Michell Stirling1
1Quality and Infection Control Royal Flying Doctor Service, Western Operations, Australia
Biography:
Michelle brings a wealth of experience and passion to her role as an IPC professional with the Royal Flying Doctor Service in Western Australia. With a Master of Public Health and a background spanning hospital care, aged care, public health and WA’s pandemic emergency response—Michelle now provides infection control expertise across a diverse range of RFDS services including aeromedical, dental, primary and industrial healthcare in some of the most remote and challenging environments in the country. Michelle offers insights into how innovation, adaptability, and collaboration help protect health in places where resources are limited but the need is great.
Abstract:
Experiencing the Challenges and Opportunities as Royal Flying Doctor Service Western Operations (RFDSWO) first dedicated infection prevention and control professional. RFDSWO provides aeromedical retrieval services for the world’s largest health jurisdiction. We provide aeromedical retrieval to even the most remote corners of WA. We also provide fly in remote GP clinics, remote dentistry, telehealth services, industrial health to remote mine explorations and gas platforms, and provision of medical chests with pharmaceuticals all over WA. We have recently also opened our first bricks and mortar GP clinic. We operate a fleet of 22 aircraft including fixed wing turboprop and jet aircraft and even helicopters and a land-based High Acuity Retrieval Vehicle. We even have a dental van. All that needs infection control expertise. Every day is different. Fantastic opportunities exist to influence infection control practice in this exciting environment.