Cancer patients in New England can expect a faster, more personal service with the appointment of a nurse practitioner in the Armidale Hospital oncology unit.
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It is a massive win for the hospital, who has pushed for years to create the position.
Former McGrath Breast Care Nurse Helen Goodall started in her new role on Monday and said her appointment should cut patient wait times.
"Now, patients will have someone they can see whenever they have a problem, " she said.
A nurse practitioner is a registered nurse educated and authorised to function autonomously in an extended clinical role.
Armidale hospital has no full-time oncologist, so in Armidale, Ms Goodall will be the go-to person for cancer-related problems.
“When people come to the clinic, if they have a problem, they get to see me straight away,” Ms Goodall said.
“They oncologist comes every second week but if the clinic is full they have to wait.
“Now they don’t have to wait."
Local GPs will also benefit from Ms Goodall’s expertise.
“Any GP that is unsure of what they might need to get a diagnosis ... now they have someone here,” she said.
Patients in the surrounding towns of Glen Innes and Inverell will also benefit with the hospital planning to run clinics in the future.
The position also gives nursing staff in the region an opportunity to expand their professional goals.
“It’s huge in the hospital world,” Ms Goodall said. "And it’s a big win for nursing.”