A nationally recognised expert in renal nursing dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of clients with chronic kidney disease living in Cape York has been named the 2021 HESTA Nurse Practitioner of the Year.

Dr Leanne Brown, a Nurse Practitioner for Cape York Kidney Team, in Queensland, was announced the winner over the weekend at the Australian College of Nurse Practitioners’ (ACNP) annual Awards.

Leanne completed her PhD in Chronic Kidney Disease and in 2019 received the Emerging Researcher Award by Palliative Care Queensland.

According to colleagues, she is always working hard to improve the health and wellbeing of clients with chronic kidney disease living in Cape York.

“She has improved how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island clients access kidney care and has improved education,” they said.

On receiving the award, Dr Brown acknowledged the traditional owners of the land where she lives and work, and gave them credit “because they have welcomed me into their communities and into their homes and shared cultural knowledge and trust so that I can help them with their healthcare”.

ACNP President Leanne Boase praised Dr Brown’s work and the broader NP community. Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses who have authority to practice independently and collaboratively in an expanded clinical role.

“Nurse Practitioners (NPs) deliver high quality healthcare in metropolitan, regional and rural areas throughout Australia,” Ms Boase said.

“The last couple of years have presented NPs with even greater challenges within their communities, and it is wonderful to see Leanne, a remote Nurse Practitioner, recognised for her incredible work, leadership, research and sharing of knowledge, with the goal to deliver healthcare improvements for patients with chronic kidney disease.”

There are now over 2,200 endorsed Nurse Practitioners (NPs) in Australia, and this year, Nurse Practitioners celebrate their 21st year anniversary of practicing in Australia.