Doctors honoured for commitment

Three Bunbury doctors have been recognised for their long-time commitment to rural communities at the 2018 WA Country Doctors’ Awards.

Dr Foster and Associates’ Dr Michael Hall was recognised with a 40 year service award.

South West Surgical Services’ Dr Nicholas Newman and Dr Craig Hendry of St John of God Healthcare Bunbury both received 20 year service awards.

Rural Health West chief executive officer Tim Shackleton said building a long-term relationship with a doctor was particularly important to rural communities.

“Rural Health West works hard to attract doctors to work in rural locations and to encourage them to remain working in the country,” he said.

“These three doctors have provided incredible services across the South West and I am extremely pleased to acknowledge their contribution to the health and well-being of their communities.”

WA Country Health Service chief executive officer Jeff Moffet said it was important to acknowledge doctors working to ensure rural communities had access to high-quality medical care.

“To spend their entire careers of 20 or 40 years working within a country town shows remarkable commitment and provides outstanding continuity of care to patients,” he said.

“It demonstrates their incredible dedication to the bush and to their patients and I am proud to acknowledge their achievements.”