Skills course takes new Geraldton ICU team to expert level
(L-R) Dr Andrew McIntyre, Dr Andrew Cartwright, Dr Conway Niu, Dr Jeewani Weerasinghe, Dr Jack Jenkinson
As WA Country Health Service prepared to open the new Intensive Care Unit and High Dependency Unit (ICU/HDU) at Geraldton Health Campus, staff recently undertook the inaugural Basic Assessment and Support in Intensive Care (BASIC) Course.
The course brought together nursing, allied health and medical staff who will form part of the new ICU/HDU team, providing a valuable opportunity to build relationships, share knowledge and strengthen multidisciplinary collaboration.
Over two immersive days, participants engaged in a comprehensive program combining expert-led lectures with practical, hands-on skill stations. Topics included assessment of seriously ill patients, airway management, mechanical ventilation, heart rate and blood pressure monitoring, shock, sepsis, neurological emergencies, paediatrics, acute kidney injury and transport of critically ill patients.
WA Country Health Service Executive Director Commissioning Christopher How said the skills sessions were purposefully conducted within the ICU/HDU environment.
“For the team to focus on practical skills like ventilation, vascular access, advanced life support and patient assessment meant we needed to do those things hands-on in the new clinical space.
“The practical stations allowed participants to apply their learning in realistic clinical scenarios while becoming familiar with the equipment and workflows that will support patient care in the new unit.”
Following the recent announcement that the new Emergency Department and Community Mental Health Service had opened their doors at the $192 million redevelopment, attention quickly turned to ensuring staff and services were on track for the next phase of services transitioning to their new clinical spaces.
Course Director Dr Mary Pinder said delivering the BASIC course marked an important step in preparing staff for the commencement of intensive care services in Geraldton.
“These upskilling courses are a key part of our commissioning program – helping ensure the team is equipped with the knowledge, skills and confidence to deliver high-quality critical care close to home for the Midwest community."