The Australian College of Nursing (ACN) welcomes the Federal Government’s commitment to working with the profession to achieve best practice care in diagnosing and managing endometriosis.
“The latest investments made by the Australian Government will have a profound impact on the hundreds of thousands of women who are affected by this debilitating chronic condition,” said Australian College of Nursing CEO, Adjunct Professor Kylie Ward FACN.
“ACN is excited to collaborate with Dr Melissa Parker, Australia’s first endometriosis specialist nurse, to develop the first in-depth tertiary unit of study on the care of patients with endometriosis. This unit will then be integrated into the education of Australia’s nurses with the goal of increasing early diagnosis and improving ongoing clinical management and care.”
Minister for Health, the Hon. Greg Hunt MP, noted nurses, particularly those who work in schools, practices and communities, are ideally placed as the first port of call for women and girls who experience symptoms and are yet to be diagnosed.
“Nurses have an immense amount of knowledge and experience they can contribute to improving Australia’s health care system, but their capacity is often overlooked by policy makers. Minister Hunt is to be commended for recognising the important role nurses play in frontline health care delivery and investing in the profession to improve health outcomes for women,” said Adjunct Professor Ward.
“Working with the profession will help ensure the objectives of the National Action Plan for Endometriosis are achieved.
“Nurses are the main interface between patients and the health system. It is essential the profession is equipped to care for Australians as health concerns, conditions and demands change.”