First nurse practitioner for country health program, Grylls
Author: Brendon Grylls
Published on: 08-December-2011
The first nurse practitioner to be appointed under the State Government’s $565million Southern Inland Health Initiative will work in the Eastern Wheatbelt region, Health Minister Kim Hames said today.
Dr Hames said Laura Black was a nurse practitioner with more than 30 years experience and would focus on assisting patients to manage chronic disease. The role is part of a partnership with Silver Chain Nursing Association, which has been contracted to provide the service.
“The recruitment of nurse practitioners to areas that traditionally have a limited number of doctors will go a long way in enhancing the health services and care available to people living in these regions,” Dr Hames said.
Nurse practitioners are registered nurses who have completed a masters degree at university and have extensive clinical training.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the Southern Inland Health Initiative, funded under the Liberal-National Government’s Royalties for Regions program, included a $240million investment in the regional health workforce, as well as $325million for capital works over the next five years.
“The aim of investing in the regional health workforce through nurse practitioners is to improve access to treatment, provide outreach services in rural and remote communities and provide mentorship and clinical expertise to other health professionals,” Mr Grylls said.
“They are a valuable asset and their experience and expertise allows them to perform duties that complement the work of GPs.
“Nurses do a fantastic job and have a key role in rural health, and we will provide them with higher levels of medical and Telehealth support.”
