Bunbury doctors finalists in Rural Health Awards

The South West is home to some of the best health professionals in the State, with three up for top honours at the 2020 WA Rural Health Awards.

Dalyellup Medical Centre GP Dr Ivan Jansz, St John of God Bunbury palliative care physician Dr Carolyn Masarei and Boyup Brook registered nurse Jessica Curnuck were last week named finalists.

In the South West for the better part of a decade, Dr Masarei has grown palliative care services in the region, and her passion for the job and community she cares for has seen her named as a finalist for specialist of the year.

“I’m pleased, but ... it’s not just myself, I very much see it as a recognition of the great work the whole palliative care team do,” she said.

With her two golden retrievers Rigsby and Daisy by her side, she also introduced the Palliative Paws program about three years ago, which registers therapy dogs to visit patients.

“A lot of palliative care patients are very sick, they’re going through a difficult time and often are in the ward for very long periods of time,” Dr Masarei said. “So I think just to have something to look forward to, to see some dogs visit makes a tremendous difference.”

Dr Jansz is one of three finalists for procedural GP/district medical officer of the year for his work as a GP and educator and for performing anaesthetist duties at St John of God.

He is also a member of the WA Anaesthetic Reference Group, as well as the Anaesthetic Committee and Patient Safety Committee at St John of God Hospital.

Ms Curnuck — who led the Boyup Brook Emergency Department redesign project — has been nominated for the Rising Star Award.

Rural Health West chief executive Tim Shackleton said the trio had shown extraordinary commitment to enhancing the quality and availability of clinical care in the South West.

“Each of these clinicians has stretched themselves to extend their skills, support other clinicians and ultimately improve health services and care for their patients,” he said.

Winners will be announced on March 21.