NALHN welcomes Australia's only dedicated Pleural Nurse
15 June 2026
The Northern Adelaide Local Health Network (NALHN) has appointed Australia's only dedicated pleural nurse. This is a significant step forward in specialised respiratory care for patients across South Australia.
Julia occupies a uniquely specialised role in the healthcare landscape. Rather than working across general patient care, she just supports people with pleural disease from the moment of diagnosis through procedures, ongoing management and, when needed, end-of-life care.
"I've found it especially meaningful to support patients closely through vulnerable stages of their illness," Julia says. “Earlier intervention and dedicated support can significantly improve their experience and quality of life.”
Patients with pleural disease have complex needs that demand careful coordination. Head of Respiratory Unit, Tom, says, “Julia’s 15-plus years of experience makes her well placed to deliver the seamless, expert care these people need across the entire journey.”
Image: Julia supports people with pleural disease from the moment of diagnosis through procedures, ongoing management and, when needed, end-of-life care.
What sets Julia apart is her dual focus of advanced procedural skills with hands-on care coordination. This ensures consumers receive timely, streamlined care and can avoid unnecessary hospital visits.
Julia also works at a system level, developing clinical pathways and education to improve care more broadly. This new role will also generate opportunities for teaching and research, to expand and strengthen NALHN's pleural disease management.
Julia brings many years of experience with complex bronchoscopic procedures. This ensures NALHN is better prepared for the impacts of the National Lung Cancer Screening Program (NLCSP, a new Australian Government initiative aimed at detecting lung cancer early in high-risk, asymptomatic people).