Patient care front of mind
Rural Northwest Health leaders have begun formal discussions to safeguard the future sustainability of services in Hopetoun.
The health service temporarily paused urgent care services in the town in March, citing a shortage of qualified and appropriately-skilled registered nurses.
It has since launched a recruitment campaign for staff through agency Latitude Recruitment, and hosted the first of a series of formal meetings to discuss the most appropriate care plan for Hopetoun and surrounding communities into the future.
Rural Northwest Health chief executive Jenni Masters, board chair Genevieve O’sullivan and Hopetoun doctor Ahmad Rahim, with members of his clinic, attended the meeting.
Ms O’sullivan said the challenges experienced at Hopetoun were common across the healthcare industry.
“The Rural Northwest Health board understands the significant workforce and regulatory pressures being experienced across the entire health sector,” she said.
“We are committed to supporting the RNH team, working with our GPS, the Department of Health and community members to provide the best care possible.
“We are united in our intention to reopen urgent care as soon as it is safe and sustainable to do so.”
Ms O’sullivan said Dr Rahim and his team were providing ‘invaluable’ support to the health service and the community.
The health service has also worked with partners including Ambulance Victoria to ensure the community has alternative pathways to access emergency care.
“Likewise, the community reference group members who volunteer their time to represent the community. As a board, we are truly grateful for their dedication and contribution,” she said.
Dr Rahim said patient care remained his priority.
“My main focus is on the welfare of my patients and together with RNH management and the Hopetoun Beulah Reference Group, they are working hard to resolve the current issue,” he said.
“The Hopetoun hospital also remains contactable as in the past for anyone with medical concerns, by phone or physical presentation.
“The nurse on duty will manage the presenting situation, according to staff levels at the time.”
Rural Northwest Health will assess the needs of a person seeking urgent assistance and direct them to appropriate and safe care.
For other services, including allied health, district nursing and palliative care, people should contact the health service on 5396 8200.
People should contact 000 in an emergency.