Occupation
Program Manager/Clinical Care Coordinator at GP down South and Registered Nurse/Child Health Nurse.
What are your professional interests/specialties?
Preventative health is my primary interest, especially for those already experiencing chronic health issues. Due to the complexities of our health system its often difficult for people to navigate, especially if you or your family have a condition that impacts general daily tasks. Provision of care coordination around engaged services, on behalf of a client, assists to alleviate an enormous load and thus allows them to focus on the important aspects of their health journey. It also increases efficiency within the health system as delays to access can have significant consequences to clients. Primary health care enables sustainable health outcomes.
Tell us, where are you from and how did you get to be a Clinical Care Coordinator the South West region?
I am originally from the Warren Blackwood area, however I spent many years working and travelling in various parts of Australia, working in many different industries. I returned to WA in late 2011 and completed my nursing studies at ECU South West Campus in 2014; I then moved to Kalgoorlie to complete a graduate nurse program within Kalgoorlie Health campus. After consolidating my clinical skills within the hospital setting I returned to Bunbury in 2017 and commenced a position in primary health within an NGO space and completed further training in Child and Family Health. It was during this time that I established my interest in chronic health management and developed the organisations portfolio for child chronic health care. It was then a natural progression to utilise these skills more rurally, in an area in with high levels of chronic health and low access to services, through GP down south’s new chronic health care program.
What do you love about the South West?
The south west is where I grew up so its always been close to my heart, regardless of where I have lived. I love the landscape and the diverse range of communities within it, and still have family and friends within the area. I’m also enjoying the cooler temperatures!
Did you always want to be a Nurse? Why?
I studied to be a nurse while I was in my 30s so I came late to the profession, however I have always been interested in preventative health. Due to my years travelling around Australia I was often living in areas that were quite remote so tertiary study was not as accessible as it is today with online delivery. When I returned to the southwest I chose nursing as I felt it provided a good foundation for health knowledge and enables, depending on the area you work, client focused continuity of care.
What are your passions?
Sustainable living, social justice, and the environment.
When you aren’t working, where will we find you?
Most likely in the garden, reading a book, walking my dogs, or doing some sort of craft.
