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WA Country Health Service family member impacted by sepsis 14 September 2020 Sepsis is a global health crisis that can affect anyone, anywhere. In fact, one in every five deaths across the globe is associated with sepsis, yet many of us don’t know a lot about it or might still know it as ‘blood-poisoning’. WA Country Health Service Manager of Planning and Evaluation (currently working in the Wheatbelt) Nancy Bineham’s now fiancé Wes Hawkins has thankfully survived from severe sepsis which resulted in multi-organ failure, endocarditis and two mitral valve replacements (following the failure of the first attempt). Initially, Wes and Nancy both thought Wes was suffering from influenza. And even when Wes presented to hospital the doctors thought it may be meningococcal due to the spots on his feet and hands and placed him into an isolation room. It wasn’t until 24 hours later when his blood cultures came back did they learn it wa... -
Albany radiation oncology service progresses with release of forward works 11 September 2020 The $13.1 million Albany radiation oncology service is a step closer with the release of the forward works tender. Forward works include improvements to parking and vehicle access at Albany Health Campus as well as preparation for the main building works which are anticipated to commence in 2021. Once complete, the project will deliver a specialised bunker, known as a Linac Suite, to provide radiation oncology services using high energy x-rays which destroy cancer cells. Great Southern Regional Director, Geraldine Ennis PSM said the preliminary works are essential in ensuring the site is able to safely house the lifesaving radiotherapy equipment. “This machinery emits radiation to treat cancer patients but that same radiation is dangerous to those who do not need it,” Ms Ennis said. “Safety is paramount and that is why it’s vital we get this preliminary step ... -
Red shoes rock in support of an alcohol-free pregnancy 31 August 2020 Great Southern workplaces, community groups and residents are being encouraged to wear red shoes to show their support for alcohol-free pregnancies. On International Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Day the Red Shoes Rock campaign will raise awareness of the lifelong impacts of FASD. Held on the ninth day of the ninth month (9 September), FASD Awareness Day aims to highlight the importance of nine months of pregnancy without alcohol. Clinical Nurse Manager, Maternity and Newborn Services, Natasha Jeppesen and her team of midwives are getting behind the campaign by wearing red on the maternity ward at Albany Health Campus. “We know that alcohol can harm the developing baby at any time during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, so our advice to all expectant mums and women planning a pregnancy is that no alcohol is the safest choice,” Ms Jeppesen said. FASD i... -
Stroke patient’s rehabilitation aided by exceptional WA Country Health Service South West medical team 28 August 2020 When 53-year-old Michael Hawksbee experienced a major stroke earlier this year, the WA Country Health Service (WACHS) Bunbury Hospital team rapidly assessed him and took the necessary course of action for him to undergo urgent lifesaving surgery to extract a blood clot from his brain. Following his successful surgery, Mr Hawksbee was keen to return home but assumed he would need to remain in the metropolitan area for ongoing treatment. Cue WACHS South West. Working closely with their metropolitan counterparts, the South West Outpatient Stroke Speech Pathologist and Speech Pathologists based at Manjimup, Donnybrook and Collie developed a plan for Michael to access rehab care close to home – something he says aided in his recovery. “I would like to thank the entire WACHS South West team and local Speech Pathologist Natasha Whelan for enabling me to be treated without having... -
WA Country Health Service warns against COVID complacency 27 August 2020 The WA Country Health Service’s (WACHS) Principal Health Officer Dr Helen Van Gessel is warning country communities against COVID complacency. Dr Van Gessel, an expert in infectious diseases, said country Western Australians only needed to look to Victoria and New Zealand to see just how easily a COVID wave can emerge and surge. “We cannot underestimate the risk of COVID-19,” Dr Van Gessel said. “While we may have eliminated the virus from our community, we have not eliminated the threat. “If the situation in New Zealand has taught us anything, it’s that an outbreak can occur anywhere, at any time.” According to Dr Van Gessel, while the suppression of the virus in Western Australia has afforded authorities the opportunity to test and refine plans, it was important country communities continued to take personal responsibility to protect thems...
Last Updated:
17/04/2026