“It’s helped me do my job better.”
When nephrology nurse practitioner Hayley Dickfos decided to strengthen her knowledge and understanding of diabetes to better support the Kimberley community, she faced one major barrier – the financial investment required.
Thanks to Rural Health West’s Health Workforce Scholarship Program (HWSP), that barrier was removed. The scholarship enabled Hayley to complete a Graduate Certificate in Diabetes Management, equipping her with the skills to support patients earlier in their disease progression and potentially prevent some from needing dialysis.
Hayley works at Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), where her role combines advanced clinical care with prevention, education and long-term health planning – a balance she believes is essential in remote healthcare settings. She supports dialysis patients while also travelling across Kimberley communities to work with people in the early stages of chronic kidney disease.
Although diabetes is not Hayley’s primary focus, she recognises the need to deepen her understanding of the condition.
Access to diabetes educators in the Kimberley is extremely limited, and many patients – particularly those receiving dialysis – struggle to access timely diabetes education.
“In the Kimberley, about 70 to 80 per cent of kidney disease is linked to diabetes compared to around 40 per cent nationally,” she said. “People are ending up on dialysis who really don’t need to be.”
“The course strengthened both my clinical understanding of diabetes and my ability to educate patients in ways that are realistic and culturally appropriate,” Hayley said.
Many of Hayley’s dialysis patients live in remote communities, meaning they must travel regularly for treatment. This can mean leaving behind family, culture and Country – something Hayley works hard to avoid wherever possible by supporting patients locally.
She regularly visits remote communities, including Fitzroy Crossing, to support people with early-stage chronic kidney disease. During these visits she works closely with patients to build understanding around lifestyle changes, medication compliance and long-term health planning.
“That part of my role is about education and stopping people from getting to the stage of needing dialysis,” she explained.
“If I can provide that education as part of my kidney role, then it makes the information more accessible, more quickly.”
While modest about her own impact, Hayley acknowledges the scholarship has helped her to better support the community she serves.
“You have to always be learning in health care, and I’ve recommended the Health Workforce Scholarship Program to a lot of people,” she said.
“The cost of my course was significant, and I wouldn’t have done it without the financial support I received.
“Unlike previous study, which had led to career progression, this qualification was about improving care rather than income.”
For Hayley, the HWSP has provided far more than financial assistance. It has enabled her to pursue education driven by community need, strengthened her confidence and capability, and helped her continue delivering care that supports the health of Kimberley communities.
The HWSP aims to provide rural health professionals with opportunities to upskill and enhance the services they provide to their communities.
Applications for HWSP open twice a year. Further information is available at ruralhealthwest.com.au/hwsp