Page 2431 - Week 07 - Tuesday, 30 July 2019
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The most common presentations reported by nurses in Gungahlin were common colds, laceration wounds, sore throat conditions and ear conditions.
Mr Assistant Speaker, our nurses and nurse practitioners are incredibly skilled. They bring professionalism and expertise to our health system. Registered nurses work as part of a team alongside other skilled professionals, such as doctors, specialty nurses, therapists and surgeons. They play an incredibly versatile role and have responsibilities that include performing diagnostic tests, administering medication, creating a treatment plan, as well as assisting in operations and post-operative care. It is hard work.
To become a registered nurse in Australia, you need to complete a Bachelor of Nursing, which usually takes three years and is done alongside practical clinical training. In order to become a nurse practitioner, you need to obtain a relevant master’s degree and have at least three years of advanced practical training. To say that a mother with a packet of bandaids and a bottle of antiseptic is the same as the level of care provided by nurses in our health system is utterly disrespectful to our health workforce.
Mrs Dunne’s comments that a lot of the stuff that people come to the nurse-led walk-in centre for were once upon a time dealt with by a mum with a packet of bandaids and a bottle of Betadine diminishes the nurses in our community who have studied and practised for years. The comments from Mrs Dunne demonstrate again that the Canberra Liberals have continued to show that they have nothing to offer except negativity.
It is incredibly disappointing to see the Canberra Liberals denigrate thousands of hardworking men and women in our health workforce. I am disappointed that we have to point out that the Canberra Liberals are disrespecting our health workforce time and again in this place. The Canberra Liberals seem to have missed the point of nurse-led walk-in centres. Nurse-led walk-in centres are there to provide fast and affordable health care to Canberrans, which assists in the cost of living for families and Canberrans while reducing pressure on our hospitals.
Unlike Mrs Dunne, we understand the value of nurses in our community. I have my own story about a nurse who is a good friend of mine and who has also treated some of my family members. My nurse, Georgia, is someone who has treated me for years. In her role she has provided me with medical advice, assisted in writing health plans for me and hassles me to get a check-up every six months, for which I am grateful. I also share a birthday with her son. Every year when her son gets a year older she says that she is reminded of me.
I believe that everyone has a comparable story about a nurse who tended to them at some stage in their life. Georgia is just one example of a nurse who has used her skills to improve the health of Canberrans. Nurses provide professional expertise but they also lend a supporting hand. We know the amazing work that they do for the health of our cities.
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