Western Australia's top nurses to boost health services in the Great Southern

20/10/01
Great Southern residents will have access to nurses with advanced skills and the ability to prescribe certain medications and order blood tests and x-rays under a State Government plan for the nursing profession.
Health Minister Bob Kucera said as many as 28 remote communities would benefit from State Cabinet's decision to draft legislation that formally recognised the extended role of nurse practitioners in Western Australia.
"We expect that this legislation will breathe new life into the nursing profession and the health sector as a whole," he said.
"This is an important new role for nursing and offers nurses increased incentives to further their careers.
"Many remote area nurses already provide advanced care due to sheer necessity and this legislation will ensure that those nurses are formally recognised for the work they do."
Mr Kucera said nurse practitioners would be able to work in advanced practice roles in many health care settings, including aged care, rural health services and remote nursing posts.
He said when doctors were not available, nurse practitioners would be able to prescribe medication and order blood tests and x-rays.
"This will save an enormous amount of time and allow staff to see and care for patients in a more efficient and timely manner," the Minister said.
Mr Kucera said the opportunity to undertake further studies had great appeal for many nurses because a lack of career development options was one of the main reasons given by nurses for leaving the profession.
"Nurses with advanced skills will be given the opportunity to undertake post-graduate qualifications in order to take on the role of nurse practitioner," he said.
"This is not something which will only help in the short-term, rather it is a step towards a long-term solution."
Mr Kucera said there were two communities in the Great Southern that stood to benefit from the new legislation - Bremer Bay and Lake Varley.
Nurses and other members of the public who require more information about nurse practitioners can access the new website http://www.nursing.health.wa.gov.au
"Nurses, or members of the public, can access the website for information on what is happening in professional nursing, reports and outcomes, scholarship information and job opportunities," Mr Kucera said.
Media Contact: Fran Robb (08) 9213 7000