APNA President appointed first Chief Clinical Adviser (Nursing) at the Australian Digital Health Agency

Media Statement: 26 August 2024

The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) welcomes the appointment of our president, Karen Booth, as the inaugural Chief Clinical Adviser (Nursing) at the Australian Digital Health Agency.

Agency CEO Amanda Cattermole PSM said Ms Booth's appointment was a significant milestone for the Agency and the digital health sector, as it augments and strengthens the Agency's clinical leadership alongside the recent appointment of Dr Amandeep Hansra as its Chief Clinical Adviser (Medicine).

"Ms Booth is an influential leader who has been advocating for the role of nurses in digital health for many years. She has been a key contributor to the advancement of digital health in the nursing profession and played a pivotal role in the future of the Australian healthcare system as a member of the Strengthening Medicare Taskforce. I am thrilled to welcome her to the Agency and look forward to her guidance and advice on how to better support the nursing workforce in the adoption and use of digital solutions," Ms Cattermole said.

Ms Booth said she was honoured and excited to join the Agency as its first Chief Clinical Adviser (Nursing) and to work alongside Dr Hansra and other clinical leaders to ensure that nurses' perspectives are included and represented in the Agency's initiatives and programs.

"I have always been dedicated to enhancing health outcomes for Australians, especially in primary and preventative care settings. Nurses play a crucial role in providing safe, high-quality, person-centred care, and I know first-hand that digital health technologies and capabilities can improve their abilities, knowledge, and practice," Ms Booth said.

Ms Cattermole said the Chief Clinical Adviser (Nursing) role will enable even greater engagement with the nursing workforce in Australia who make such a significant contribution to the health and wellbeing of Australians. 

"Ms Booth will provide us with valuable insights and guidance on how to better support nurses in the adoption of digital health," Ms Cattermole said.

Ms Booth will commence in her role on Monday, September 30th, 2024, and will serve on the Agency's Senior Executive Committee.

About the Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)

APNA represents over 96,000 primary health care nurses in Australia working outside of hospitals, including those employed in general practice, schools, aged care facilities, correctional facilities and in wider community settings.