Smoother patient journeys continue as Nurse Navigators here to stay
An exciting new funding announcement means West Moreton Health’s Nurse Navigators are here to stay.
The 17 current West Moreton Health Nurse Navigators, who help patients with complex health concerns understand their healthcare journey, will continue their crucial roles thanks to more Queensland Government funding, with another four roles to be introduced soon.
The four new roles include a complex care coordinator as well as Nurse Navigators to provide support for: urology chronic conditions, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander chronic conditions and renal chronic conditions.
Speaking today at the Nurse Navigator Showcase, Health Minister Steven Miles announced the government would fund the Nurse Navigator program ongoing.
“We created the Nurse Navigator position in 2015 - the first of its kind in Australia – and at the 2017 election we committed to employ 400 Nurse Navigators across Queensland. The position has been such a success and helped so many people, we’re now making these positions a permanent part of our healthcare delivery,” Minister Miles said.
“The Palaszczuk Government is committing to funding the program on an ongoing and recurrent basis, with an additional $116.8 million in this budget.
“Our commitment to Nurse Navigators is the largest single investment in nursing made by a State Government in Australia – an investment of $398 million from July 2015 to June 2023.”
The commitment means dedicated staff like West Moreton Health Diabetes Nurse Navigator Kay Dean can continue to work closely with patients to connect them with the healthcare they need.
“As a Nurse Navigator I advocate for patients, help them access services, and support them as they learn about their healthcare journey, which empowers them to make informed decisions about their health and wellbeing,” Ms Dean said.
“I am also privileged to work with a fantastic team of navigators who come from a diverse background and has a wealth of knowledge in each of our specialist fields.
“Having practiced in the UK and worked in many different health settings, including primary and acute care, this role has allowed me to bring together all my nursing, leadership and interpersonal skills to help people feel comfortable in the health care environment.”
Executive Director Dr Robyn Henderson said Nurse Navigators linked patients to services within West Moreton Health and between external partners including the Primary Health Network and the National Disability Insurance Agency.
“We understand the healthcare system is complex and people will often need to access care from different health providers and specialties, depending on the complexity of their individual needs,” Dr Henderson said.
“Nurse Navigators smooth the patient journey by making sure that all those care providers – from GPs, surgeons and allied health workers to community health services – are communicating effectively about the needs of their patients.
“They’ve got the experience and intimate knowledge of the health system to be able to identify a patient’s needs and link them to the most appropriate service provider either in the hospital, community or home setting.”
Dr Henderson said West Moreton Health’s Nurse Navigators provided support to patients in areas including midwifery, paediatrics, urology and prostate care and chronic conditions. A Nurse Navigator has also been appointed to support people who frequently visited the emergency department.
“This system utilises nursing to its complete capability, resulting in patients being able to access care closer to home, and stay out of hospital for longer.”
Minister Miles said the Nurse Navigator position was created to help patients who had complex health issues navigate the health system to get the best care possible.
“Imagine you’re a patient with a complex health condition, you require multiple visits to different specialists and sometimes even at different hospitals. It can be confusing during a very stressful time,” he said.
“The highly experienced Nurse Navigators play an integral role in a patient’s health care journey, ensuring they are seen by the right person, at the right time and in the right place.
“Not only do they help patients navigate the system, but they also educate them about self-managing their conditions and improving their way of life.”
Minister Miles said that since coming to Government, as at March 2019, more than 5,988 full time equivalent nurses and midwives have been employed across the state take care of sick Queenslanders.
“We’re also committing $30.7 million over 2021-22 and 2022-23 for the additional 100 midwife positions.
“We’re employing, training, protecting and supporting our nurses and midwives because we highly value them and the hard work they do for the health of the people of Queensland.”
The Palaszczuk Government is hiring more doctors, nurses and clinicians, investing in jobs today and for the future.