28 October 2013

On behalf of APNA, I would like to extend our thoughts to those affected by the devastating bushfires still burning across NSW and the ACT. The impact of these bushfires affect lives and whole communities and recovery can be slow and very difficult for many. It is a timely reminder for all of us of the importance of utilising the resources available to assist with disaster preparedness or to assist with recovery. Please read further for links to these resources.

Over the last week I have been  delighted to announce, on behalf of Board and staff, that APNA is partnering with the Australian Medicare Local Alliance to jointly deliver the Nursing in General Practice (NiGP) Program over the next two years.

This exciting new partnership offers an opportunity to support and build the capacity of our vital primary health care nursing workforce. The program of work aligns with and will help achieve APNA’s strategic vision of a healthy Australia through best practice primary health care nursing. At APNA we look forward to beginning this new phase of support and service delivery to frontline nurses, and we believe by expanding opportunities for nurses in primary health care the outcome will be better health care for the Australian community.

Your thoughts are very welcome at president@apna.asn.au.

14 October 2013

APNA continues to advocate nationally, to promote the fact that Registered and Enrolled Nurses are very much the backbone of primary health care and in particular general practice in Australia. APNA works hard to ensure the primary health care nursing profession remains valued and respected for the significant, perfectly positioned army of health professionals that we are.

APNA’s representation and advocacy for primary health care nursing is dependent upon active participation by members nationally in many forums. APNA also vigilantly monitors the Australian primary health care environment, research and media and provides timely responses to support evidence, correct misconceptions and provide alternative views and options.

Most recently APNA responded to the Grattan Institute’s Access all areas report published last week which raised valid concerns about our rural and remote primary health care workforce shortages, but came to the wrong conclusions about the answers to these problems.

Please see the APNA media release Grattan Institute report overlooks the obvious.

Your thoughts are very welcome at president@apna.asn.au.