Miss Isobel Franken1, Mr Nathan Ross1
1St John Ambulance Western Australia, Belmont, Australia
Biography:
Isobel Franken is a health service leader specialising in supporting specialised nursing care and integration into industrial mine sites throughout Western Australia. A gap has been identified in ensuring work readiness and Isobel has sought out opportunities to support seamless collaborative care provision that meets industry and St John needs.
Abstract:
Background
Industrial mine sites present complex and resource-limited healthcare challenges, requiring clinicians who are not only clinically proficient but also operationally prepared. Nurses and paramedics working in these environments must integrate evidence-based practice with site-specific knowledge to ensure safe, high-quality care. However, a structured approach to onboarding remains a critical gap. Aligning workforce readiness with the National Safety and Quality Health Service (NSQHS) Standards is essential to ensuring consistency, governance, and risk management in industrial healthcare delivery.
Objective
To develop an evidence-based onboarding framework that equips healthcare professionals with the clinical, operational, and safety competencies necessary for delivering high-quality care in industrial mine sites. The program fosters workforce resilience, decision-making, and procedural confidence while aligning with NSQHS Standards.
Method
A structured onboarding framework was developed incorporating:
NSQHS-Aligned Clinical Governance – Embedding governance, safety, and quality principles into site-specific healthcare practices.
Simulation-Based Training – High-fidelity, scenario-driven exercises that replicate real-world emergency and primary healthcare.
Operational Readiness Modules – Focused education on site hazards, remote medicine protocols, emergency response coordination, and interprofessional collaboration.
Competency Assessment & Support – Structured evaluation tools, peer mentorship, and professional development strategies.
Results
implementation has demonstrated enhanced workforce preparedness, improved clinical decision-making, and increased procedural confidence. The model has strengthened governance and safety protocols, leading to improved patient outcomes.
Conclusion
This onboarding package addresses critical workforce gaps by providing a replicable framework for industry. It ensures that paramedics and nurses are equipped with the skills, governance awareness, and resilience to deliver safe and healthcare in austere environments.