was born and grew up in a small farming community and have spent more than 20 years nursing at rural health services,” Felicity said. 

“I am passionate about providing close-to-home specialist services to our communities, reducing their need to travel.”

In the spirit of community, Felicity has also established a stoma support group. The group has already significantly improved the quality of life for its members.

“My patients inspire me to develop community-centred care – it’s what drives me – I feel this is where I belong.”

The awards will be announced at a ceremony Saturday 16 March 2024.