Thirteen hospital-based staff from the Central Australia Health Service (CAHS) will this week share in nearly $10 000 worth of scholarship funds.

The scholarships of up to $750, funded by the Central Australian Hospital Private Practice Funds Administration Committee, are available to staff who have been at the hospital for 12 months or more and who are applying to undertake study that will contribute to improved health outcomes in the region.

Chair of the committee and member of the CAHS Board, Dr Christine Lesnikowski said “The funds will go towards assisting our people to complete studies in critical care, trauma, renal and perioperative nursing, as well as lactation, anaesthetics and recovery and work health and safety.”

Two staff will use their $750 scholarship funds towards the cost of attending the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Ophthalmologists (RANZCO) annual conference in Wellington.

An interest-free loan of $2000 was also offered to a nurse completing her Masters of Health Sciences – Alcohol and Other Drugs.

“When assessing applications, we determine whether the training or study matches the current priorities of the Central Australia Health Service, how the activity will contribute to improved health outcomes in the region and how staff can share their learnings on completion of the study.”

“We’re very proud to offer these opportunities allowing 13 Alice Springs-based staff and one employee at Tennant Creek Hospital learning opportunities that may have otherwise been beyond their financial reach,” Dr Lesnikowski said.

Media opportunity: 9am Thursday 11 November, conference room 1st floor Eurilpa House, top end of the Todd Mall

Media Contact: Sharon Hutton 8951 5123 or 0401 114 113