Northern Health’s Vicki Malamatinas is the first plastic and reconstructive surgery nurse practitioner in the state.
Ms Malamatinas said the role was “an exciting and a wonderful opportunity in providing specialised care.”
“I get to work within this specialty, which I have been passionate about for as long as I have been at Northern Health – 17 years. I have always loved plastic and reconstructive surgery.”
“It had its challenges in the beginning, as I had to develop my own pathway in terms of setting up the role and scope of practice, as there wasn’t another nurse practitioner in this specialty to obtain guidance from.”
In the two years she has been in the role, Ms Malamatinas has seen over 200 patients that required plastic surgery intervention.
Surgery divisional director Dennis Gyomber said it was a “fantastic achievement” by Ms Malamatinas.
“It also demonstrates the drive and innovation of the Plastic Surgical Unit and the Division of Surgical Nursing Services, to advance and improve the delivery of plastic surgical care to our community,” Mr Gyomber said.
“Vicki will not only play her part in improving plastic surgical care, but I believe she will become a role model for others to become Nurse Practitioners.”
Operations surgical inpatient wards acting director Amanda Paleologos said: “This is truly an indication of her dedication to the nursing profession and her patients. She is an asset to the team here at Northern Health and supports nursing and medical staff alike in the treatment and care of complex patients.”
