Kathleen Ryan, Nurse Navigator,
Norfolk Island Support Program, Metro North
Supporting your healthcare journey
Kath has strong clinical experience and a deep understanding of the Metro North Health System to support Norfolk Island patients who have complex healthcare needs and helps make care easier to manage with Metro North Health Services. This means we know what your health care needs are and can link you to the services that are right for you.
Kath can also help by:
- Developing care plans with you
- Being your key point of contact
- Liaising with your care providers
- Help coordinate appointments and community supports
We’ll help you understand your medical conditions and know what your options are. Kath is based in Brisbane but will travel intermittently to Norfolk Island.
Who can get help?
Our NISP Nurse Navigator cares for patients with complex health conditions who need a high level of clinical care.
This may include patients with multiple chronic illnesses, those with a high need for health services, or those who have complicated health conditions.
Our NISP Nurse Navigator is here to support people who need extra help with their health, but sometimes it might not be the right service for everyone. For example, if you’re already managing your health well on your own and feel confident understanding and navigating the healthcare system, you might not need this kind of support. Also, if you don’t feel comfortable receiving help from the NISP Nurse Navigator, that’s completely okay too – your choice is always respected.
How to get help from the NISP Nurse Navigator
If you have complex health conditions, your GP or other health provider will contact us on your behalf if you’d like them to. Unfortunately, you can’t refer yourself, but a health professional such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, NI Connect staff, Care Norfolk Staff or any other health professional can refer you to our NISP Nurse Navigator.
Your health professional will help fill out a referral form and send to our NISP Nurse Navigator on your behalf. Once we receive it, we’ll work together with them to figure out what happens next. Feel free to ask your health professional to keep you updated, so you know what’s going on every step of the way.
The NISP Nurse Navigator will begin supporting your care once a referral is accepted. Kath will continue to assist until you are feeling well, able to manage your health independently, and no longer need extra support. Even if you return to Norfolk Island, Kath can still stay involved if needed. You can choose to stop this support at any time – we will always respect your choice to withdraw consent. Kath will remain your contact for any upcoming appointments or treatments at Metro North Health Facilities if needed.
Share your experience with us
If you’ve used our NISP Nurse Navigator service, we’d really love to hear what you think. Your experience is important to us, and your feedback helps us make the service even better. By sharing your thoughts, you’re helping us improve how we support people and their families, making sure the care we provide is as helpful and accessible as possible.
To provide your valuable feedback, please share your thoughts via our Community and Oral Health feedback page. Please mention the Norfolk Island Support Program Nurse Navigator within your feedback, so we know which service you’ve received support from. Thanks for helping us improve!