Cohuna District Hospital (CDH) has appointed its first nurse practitioner. The role will be undertaken by Heather Spence OAM, who has been working at the hospital since 1985.

As a nurse practitioner, Heather will work collaboratively with the nurses and doctors at the hospital providing expert clinical care, and can prescribe medication, order investigations and refer patients to other clinical specialists.

CEO of CDH, Bernadette Loughnane, says the hospital is privileged to have someone of Heather’s calibre on its team and serving the community. “Heather’s appointment as Nurse Practitioner is a historic day for CDH’s journey of commitment to excellence in rural healthcare,” Bernadette said. 

“This delivers on our strategic priorities and commitment to enhance the experience and health outcomes of our community and to enable our workforce capability and capacity so that they can work to their fullest scope of practice.”

Since starting at the hospital 39 years ago, Heather has been a midwife, registered nurse and a clinical educator. The nurse practitioner degree was completed while balancing her full-time shift work over three years.

“CDH congratulates Heather Spence OAM, RN, RM, NP on her appointment as our inaugural Nurse Practitioner,” Bernadette continued, “Heather is well known in our community and across the nursing profession.”