Bunbury Regional Hospital launches new training program expanding opportunities to regional WA

Access to education and employment opportunities in regional WA has expanded once again following the launch of a new training program within the Bunbury Regional Hospital.

For the first time, clinicians will be able to obtain a Diploma of Anaesthetic Technology and Practice through the Bunbury Regional Hospital’s Anaesthetic and Technician trainee program.

Hospital director Jeff Claver said the program was just one of the many ways the WA Country Health Service was working to build a sustainable workforce well into the future.

“This is just one of the many ways we are working to attract and retain country clinicians to ensure high quality care continues for our country communities,” he said.

“Through this program we’re providing a pathway for local residents to access education and employment opportunities with supported online learning and practical on-the-job experience under the watchful eye of some of the State’s best educators and specialists.”

Operating in partnership with training organisation Health Science Hub, the program recently welcomed its first two trainees late last year.

Matthew Hains and Samuel Aina first joined Bunbury Regional Hospital as theatre-based patient care assistants and had shown interest in pursuing opportunities as anaesthetic technicians.

Mr Aina said he joined the program because he wanted a career in health services but wanted to remain in Bunbury to stay close to his two young children.

“Remaining in Bunbury while completing the program means I’m close to everything I cherish; Bunbury feels like home to my family and this is where we want to raise our children,” he said.

“Working and training in Bunbury has been great, all the staff are supportive, sharing their vast knowledge and experience, and there is a strong sense of belonging and constant push to provide the best services.”

Anaesthetic technicians are a crucial part of the surgical theatre team, providing specialised assistance to anaesthetists by having a working knowledge of equipment, drugs, clinical procedures and being able to deliver a high standard of patient care to support positive outcomes.