Great news for the New England region, with four new nurse practitioners finishing their orientation before joining the communities of Gunnedah, Glen Innes, and Bingara from next week.
Nationals Minister for Regional Health Bronnie Taylor said these highly skilled nursing professionals are able to operate autonomously and collaboratively to treat people with highly complex and chronic health conditions.
“Nurse practitioners are able to request diagnostic investigations, prescribe medicines and receive referrals – a vital backup in communities where it’s a challenge to attract doctors,” Mrs Taylor said.
“They are such a huge asset in our regional communities,” she said.
Nationals Member for Tamworth Kevin Anderson has welcomed the two new nurse practitioners who will be working at Gunnedah Hospital.
Mr Anderson said the nurse practitioners would be a big boost to the hospital workforce and provide a high level of care for patients from across the Gunnedah Shire
“These nurse practitioners bring expert knowledge, advanced specialised education and diagnostic skills to our communities, and, from talking to our health workers, I know that the leadership of these highly skilled nurses will be incredibly valuable,” Mr Anderson said.
“We are delivering on our commitment to boost our region’s health workforce. The redeveloped Gunnedah Hospital will need additional staff and I look forward to continuing to work with the Regional Health Minister Bronnie Taylor on what more can be done to boost that workforce.”
The employment of nurse practitioners across local health districts in rural facilities is an emerging model in NSW, to improve access to health services. NSW Health employs more than 280 nurse practitioners across the state.
