New Wongan Hills Health Service Manager Marg reaffirms her passion for nursing

WA Country Health Service’s (WACHS) Wongan Hills Hospital has welcomed Marg Smith as the new Health Service Manager and Director of Nursing.

Marg started career with WACHS as a nurse in 1997 and has since worked across the Pilbara, Great Southern, Midwest and Wheatbelt, eventually transitioning into population health roles.

As a key member of the Wheatbelt Population Health team for the past 11 years, it was as Wheatbelt Public Health Manager working closely with nursing staff across the region that Marg realised she was still passionate about frontline nursing.

“I missed the patient interactions and I felt inspired by the great work that was being done across the region and decided I wanted to be a part of it.”

Marg said she took steps to return to acute clinical nursing in December last year.

“I have been very fortunate to have been supported by the Wheatbelt Learning and Development team and a variety of managers to participate in clinical upskilling sessions and clinical placements.”

Marg said she was attracted to the idea of taking on a leadership role because she enjoys supporting staff.

“I also like to be challenged and I am proud to say I have formed strong relationships with a wide range of colleagues and community members.

“The role is a great fit for me being able to combine both my clinical and management skills.”

Marg said though she’s not originally from the Wheatbelt, she has strong ties to the region.

“I have been living in the region for the past 11 years.

“Interestingly, my first role as a midwife was at the old Northam Hospital.”

A small Wheatbelt town an hour’s drive north of Northam, Wongan Hills sits right in the middle of wildflower country, with a population of around 900 people.

“Anybody visiting Wongan Hills will get to experience that country feel with its wide streets, friendly people and good coffee.

“Having lived and worked in the country for the majority of my working life, I believe you can’t beat that small town country feel.

“I especially enjoy my picturesque drive to work, taking in the amazing views of the countryside and at this time of the year the crops are a sight to behold,” Marg said.

“More than anything, I am blessed to be working with a great team who are passionate about delivery of care close to home.”