Visiting regional WA to provide free respiratory clinics and upskilling to health professionals is an important part of our work. Thanks to funding from Minara Resources, we were able to spend a week in the Goldfields visiting Kalgoorlie, Laverton and Leonora in early November 2022.
Our team of three Asthma WA respiratory technicians and educators conducted spirometry testing and stopped at key locations to have a yarn with the community about their respiratory health which included how to use their inhalers, cleanings spacers, CPAP cleaning and when to go and get asthma first aid.
In Leonora, a clinic was set up in the courtyard of the Leonora Community Resource Centre. Education sessions were provided to adults and children with an emphasis on not smoking or vaping. As local knowledge is essential, we worked with a local pharmacist to better understand community needs and establish referral pathways for Asthma WA’s telehealth service to support their patients ongoing.
A school staff education session on asthma first aid and child respiratory health was also facilitated at Leonora Primary School.
Our visit finished with a Goldfields Respiratory Workshop held at the Rural Medical School at Curtin University, attended by local GPs, nurses, physiotherapists and dieticians.
