Lack of GP support for practice nurse conference 'frustrating'.

NEARLY 200 practice nurses attended the conference of the College of Practice Nurses NZNO in New Plymouth last month. But speaking after the conference, convenor Debra Turner expressed frustration at many GPs' lack of support for their practice nurses to attend. "While some practices were supportive, eg there were six nurses from one practice in Masterton and the Rural GP Consortium in Northland enabled its practice nurses to attend, many GPs told their practice nurses the practice could not afford to send them to the conference. It really frustrates me. Nurses work hard and earn money for doctors and it is not a lot of money to attend the conference. And nurses always return to their work feeling so motivated."

Turner said all conference speakers were of a high calibre and described the first Maori nurse practitioner (NP) Janet Maloney-Moni's presentation as brilliant. "She told of her journey from enrolled nurse to NP, as well as some cases she has dealt with. She was really inspiring."

Other nursing speakers included New Plymouth based nurse and midwife Mary Sylvester, who looked at workplace bullying and avenues for action under the new Health and Safety in Employment Act. She made particular reference to the role of the practice nurse and the NP in an environment where the nurses are employed by GPs. One of New Zealand's first mental health charge nurses Karl Puloto-Endemann, gave a presentation on cultural and sexual safety.

Keynote speakers were former GP Sven Hansen, who presented research on how the brain, body and emotions interact; Inglewood GP Diane Jones, who spoke of changes in general practice over the years and the value of practice nurses; and research manager in the Family Planning Association's northern region and a senior lecturer in women's health at Auckland Unviersity's School of Medicine, Helen Roberts, who spoke on the most recent research into the effects of hormone replacement therapy and of alternative treatments for menopause.

Taranaki District Health Board cardiologist Ian Ternouth presented an update on the care of patients with cardiac failure. This included a study in which nurses played a major role and which reinforced his belief that nurse clinics for those with chronic illnesses such as ischemic heart disease, diabetes and asthma, were the key to reducing hospital admissions and improving patient outcomes.

Rotorua chiropractors John Funnell and Margi Bishop-Funnell, presented a case study on their successful treatment of a boy with eneuresis and encopresis.

The college's awards for service were presented to at the the conference dinner. The Ginny Hinton Tall Poppy Award was presented to Ros Rowarth from Rotorua. Service awards for the college were presented to Cathryn Henty from Tai tokerau; Jane Lane, Rotorua and Julie Cowley from Tauranga.

Next year's conference is in Hamilton.