WA Rural Health Excellence Awards finalist: Kim Tracey

With more than three decades of experience under her belt - working in both tertiary and rural hospitals - nephrology specialist and diabetes educator Kim Tracey has always had a passion for helping others.

Her leadership has enabled patients to return to their communities sooner, often just weeks after transplants rather than spending months recovering in Perth, transforming renal care across rural WA.

This important work has seen the Bunbury-based WA Country Health Service clinical nurse consultant nominated in the Clinical Leader of the Year category at the 2026 WA Rural Health Excellence Awards.

Ms Tracey said she was most passionate about working to reduce health inequalities and providing specialist renal services closer to home.

“My priorities lie in bringing high quality patient-centred care directly to individuals and communities,” she said.

“It is important to me that a patient’s healthcare is not defined by location, transport, financial and other logistical constraints.”

Ms Tracey said she’s enjoyed country nursing, because it’s allowed her deliver more personalised holistic care to people living with chronic kidney disease.

“My role is not just defined by working with the individual patients but also working towards building relationships and trust with the whole community,” she said.

“I am inspired to be working with supportive colleagues who have a strong sense of teamwork and collaborate well as a multidisciplinary team.

It is both professionally and personally rewarding to be part of the renal service.”

Ms Tracey said she was honoured to be nominated.

“This nomination does not just reflect on my practice but highlights the dedication and shared values of the team that I work with,” she said.

“It affirms the value of advocating for people in rural areas to have the opportunity to access local services and strengthens my commitment to continue to do so.”

The WA Rural Health Excellence Awards are hosted by WA Country Health Service and Rural Health West. Winners will be announced at a gala ceremony during the WA Rural Health Conference on Saturday, 14 March 2026.