Country allied health professional awarded Educator of the Year

WA Country Health Service is proud to congratulate Great Southern Occupational Therapist and Accredited Hand Therapist Lauren Irvine who has taken out a prestigious award at this year’s WA Excellence in Allied Health Awards.

As one of three finalists, Lauren Irvine was named Allied Health Educator of the Year at last night’s awards ceremony in Perth.

Specialising in hand therapy, Lauren is one of the leaders behind our innovative virtual hand therapy education program.

Designed to connect and upskill clinicians across country WA, in metropolitan areas and trials underway to take the program interstate, Lauren is well known for her work in the education space.

As an educator, she stands out through her ability to create safe and supportive learning environments where clinicians feel comfortable asking questions, sharing experiences and building confidence.

“Education has become such an important part of what I value in my career, and being recognised is an enormous honour,” Lauren said.

“I see the recognition being much bigger than one person.

“I have been incredibly fortunate to have the support of my colleagues whose guidance and mentoring have been integral to the program’s development.”

Director Allied Health Suzanne Spitz said the recognition was a testament to the compassion, dedication and skills Lauren brings to her work each day.

“We are incredibly proud to see Lauren recognised for her commitment to ensuring clinicians have access to high-quality learning opportunities.

“Lauren is passionate educator and we’re not surprised that she’s received this award,” she said.

Congratulations to Kununurra Allied Health Assistant Anne Clarke and Broome Allied Health Manager – West Kimberley Allison Wark who were also finalists in the awards.