Simulated Learning Sessions
Management Program
General Education
Departmental Inservices
Conferences and Workshops
Allied Health Professional Development
Continuing Nurse Education
Postgraduate Nursing Studies
Continuing Medical Education
Intern Tutorial Program
Simulated Learning Sessions
The Simulated Learning Project is a 12 month project, to provide a simulated learning environment for undergraduate medical, paramedical, nursing and allied health students in the South West Region. A Coordinator has been employed for two days a week to oversee the development and implementation of these sessions. These sessions are free, at the Education Centre at WDHS and whilst targeting students, anyone can attend.
Management Program
The Education Centre facilitates a management training program for staff in management and supervisory positions and any other staff who are interested in developing skills in this area. The program consists of face-to-face sessions and workshops conducted by both internal and external presenters on a range of general management topics. The program includes quality and accreditation and training in WDHS systems and policies. In addition the Service provides financial support to staff members with the potential to move up into management positions to undertake further studies in management qualifications to further their skills and experience.
General Education
Opportunities are available both inhouse and externally for general staff members. Workshops on topics including customer service, understanding medical terminology and time management are held regularly. Attendance at relevant professional development opportunities are also supported financially.
Departmental Inservices
Inservice education activities are undertaken regularly within each of the clinical units. Professional development opportunities are also available for staff to attend education and training provided by visiting health professionals from various organisations.
Conferences and Workshops
Participation in relevant external professional development opportunities including conferences is also supported. Support is discussed with individual staff members and generally a joint agreement is made to share costs of participation between the Service and the individual.
Allied Health Professional Development
Due to the specific nature of work undertaken by allied health professionals, the majority of professional development for this group of employees occurs via external opportunities. WDHS provides some financial support to its staff to participate in these. Where there are common needs identified, inhouse education is provided which promotes team work and communication between the disciplines. Allied heath staff members are also able to attend other training opportunities provided within the health service.
Continuing Nurse Education
WDHS is the fundholder for the Barwon South West Area Sub-Region 4 Consortia to facilitate continuing education for nurses in this area. Consortia members are the Balmoral Bush Nursing Service, Heywood Rural Health, Casterton Memorial Hospital, Portland District Health, Dartmoor Bush Nursing Service and WDHS incorporating Penshurst District Health Service and Coleraine District Health Service. WDHS coordinates education on behalf of the group. A number of activities are conducted throughout the year based on identified needs and skill deficits.
Postgraduate Nursing Studies
Hamilton Base Hospital in collaboration with Deakin University – Burwood Campus offer highly motivated acute care nurses the opportunity to undertake postgraduate study in the areas of critical care, emergency, midwifery & perioperative nursing. These courses equip staff with the skills necessary to work in intensive care, the emergency department, theatre and midwifery, whilst providing a challenging course for participants.
The theoretical component of the courses is delivered via videoconference and online methods. The clinical component of the course is undertaken at WDHS with short clinical placements provided at larger metropolitan hospitals to support learning and experience. On-site support is provided by a clinical teacher available for four hours per week per student.
Opportunities to undertake studies in other disciplines such as rehabilitation, palliative care and aged care may also be available. WDHS may offer financial support to successful applicants.
Continuing Medical Education
The Otway Division of General Practitioners facilitates a continuing medical education program for all the local practitioners. A clinical meeting hosted by guest speakers or local consultants is held on a Friday lunchtime. A weekly x-ray meeting is also held as well as a wide range of other educational activities throughout the year. Some of these sessions carry CME points.
Intern Tutorial Program
Interns and registrars from larger metropolitan hospitals in Melbourne and Geelong have the opportunity to experience working at the Hamilton Base Hospital through rural rotations. While on placement a weekly tutorial program is provided for all residents and International Medical Graduates based at the hospital. In addition residents are able to attend the weekly x-ray meeting and continuing professional development meetings facilitated by the Otway Division of General Practitioners.