Nurse-Led Clinics
Nurse-led clinics – Driving change in primary care
The Nurse-Led Clinics initiative empowers nurses across the Murrumbidgee to work to their full scope of practice, build advanced skills, and co-design sustainable models of care that respond directly to community needs.
Through the Summer Strategy 2024/25, 18 general practices across the region took part in delivering innovative nurse-led clinics focused on chronic disease management, prevention, and culturally responsive care. From heart health checks in Tumut, to respiratory clinics in Tumbarumba, and First Nations health clinics in Harden, the results have been outstanding:
High patient engagement and attendance rates
Increased self-referrals through strong community trust
Improved access to allied health and specialist referrals
More time for patients to feel heard, supported, and empowered in their care
Practices received funding, targeted education, and advanced training through a monthly Community of Practice (CoP), giving nurses access to resources, tools, and peer collaboration via the Basecamp Platform. This supportive network has been key to building sustainable, high-impact models of care.
What’s Next?
We’re excited to announce that the Summer Strategy 2025/26 will be launching soon with an opportunity for more practices to join. Giving practices another opportunity to innovate and deliver nurse-led solutions tailored to their community’s health needs.
For more information, contact LWYW Practice Nurse, Elise Penton at elise.penton@mphn.org.au
Boorowa Street Medical Practice has been a standout participant, launching a dedicated Diabetic Nurse-Led Clinic with a focus on foot health, a critical component of diabetes management. Over four months, the team delivered 11 targeted clinic sessions, providing ongoing assessment and education to 17 patients. Led by practice nurses Roxanne and Sue, this clinic has successfully met the specific needs of the local community through structured, evidence-based care.
Building on this momentum, Roxanne has further expanded her clinical expertise by establishing a Respiratory Clinic aimed at patients living with COPD and Asthma. This service will offer spirometry testing, diagnostic support, and targeted interventions designed to reduce hospital admissions and improve the quality of life for patients in Young and the surrounding areas.
Roxanne reflects on the journey with enthusiasm: “I found these clinics really beneficial and encourage anyone thinking about starting one to just get in and give it a go.” Her words echo the positive impact nurse-led models can have, both for patients and for the professional development of nurses themselves within the Murrumbidgee district.
A Healthy Heart, A Healthier Future: Matt's Story from Tumut
At just 30 years old, Matthew Read, a local plumber from the Tumut region, is already taking charge of his long-term health thanks to a nurse-led preventative health clinic at Tumut Family Medical Centre.
With a family history of heart disease, Matt was encouraged by his GP to attend the clinic, part of a series of Healthy Heart Clinics run in February this year. These clinics are designed to identify and address risk factors early, supporting people to take proactive steps before symptoms arise.
The clinic was led by Peta, the practice’s experienced nurse, who provided Matt with comprehensive cardiovascular risk screening and lifestyle education tailored to his individual needs.
“It was a really positive experience from start to finish,” Matt shared. “I felt supported the whole way through. I walked away with a clearer understanding of my risk factors and what I could do about them.”
The education and motivation Matt received during the clinic made a real impact. He has since made meaningful changes to his lifestyle, focusing on diet, exercise, and stress management and says he now feels not only more confident in his health but also more connected to his healthcare team.
Inspired by his own experience, Matt has become a vocal advocate for the clinic, encouraging his family members and mates in the community to attend.
“This clinic provided good education, was informative, and I’m really glad I went.”
Matt’s story is a powerful example of how nurse-led preventative health clinics can change lives, empowering individuals to act early, strengthening trust between patients and clinicians, and fostering a culture of wellbeing across the community.
Nurse-Led Clinic news
