Legislative Council, Thursday 26 May 2022

Ms FORREST question to LEADER of the GOVERNMENT in the LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL, Mrs HISCUTT

With regard to staff training and support, including equipment at the West Coast District Hospital:

1. Has funding been allocated for a Clinical Nurse Educator at WCDH;

a. If so, when has or will this position been filled; and
b. If not, will a position if Clinical Nurse Educator be funded and employed in the coming financial year?

2. Has the promised Ultrasound machine, approved for purchase some time ago, been ordered;

a. If so, when will it be delivered;
b. If not,
    i. what is the reason for the delay; and
    ii. when will it be provided?

Answers:

1 The West Coast District Hospital is in the process of finalising the establishment of a dedicated Clinical Nurse Educator Role. Funding has been allocated for this role.
This role will support training and development of the workforce and students placed within the West Coast facilities and ensure compliance with Residential Aged Care Infection Prevention Control Lead requirements.

2 The Department of Health is currently exploring the appropriate model for use of an ultrasound in an Emergency First Response Unit and in consideration of the guidelines required for appropriate and safe use in clinical terms. Discussion is being had, at a State level, on appropriate credentialing for its use and to ensure all users are acting within their Scope of Practice.
To facilitate the procurement process, there will shortly be a statewide tender conducted to establish a panel for the purchase of ultrasounds.