June 2020

More than 200 jobs are anticipated to be created if a $30 million Aboriginal health and community hub proposed for Bunbury gets the green light. The hub — which will include mental health, dental and medical services, education programs, a cafe, playground and youth facilities — has been designed to be a “one stop shop” and a “place to call home” for Noongar people. South West Aboriginal Medical Services chief executive Lesley Nelson, pictured, said the hub — planned for Jaycee Park — was “long overdue” and would play an important role in the Aboriginal community. It’s a place to…

During Men's Health Week 2020 we celebrate the first anniversary of the launch of the WA Men's Health and Wellbeing Policy (the Policy). The Policy was designed to provide direction to the WA health system and its partners to deliver strategies to improve the physical, mental, social and emotional wellbeing of men and boys living in Western Australia. The Policy was developed by the Health Networks Unit, WA Department of Health to demonstrate that the WA health system is committed towards achieving the priority areas of the National Male Health Policy: Building on the Strengths of Australian Males and the action…

Jun 16, 2020 11:00 AM (WST) From 1 July 2020 some important changes to the National Immunisation Program (NIP) and recommendations for pneumococcal, meningococcal and hepatitis A vaccination will take effect. The pneumococcal vaccination recommendations and schedule will change to reflect the current best clinical evidence in preventing pneumococcal disease in adults and in people with conditions that increase their risk of disease. The changes seek to simplify vaccination advice by making it easier to understand who should get vaccinated, and when and which vaccine they should get. The meningococcal vaccinations funded through the NIP will change to better protect…

Rural communities and the rural health workforce will continue to have an independent advocate following the Australian Government’s announcement to continue and extend the Office of the National Rural Health Commissioner. Read the announcement here: https://www.health.gov.au/ministers/the-hon-mark-coulton-mp/media/rural-health-commissioner-office-extended-to-improve-rural-healthcare

A collaboration of holistic health practitioners in the South-West, the Holistic Health Practitioners Network was created to help bring together practitioners from within the South-West to work together for better care of patients. The network is planning a Wellness Symposium to be held on 31st October 2020 with key themes of emotional well-being, mindfulness, end of life and community connection featuring Australian key speakers and panel discussions. More information to come - stay in touch by visiting the network's website.  

Applications for ACN’s grants and awards are now open! The various opportunities support nurses to pursue postgraduate study, research, as well as continuing professional development. Access to the majority of grants and awards is offered to ACN Fellows and Members. Select awards and scholarships are also available to non-members. Among others, funding is available for the following ACN professional development offerings: Immunisation for Health Practitioners course Graduate Certificate in Perioperative Nursing National Nursing Forum To view full eligibility requirements and to apply, click here. Applications for this year's grants and awards will close on Sunday 12 July, so don't miss…

In response to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government, in collaboration with the GP Colleges, has put in place a number of revised eligibility arrangements for the Rural Procedural Grants Program (RPGP) to support GPs during this unprecedented time. These arrangements include the ability to claim for online education for a limited time, and additional Emergency Mental Health funding from 1 July for eligible GPs. Learn more here.

The Collaborative Steering Committee for the South West Health Professionals Network is seeking Expressions of Interest for local representatives to join the Committee. Current vacancies are: l Primary health nurse representative l Allied health professional representative l Young Health Professional representative Representatives must be a member of the South West Health Professionals Network and be interested in fostering collaboration between local health professionals, health organisations and health education providers. They will provide an avenue for health professionals to collaborate and share information, and make recommendations of educational and networking opportunities with the aim of delivering dynamic and appropriate programs. The…

Seeking a change of scenery? WA Country Health Service is currently seeking to appoint a Director Clinical Services Mental Health for their Mental Health Inpatient and Community Department. In partnership with the Regional Manager Mental Health, the Director Clinical Services has primary responsibility for clinical governance and leadership and is responsible for ensuring that all clinical practice in Mental Health in the Goldfields region is in accordance with the National Mental Health Standards and the WA Mental Health Act 2014 and all associated legislative, regulatory and policy frameworks. In this role, the successful candidate will be required to provide line…