Skip to content
Community, Medical Health Aged Care

Celebrating Northern Sydney Nurses: Sydney North Health Network Highlights the Vital Role of Primary Care

Sydney North Health Network 3 mins read
  • Media:

Nurses are often associated with hospitals, but in the heart of our communities, it's the primary care nurses who are the unsung heroes of healthcare. Across Australia there are approximately 98,000+ primary care nurses who play a critical role in disease prevention and support individuals and families through everyday health challenges. 

From wound management and vaccinations to performing diagnostic screenings, blood tests, and providing triage, primary care nurses are fundamental to the wellbeing of our local communities. They are the first line of defence, ensuring patients receive the care they need in a timely and accessible way. 

This Primary Care Nurses Day (February 5th), Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) is proud to celebrate the invaluable work of primary care nurses across the region. The importance of primary care is often overlooked, but these nurses truly make a difference by building lasting relationships with patients and empowering them to live healthier lives. 

One of the key programs supporting nurses in the region is SNHN’s Nurse Transition Program, which offers nurses new to primary care a 12-month training position within a general practice setting. The program has seen over 80 nurses successfully transition into primary care, benefiting from mentorship and tailored training. Kerry McBride, Coordinator of the Nurse Transition Program, knows firsthand the value of Primary Care nursing. She started as a new graduate on the program herself. 

“For primary care nurses, every day is about building relationships with patients and supporting them on their health journeys. I love teaching and supporting nurses to achieve their best and watching them blossom with guidance and support. I'm proud to be part of a program that nurtures and supports nurses and enables the best outcomes for patients. It’s humbling to work with such a dynamic and passionate team at SNHN as well as all the nurses across the Northern Sydney Region. Primary Care nurses are at the forefront of healthcare but are often underutilised. As the Nurse Co-ordinator I have the privilege to guide and mentor and to help nurses find their voices.” 

SNHN also provide a range of support to nurses in the northern Sydney region including, educational resources. Nurse Network meetings are hosted monthly and keep local nurses up to date with the latest practices, ensuring they can deliver the best possible care to our local community. 

Registered Nurse Rebecca Cromer works on SNHN’s GPs in Schools Program, a unique Health Literacy program for high school students delivered by GPs and Primary Care nurses in the classroom. She reflects on the rewarding nature of a career in nursing: 

“I have always been compelled to help people, and I always knew that I wanted to be a nurse. Nursing can be very fulfilling and there are so many different paths you can take. Now, there is a movement toward partnership in the nurse/patient relationship and nurses are valued as professionals in their own right. We are an integral part of a multidisciplinary team.’  

The work of primary care nurses is vital to the future of healthcare. Their dedication to the health and wellbeing of their communities is something worth celebrating every day, not just on Primary Care Nurses Day. 

If you’re a Primary Health Care professional who lives or works in the northern Sydney region, become a Sydney North Health Network Member to get access to member only education events and much more. Visit https://sydneynorthhealthnetwork.org.au/about-us/membership/ 

1 APNA https://www.apna.asn.au/profession/what-is-primary-health-care-nursing#:~:text=Australia's%2098%2C000%2B%20primary%20health%20care,promotion%20to%20keep%20Australians%20well.&text=What%20is%20primary%20health%20care%20nursing%3F,-apnanurses   

 

 

About us:

ABOUT: Sydney North Health Network www.snhn.org.au

The Northern Sydney Primary Health Network, operated by the Sydney North Health Network – a not-for-profit organisation – is one of 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) established by the Australian Government to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for the community. Our focus is on patients who are at risk of poor health outcomes. We work to improve the coordination of their care, so they receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

Contact details:

communications@snhn.org.au

More from this category

  • Medical Health Aged Care
  • 25/02/2025
  • 11:49
Dementia Australia

Canberra show their support for people impacted by dementia

Canberra community members turned up in force last weekend, showing their support for people impacted by dementia whilst getting active to improve their brain health. Participating in the 2025 Memory Walk & Jog at Lake Burley Griffin, more than 1,500 people walked, ran and jogged to raise an impressive total of $240,000. Dementia Australia CEO Professor Tanya Buchanan extended her gratitude to all who participated, raised funds, spread the word and donated. “There was an outstanding show of support from the Canberra community who turned out in such large numbers yet again in support of people impacted by dementia,” Professor…

  • Contains:
  • Defence, Medical Health Aged Care
  • 25/02/2025
  • 11:25
Charles Darwin University

Battle-ready medical drones to join Army’s ranks

A new drone delivery project led by Charles Darwin University (CDU) will aim to revolutionise healthcare in modern warfare. The project, led by the…

  • Contains:
  • Community, Medical Health Aged Care
  • 25/02/2025
  • 10:44
Health Services Union

Failure to overturn Cootamundra Pathology Lab Closure results in 24-hour strike

Failure to overturn Cootamundra Pathology Lab Closure results in 24-hour strike Pathology workers at Young Hospital will strikeover the NSW Government’s decision to close theCootamundra Pathology Lab. The industrial action is part of an ongoing dispute over pathology services in theMurrumbidgee region. All staff members at the Young Pathology Lab are expected to take part, and will be joined by representatives from the Health Services Union and the local Member forCootamundra, Steph Cooke. When theCootamundra Pathology Lab closes, the workload is expected to be absorbed by the Young Pathology Lab, which is already at capacity. “Our members take their jobs…

Media Outreach made fast, easy, simple.

Feature your press release on Medianet's News Hub every time you distribute with Medianet. Pay per release or save with a subscription.