Nurse Ning combines passion and experience to reduce the long wait list

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A female nurse seated on a chair in a hospital, with medical equipment visible in the background
Nurse Practitioner Candidate Ning Chen

Ruoning (Ning) Chen has worked at PA Hospital for 18 years and says she’s proud to be part of the inspiring profession of nursing which is evident in her hardworking and humble approach to care.

Over the past year she’s worked as a Nurse Practitioner Candidate in Plastics and Reconstructive Surgery, allowing her to bridge gaps and support patients throughout their surgical journey.

“I conduct pre-operative assessments, liaise directly with anaesthetics and pharmacists, and ensure patients are optimised for surgery,” she said.

“Post-operatively, I follow patients up in clinic, reviewing histology results, managing surgical wounds, and providing scar management including silicone therapy, massage, and intralesional steroid injections.”

The outcome? Streamlined processes and improved coordination with the new nurse-led model of care enabling Ning to manage both new and review patients alongside consultants.

“I’ve also taken on minor procedures in the outpatient setting, such as ultrasonic wound debridement and skin biopsies; helping reduce the burden on theatre and allowing more timely interventions for our patients.”

Together with her fantastic team, the long-wait outpatient list has reduced by more than 57 per cent, more than 900 service events have been delivered, and access to specialist care is enhanced in a more efficient and patient-centred way.

Ning’s remarkable efforts led her to winning PA Hospital’s Nurse of the Year for Ambulatory and Outpatients Award for International Nurses Day 2025, which she said is an incredible honour.

“This award isn’t just a personal milestone, it’s a reflection of the entire Plastics Outpatient team, the mentorship of our senior medical officers and executive nursing team, and the patients who put their trust in us every day,” she said.

“Most importantly, this model has shown what nurses can achieve when we are empowered to practise at the top of our scope.

“It’s about improving outcomes, building strong collaborative relationships, and putting patients at the heart of what we do.”

Congratulations and thank you Ning, PAH is a better place because of you.