East Otago Practitioner returns to area

One of the few nurse practitioners working in general practice in the South Island, Anne Fitzwater, has started work at the East Otago health centres at Palmerston and Waikouaiti.

Her appointment brings her full circle: she was born in Palmerston and raised in Waikouaiti.

Mrs Fitzwater works at the Palmerston Health Centre on Tuesday afternoons and on Thursday mornings and afternoons.

She will work at the Waikouaiti Health Centre on Friday mornings and afternoons.

She is one of eight nurse practitioners working in the South Island and one of very few working in general practice.

She can care for many of the conditions and problems that previously would have needed a doctor's care.

If she finds a patient or condition is beyond her knowledge or experience, she can consult one of the two doctors in the East Otago Health practice.

People on complex medications for several different conditions would be an instance where she would probably consult one of the doctors.

Patients can also be referred to a specialist if necessary.

After gaining her state registration, she studied for a masters degree in nursing and then undertook five years' practical work. She assembled a portfolio of her work and had an examination interview before qualifying as a nurse practitioner.

She developed an interest in women's health, including the sexual health of younger women, while working as a nurse practitioner at Fox Glacier on the West Coast.

At Fox Glacier, the local doctor attended the health centre for a half-day a week.

For the rest, Mrs Fitzwater was on duty five days a week and on call for seven days.

At the height of the summer visitor season, 4000 people were in the Fox area each night.

Dr Jeremy Hay, of the East Otago Health practice, said: "Mrs Fitzwater's abilities as a clinician in general practice and in the field of women's health will be valuable for the East Otago health practice."

She would also be a third person to share the work in the practice, particularly when staff were on leave or attending courses.

She was also a potential back-up for the after-hours service in East Otago, he said.

Mrs Fitzwater, who was born at the former Palmerston Cottage hospital which is now the Palmerston Health Centre, is looking forward to renewing contacts with East Otago people.