Nurse-Led Clinics in Action: Meeting Community Needs in Tumbarumba
Roths Corner Medical Centre in Tumbarumba has demonstrated that nurse-led clinics can be successfully implemented in any community when they're designed to meet local needs and make the most of existing general practice capabilities.
Recognising a gap in chronic respiratory care, the practice established a Chronic Respiratory Management Nurse-Led Clinic with a focus on patients living with COPD, many of whom are at high risk of hospitalisation. The clinic provided a structured and supportive environment where patients received targeted education and person-centred care to empower them in managing their condition.
Key outcomes from the clinic include:
12 Nurse-Led Clinics delivered
15 patients seen over 4 dedicated sessions each, focusing on comprehensive care and health coaching
100% of patients rebooked for ongoing care
100% were referred for relevant specialist or allied health follow-up
Average time per patient: approximately 133 minutes, allowing for in-depth support and education
Practice Manager and Practice Nurse, Shae, shared that the project significantly benefited their rural community. Patients became more engaged in their health journey, built stronger relationships with their care team, and appreciated the opportunity to ask questions and feel genuinely heard.
“Participating in initiatives like the Summer Strategy gave our team the space and support to prioritise chronic disease management, from care planning and health assessments to ensuring timely allied health referrals,” said Shae. “It also meant we could rebook patients for their next visit before they walked out the door, making sure nothing fell through the cracks.”
This case demonstrates that when nurse-led clinics are tailored to the unique needs of a town and embedded within the day-to-day operations of a general practice, they can lead to meaningful improvements in patient care, continuity, and outcomes, no matter the size or location of the community.