Page 429 - Week 02 - Tuesday, 14 February 2017

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I saw that the health hub also contains a range of private clinics, meaning that the public is able to access a range of health services in a single location, as well as providing opportunities for student placements.

I walked away from my tour of the new medical radiation science lab and the health hub very impressed. UC health students are being given incredible opportunities to access world-class facilities and to participate in innovative programs to stretch and develop their skills.

Canberra is growing, meaning increased demands on our health system. The expanding health faculty and health precinct at UC are examples of how these needs are being met locally to the benefit of the community, health professionals and students.

Nurse Practitioners Day

MR STEEL (Murrumbidgee) (5.16): In December I had the great privilege of participating in the five-kilometre bridge-to-bridge walk around Lake Burley Griffin to celebrate Nurse Practitioners Day. It was an opportunity to recognise our ACT nurse practitioners and their contribution to the Canberra healthcare system,. It is a growing role.

Nurse practitioners are health professionals who are trained to a master’s degree level. They are able to function autonomously in a clinical setting. They work collaboratively with other health professionals in a range of areas and are a vital part of our healthcare system. I would like to express my appreciation for the valuable contribution that they make to our city.

The ACT chapter of members of the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners came together to participate in the bridge-to-bridge walk to celebrate the achievements of nurse practitioners with the message, “Nurse practitioners, a prescription for your choice in health care.”

The ACT government is committed to ensuring that nurse practitioners are a strong and active part of our healthcare system. During the election, Labor announced $9.8million in funding for 39 more nurse practitioner roles in the ACT in a wide range of areas across our healthcare system, including palliative care and our nurse-led walk-in centres.

Labor also committed to ensure that there are more opportunities for training with a new nurse practitioner course at the University of Canberra and more nurse scholarships as well as more graduate opportunities. Nurse practitioners also play an important role in our nurse-led walk-in centres.

Since the Tuggeranong nurse-led walk-in centre opened, over 33,000 Canberrans have been treated. Labor committed to build a new nurse-led walk-in centre at Weston Creek to service the southside community. They provide advice and treatment for minor illness and minor injuries at no cost. This initiative was brought in to reduce pressure on the Canberra Hospital and offers fast and successful health care.


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