Ramsay Newsroom

“This is an important milestone for JHC and the local community that will support early diagnosis, secondary prevention and assist with stroke education and research,” said Professor Kevin O’Connor, JHC Deputy Director of Medical Services. “The introduction of NP-led outpatient clinics will also improve access to timely follow-up care and help reduce delays for patients awaiting outpatient review.”

Australian NPs require a master’s degree, at least 5,000 hours of advanced clinical practice, and endorsement by the Nursing and Midwifery Board of Australia.

JHC has appointed two permanent NPs, including Mercy Chimurambi, who said the additional clinical leadership will improve patient experiences and support better outcomes.

“We provide an important link between nursing and medical care, helping to streamline patient management and coordinate their care more efficiently. In a fast-paced acute environment, we can help with complex decision-making, improve workflow, and ensure that treatment algins with evidence-based practice,” she said.

The Stroke Service at JHC comprises an inpatient ward and outpatient clinics for medical and allied health appointments. Patients have access to on-site CT and MRI scans as well as rehabilitation services through a co-located functional training unit and gymnasium. A multi-disciplinary team meet weekly to coordinate patient care.

Earlier this year the hospital was one of 15 health services across the country to be granted funding from the Australian Stroke Alliance to engage an after-hours Clinical Nurse Coordinator, providing senior-level nursing for stroke patients presenting to the hospital’s Emergency Department and supporting the timely transfer of patients from other sites to JHC for rehabilitation.

Mercy said she feels proud to be part of an important step forward for stroke care in WA.

“Stroke patients often require highly specialised and time-critical care, so being able to contribute at an advanced practice level and help shape the future of stroke services is both a privilege and a responsibility”.