New nurse practitioner for Western Wheatbelt
February 21st, 2012Mon 20 February, 2012
Portfolio: Health, Regional Development
- Nurse practitioner to enhance Western Wheatbelt medical services
- Six-month pilot program part of $565million SIHI funded by Royalties for Regions
An Emergency Department nurse practitioner will be based in the Western Wheatbelt for a six-month pilot program aimed at boosting emergency medical services throughout the region.
The pilot program is part of $565million Southern Inland Health Initiative (SIHI) funded by the State Government’s Royalties for Regions.
Health Minister Kim Hames said today that nurse practitioner Shirley Schoppe would bring a wealth of clinical expertise to the role and also explore how ED nurse practitioners can enhance the region’s health services.
Dr Hames said Ms Schoppe was the first emergency medicine nurse practitioner specialising in emergency medicine to be appointed as part of the SIHI. In December, a primary health nurse practitioner was employed through SIHI in partnership with the Silver Chain Nursing Association to cover the Eastern Wheatbelt.
Regional Development Minister Brendon Grylls said the SIHI nurse practitioners would provide mentorship and clinical expertise to other health professionals and work as part of a team with other registered nurses and doctors.
“The recruitment of nurse practitioners will also go a long way to enhancing the care available to people living in these regions,” Mr Grylls said.
While Ms Schoppe will initially be based at York Hospital, she will work throughout the district during the pilot to develop recommendations on how nurse practitioners can be integrated into current practice, as well as building clinical links between the district’s hospitals.
Dr Hames said nurse practitioners were registered nurses who had completed a master’s degree and their extensive clinical training allowed them to perform duties that complemented the work of GPs.
“For example, an ED nurse practitioner can perform advanced physical assessments of patients and order diagnostic tests such as X-rays,” he said.
Fact File
- SIHI, funded by Royalties for Regions, includes:
- $240million to increase health workforce, provision of health services over four years
- $325million capital works program to be implemented over five years
- Further information can be found at
Health Minister's office - 6552 5300
Regional Development Minister's office - 9213 7000