Nurses take a lead role

A NURSE-LED health clinic with a focus on mental health and substance abuse will provide a new model of care to Geelong patients.

Pritchard Health, in Highton, is the first facility of its kind in Geelong and one of only a handful of nurseled clinics across the country.

Nurse practitioners have extended qualifications that permit them to prescribe medication, refer to specialists, undertake blood investigations and X-rays, and provide diagnosis.

Lead nurse practitioner Sian Pritchard, a former Barwon Health employee, said her team could provide care or early intervention for people with mental health illnesses ranging from mild anxiety or depression to those with life-long psychotic illnesses, such as schizophrenia and bipolar.

“We collaborate extensively with GP’s across the region and we link very well with other organisations and that co-ordinated care is very much appreciated (by clients),” Ms Pritchard said.

“They feel very supported when there is a team as opposed to them going to the GP, who doesn’t talk to the psychologist, who doesn’t talk to the cardiologist, and so on.”

Where required, the nurse practitioners may also attend GP or specialist appointments with the client to ensure lines of communication are open, all those involved have the same information, and a co-ordinated approach can be established.

“It’s about trying to support people recovering from mental illness by supporting their social, physical and psychological wellbeing,” Ms Pritchard said.

The practice owner was successful in tendering to Western Victoria Primary Health Network for funding to help ensure the care provided is affordable, if not free.

Patients do not require a referral to make an appointment at the nurse-led clinic, adding to the affordability and accessibility.

The Roslyn Rd clinic is celebrating its official opening today.