A new network in the Midwest is supporting health professionals to continue working in rural and regional communities by offering them a vital face to face opportunity for networking, education and professional development.
The fourth such group in regional WA, following earlier launches in the Pilbara, Goldfields and South West, the networks were born out of a recognition that facilitating new ways of delivering professional development opportunities was crucial.
The networks are in partnership with of Rural Health West, WA Primary Health Alliance, the Rural Clinical School of WA and locally in the Midwest the WA Country Health Service, and WA Centre for Rural Health.
WA Primary Health Alliance Country Operations Manager – North, Jodie Green said the networks ensure health professionals based in rural, regional and remote areas have greater opportunities to network, upskill, share information and collaborate.
“Attracting and retaining our regional health workforce can be challenging, so it’s important to do as much as we can to support health professionals on the ground.
“This is part of our commitment to promote and prioritise an integrated regional health system, and work in partnership with our fellow health agencies to deliver better health, together,” Mrs Green said.
“We believe it’s key to promote collaborative ways of working across the health system, as this makes for a better experience for clinicians and patients, improves efficiency and, most importantly, health outcomes.”
Networks are now being planned to launch in the Wheatbelt, Great Southern and Kimberley in 2021.