WA’s largest rural health network surpasses 5000 members, with 570 hailing from Mid West and Gascoyne

WA’s biggest rural health professional network has reached a major milestone, surpassing 5000 members and strengthening support for clinicians in the State’s most remote regions. As of November 4, a total of 5095 doctors, nurses, allied health professionals and students are part of the Health Professionals Networks, representing every rural region in WA — including 570 in the Mid West-Gascoyne. Membership also includes 1325 professionals in the South West, 907 in the Pilbara, 855 in the Kimberley, 543 in the Great Southern, 530 in the Goldfields, and 365 in the Wheatbelt. Rural Health West education and engagement general manager Leesa Thomas said the milestone reflected the growing value of the networks in supporting and retaining the rural health workforce. “To reach 5000 members is an incredible achievement and shows how valuable this network has become for health professionals working in rural and remote WA,” Ms Thomas said. “The HPNs are about more than just numbers. It’s about building community, creating opportunities for connection, and making sure our health professionals feel supported, whether they’re new graduates starting their careers in the bush or experienced clinicians working in some of our most remote regions.” HPNs provide peer support, mentoring, professional development opportunities, and access to resources through events, workshops and online platforms. The networks continue to grow with the support of key sector partners including Rural Health West, WA Country Health Service, WA Primary Health Alliance, St John WA, the Australian Medical Association WA, the Royal Flying Doctor Service, university departments of rural health, the Rural Clinical School of WA, and the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.