MEDICUS FEBRUARY 2016

N E W S

AMA members recognised in annual Australia Day Honours

IN BRIEF

A new service established as part of the State Government’s telehealth initiative will allow expectant parents in the Great Southern to access free antenatal education classes via video link. participate in antenatal and birth preparation classes, which will be beamed to their homes via secure videoconferencing software or they can link in at their local telehealth service. The service has been made possible by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions program and the Southern Inland Health Initiative as part of the Maternal Health Improvement Program. Manjimup and surrounding areas will soon see the start of forward works to build the new Warren Health Service . The construction of the new hospital in Manjimup is part of the Southern Inland Health Initiative’s $300 million capital works program to improve hospital infrastructure in 37 towns across the Wheatbelt, Great Southern, Mid-West and South-West. The fresh face of Katanning Health Service has been unveiled in architectural drawings, which detail the new emergency department, medical imaging and outpatient care building. The redevelopment is more than cosmetic with a new ED, medical imaging and outpatient care facility also on the cards. Pregnant mothers and their partners can now

THE AUSTRALIAN MEDICAL Association (WA) has paid tribute to the work of those West Australians recognised for their contribution to healthcare in the annual Australia Day honours list. “It is an honour to call some of the individuals who were officially recognised on Australia Day as medical colleagues and friends. Their work in medicine is a testament to their character and dedication,” AMA (WA) President Dr Michael Gannon said. “In particular the Association is extremely proud of three of its members, who were each awarded Membership of the Order of Australia,” he said. Associate Professor David Watson was awarded an AM for significant service to medicine, and to medical education, to professional organisations, and to the community. Dr Watson is a former President of the AMA (WA). Dr Timothy Cooper was awarded an AM for his significant service to medicine in the field of plastic and reconstructive surgery as a clinician, and to professional medical associations. Dr Peter Pratten was awarded an AM for significant service to medicine, particularly in the field of Radiology

as a practitioner, to education, and to professional bodies. “All three AMA (WA) members epitomise the calibre of professionalism and conduct the Association strives to emulate,” Dr Gannon said. “As well as the members listed above, the Association applauds the exceptional work of the other WA health professionals and even those beyond the scope of clinical medicine who were named on the 2016 list. “Dr Susan Jenkins, Nola Cecins and Geraldine Hogarth were all recognised “Tonya McCusker in particular has, over many years contributed to making WA a healthier place through her roles in the McCusker Foundation. “It is West Australians like these that make our health system one of the best in the world,” Dr Gannon said. ■ for the significant service and contributions to healthcare.

A/Prof David Watson.

Dr Timothy Cooper.

Dr Peter Pratten.

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