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Primary health care is any medical service that is provided outside the four walls of a hospital, including aged care, community health, general practice, custodial, schools and many other primary health care settings. Australia's 98,000+ primary health care nurses play a critical role in disease prevention and control to keep people healthy. They provide proactive care and health promotion to keep Australians well.
Media Release 4 March 2024
The Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA) commends the Queensland Government’s announcement of $46 million dollars in funding for four nurse-led walk in clinics to provide improved access to health care for women and girls.
APNA’s 2022 workforce survey highlights why this announcement from the Queensland Government is so crucial for better health outcomes across the community. 62% of primary health care nurses stated they never undertake women’s health checks despite having the education and training to do so. By providing easy-to-access extended-hours clinics, free of charge, more women and children will have access to crucial health care in nurse-run clinics.
Importantly, the announcement of nurse practitioner (NP) care in these new four walk-in clinics, will give easy and convenient access to experienced and trusted NPs who will be able to work to their full skills and training to provide great care within the community.
APNA looks forward to working closely with the Queensland Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Service and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman on the soon-to-be-released Queensland Women and Girls’ Health Strategy 2032.
“Access to care that keeps Australians healthier and out of hospital is enabled by health care models where nurses work to their full skills and experience,” APNA Chief Executive Officer Ken Griffin said today.
“Our healthcare system relies on highly skilled and trusted nurses to deliver care, and we commend the Qld Minister for following the lead from ACT and Tasmania by funding nurse-led clinics and look forward to the evaluation of these new clinics.”
That is why APNA is co-hosting, with the federal Assistant Minister for Health and Aged Care the Hon Ged Kearney, a breakfast in Canberra on 20 March called ‘Showcasing opportunities: Making primary health care stronger through nurse led team clinics’.
It is expected that 80 Ministers, Senators and Members of Parliament with other invited guests will hear from APNA President Karen Booth and two nurses currently working in successful nurse-led clinics in Australia and why it is time for all governments to release the full potential of highly skilled and trusted nurses.
Media contact: 0400 188 825
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 GP clinics, schools, aged care facilities, correctional facilities and in wider community settings.
For all media enquiries, please contact:
Danielle Neal
dani.neal@apna.asn.au or media@apna.asn.au
1300 303 184
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