A unique new clinic is looking to ease pressure on South Coast GPs and hospital emergency departments.
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Nurse practitioner Jodie Cameron has just opened her own clinic, Headland Health, in Merimbula.
She said the services she provided would be a boon for regional patients finding it difficult to get an appointment with overworked GPs.
It would also relieve pressure on hospital emergency departments dealing with minor issues as people struggled to see a GP.
Jodie was one of the first involved in the nurse practitioner model in South East Regional Hospital's emergency department.
She said it was designed to help fast track service for those with minor injuries and illnesses, freeing up the doctors for the more acute treatments.
Nurse practitioners have a Masters level education and work at an advanced clinical level.
They can diagnose and treat patients within the scope of their particular specialty.
They can also prescribe medication and make referrals to other treatment services.
Their endorsement entitles them to access Medicare rebates and the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS) on behalf of their patients.
Jodie was endorsed as a nurse practitioner in 2009. She specialises in emergency and primary health care.
She has worked as a nurse practitioner in Vancouver, remote Australian Indgenous communities, as a FIFO worker in Queensland mines - and on board the Sea Shepherd ocean wildlife protection ship.
"That was fabulous - it seemed so cool at the time," Jodie said of her time "bobbing around" off the coast of New Zealand.
Jodie has now lived in the Sapphire Coast area for 11 years and was acutely aware of the lack of GPs across the Bega Valley and Eurobodalla.
"I know the limitations. GPs do what they can, but it's hard to get in to see a GP or a specialist," she said.
"It's not just here either.
"I knew I could provide more of a service...it's something I've been trying to achieve for a number of years.
"There are no other services in the area providing what I offer."
Jodie said she can provide care for minor illnesses and injuries, sexual health and family planning consultations, medical certificates and referrals to services like pathology and radiology.
She can also support people as they await specialist appointnents, or require assistance prior to surgery.
"My goal is to take pressure off the emergency department and GPs," she said.
"I have experience and knowledge of what needs acute help.
"Any obvious acute matters like fractures or head trauma are straight to hospital.
"But a lot of people don't realise how sick they can be."
Search for Headland Health on Facebook and Instagram, or contact Jodie Cameron on 0490 918 678 to book an appointment.
Headland Health is located at 1/6 Alice St in Merimbula.
Ben Smyth
Twice weekly
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