East Kimberley GP Stephanie Trust selected as WA Rural Health Excellence Awards finalist

An East Kimberley GP has been selected as a finalist for the 2024 Rural Health Awards alongside four other health professionals from across the Kimberley.

Stephanie Trust from Wunan Health in Kununurra was selected as a finalist for the GP of the Year award alongside Margie O’Neil, Dominic Mallon, Jane Angliss and Michele Harvey.

Ms O’Neill, from Lions Outback Vision in the East Kimberley, was selected as a finalist for the Rural Allied Health Professional of the Year award while Mr Mallon, from Kimberley Pathwest, was selected as a finalist for the Specialist (Non-GP) of the Year award.

Ms Angliss, from Ord Valley Aboriginal Health Service in Kununurra, was selected as a finalist for the Community Health Professional of the Year award alongside fellow OVAHS worker Ms Harvey who was selected as a finalist for the Nurse or Midwife of the Year award.

Hosted by WA Country Health Service and Rural Health West, the annual awards celebrate the most dedicated and compassionate clinicians of rural healthcare.

A panel of clinicians and representatives from rural and health organisations selected the finalists with the Kimberley quintet being selected in five of the nine award categories from a pool of more than 130 nominees.

Speaking to the Advertiser, Ms Angliss said the nominations were a reflection of the dedication of health professionals in the Kimberley.

“We have a fantastic and dedicated team of health professionals up here,” she said.

WA Country Health Service chief executive Jeff Moffet said the awards recognised the significant contributions made by health teams across country WA.

“We know how hard our regional teams work to provide excellent care to their communities,” he said.

“It’s important to take every opportunity to acknowledge the remarkable actions and dedication of some of our very best.

“Time and time again they show us why country clinicians are so well known for going above and beyond.”

This year’s awards also mark the inaugural Aboriginal Health Professional of the Year award, which Rural Health West chief executive officer Tim Shackleton said was a chance to shine a light on the achievements of Aboriginal healthcare professionals.

“We are delighted this year’s awards also shine a spotlight on the remarkable achievements of our Aboriginal healthcare professionals working in regional WA,” he said.

“This award recognises an Aboriginal health professional who has demonstrated unwavering dedication, both personally and professionally, to delivering safe, responsive, compassionate and culturally appropriate healthcare.

“Their remarkable commitment results in the delivery of high-quality services that significantly enrich the lives of rural communities.”

The winners of the 2024 WA Rural Health Awards will be unveiled at a ceremony during the WA Rural Health Conference on March 16.