Community health front of mind at Richmond Health Service

A new community health nurse has joined the Richmond Health Service to enhance community health for the rural town.

 Amber Ali packed up life in Brisbane to relocate to Richmond with her family to take up the role.

 “Richmond wasn’t on my radar and I had no idea where it was prior to this but I decided to give it a go because I wanted to experience country life,” she said.

 Amber said it was the diversity of community health nursing that attracted her attention.

 “Community health nurses help to prevent illness, promote health across the lifespan and identify barriers to healthy lifestyles and general wellness,” she said.

 “The community nurse undertakes child health, adult health, chronic disease care, wound care, palliative care, preventative health clinics, immunisation and liaison between acute and community care services.

 “A community nurse also coordinates referral pathways, supports tele-health reviews and provide in home visits.”

 Originally from New Zealand, Amber has a background in paediatric and adolescent mental health in New Zealand working at Starship Children’s Hospital for four years.

 “I also worked at Princess Alexandra Hospital in haematology and oncology giving chemotherapy, stem cell transplants and supports XRT therapy,” she said.

 Amber said Richmond had been vastly different to Brisbane.

 “Since moving here we’ve learned about flash flooding and that driving a four-wheel drive is trickier than we thought,” she said.

 “The roads are the longest, straightest roads I have ever seen, the gidgee bugs drive me to absolute distraction.

 “It is really beautiful here though and so amazing to see how quickly the rain turns the fields green and the sunsets are something you just can’t get in the city.”

 Richmond Health Service director of nursing Judy Brown said it was a delight to welcome Amber to the health service.

 “Richmond Health Service is a great place to work and it can be incredibly rewarding,” she said.

 “I know that Amber will be a great asset to our community and that the role of community health nurse will be well-received.”

 Get in touch with the community health nurse by calling 4741 6100 or contact 0427 150 664.