Australia's nursing and midwifery bodies have called on the federal government and the opposition to back a $500 million program for nurse-led clinics across the country.Â
Unlocking the full scope of nursing skills, including allowing some to provide specialist referrals, would help patients access healthcare in rural and regional areas where GPs are in short supply.
Revealing a seven-point wish list at Parliament House in Canberra on Friday, the groups say the changes would make the healthcare system more efficient, with a minimal hit to the federal budget.
Labor and the coalition have also been urged to work with state and territory governments to allow registered nurses to prescribe approved medications under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme.
Nurse practitioners, qualified RNs, and endorsed midwives should further be authorised to order diagnostic tests such as mammograms and X-rays.
Australian College of Nursing chief executive Kathryn Zeitz said nurse-led clinics deliver high-quality, cost-effective care across a range of services.
"It's time for Australia to fully embrace nurse-led care as an essential component of our healthcare future," she said.
"Research consistently demonstrates these clinics reduce hospital admissions, improve patient outcomes, and increase access to care, particularly in under-served communities."
Melissa Freeman, clinical nurse specialist and managing director of the nurse-led Port Macquarie Wound Care Clinic, opened her centre in 2019 after more than two decades working in anaesthetics and emergency departments.
She said her team of almost 30 healthcare professionals had been able to offload pressure from the local hospital.
"We want practitioners working up to their full scope of practice to pick up the slack and help GPs do their work effectively, and cut down wait times," Ms Freeman said.
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