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Research key to unlocking early signs of chronic kidney disease 23 June 2020 The WA Country Health Service (WACHS) is leading ground-breaking research which could ease the burden of chronic kidney disease (CKD) on patients and health services. As part of the Digital Health Cooperative Research Centre, WACHS is collaborating with Curtin University, the WA Department of Health and WA Primary Health Alliance, using health data analytics to better identify and manage CKD across country WA. Curtin University PhD student David Lim will join WACHS, tasked with analysing the data as part of his doctorate in Public Health. David says the WACHS partnership is crucial to the project. CKD is a significant problem in rural and remote areas where hospitalisation rates are about twice as high as in the cities and Aboriginal Australians four times more at risk. “I will be looking at how we can use data analytics to identify people who show early indications of chronic ... -
Fight the bite from mosquitoes in the Kimberley 22 June 2020 If you live in the Kimberley or have travelled there before you’ll know that there’s a lot to love, including Broome’s beautiful Cable Beach, the incredible camping and fishing in Kununurra and the striking Purnululu National Park. While you’re able to visit all of this beauty once again it’s important to protect yourself from mosquito bites while in the region. The WA Country Health Service Regional Director (Kimberley) Bec Smith said that mosquito bites have been linked to serious viruses with the insects in the Kimberley known to be carriers of Murray Valley encephalitis (MVE). “There are currently no known cures or a vaccine for MVE making effective protection against bites the best prevention,” said Ms Smith. “Should you become ill with fever, drowsiness, headache, stiff neck, nausea and dizziness you should seek medical advice quic... -
Stay safe on your quad bike 22 June 2020 We know there are a lot of quad bike riders across country WA and we want to make sure that they all know how to stay safe and avoid injury. Quad bike related injuries affect riders who use quad bikes for both work and recreational purposes. However, these injuries are avoidable. The amount of quad bike related injuries can be reduced by: • Using personal protection equipment (including a helmet, eye protection, enclosed footwear, high-visibility clothing, hearing protection and safe clothing). • Undertaking pre-operational checks to ensure the vehicle is safe. • Only operating equipment that is regularly maintained. • Riding in pairs. • Informing others where they plan on traveling and when they expect to return. • Never operating a quad bike when affected by fatigue, drugs or alcohol. • Never allowing children under the age of 16 to operate a q... -
Travel advice for older West Australians 22 June 2020 Now that COVID-19 restrictions are easing we’re able to get out there and explore Western Australia. If you’re planning to wander out yonder and discover all that our great state has to offer we want to make sure that you’re well prepared when it comes to your health. There’s nothing worse than having your trip interrupted by a visit to the doctor! Before you head off It’s best to book an appointment with your GP before your trip to discuss your medications, get any scripts you might need and to talk about any health issues that may impact your travel plans. A GP can also give you a full list of your medications so you can take it away with you. Make sure you’ve got enough medication for the duration of your trip and pack your scripts too, just in case. Remember, it’s important to continue taking your regular medications, even when you’r... -
Our frontline in the air: WACHS WINGS keeping patients and health supplies moving during COVID-19 10 June 2020 Facing travel restrictions during COVID-19 may be an inconvenience for tourists and holidaymakers, but for Point Samson resident Lisa Ogle, it could have meant a delay in getting potentially life-saving scans. To make sure Lisa made it to her appointment in Perth and home again, the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) specially convened an emergency response transport and logistics team – known as WACHS WINGS – and worked with partners in the resource sector to find seats on charter flights. Lisa’s journey began a couple of years ago after a routine appendectomy uncovered a rare tumour on her appendix. Every six months she is required to travel from Point Samson to Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital for a gallium PET scan. Missing her May appointment would have meant waiting until November – an option she and her specialist team were not prepared to consider. “...
Last Updated:
24/01/2024