Topic: Antenatal Shared Care

Dr Nicole Hall from Wattle Grove Family Medical Practice is committed to helping women and their families during pregnancy and the first few years of the baby’s life through her work as a GP, a GP VMO at Liverpool Hospital in high-risk obstetric care, and as co-chair of the SWSPHN/SWSLHD Antenatal Shared Care Operations Group.

How long have you been a GP and how long have you been practising in Wattle Grove/ Liverpool LGA?

I received my GP Fellowship in 2015. I was an intern and resident at Bankstown and Campbelltown Hospitals, and did a significant part of my GP training here in Wattle Grove.

When/why did you decide you wanted to become a GP?

General practice was a natural career choice for me. Even during medical school I knew I would become a GP. I love the continuity of care, getting to know patients, and feeling as though you can make a big difference in their lives.

I also love the flexibility which comes with being a GP. There are so many possible career pathways, and I have been lucky enough to explore some of these as a GP Visiting Medical Officer in obstetrics at Liverpool Hospital.

What do you love most about being a GP/what part of the job gives you the most satisfaction?

I get the most job satisfaction looking after women during pregnancy, especially if they have had difficulty falling pregnant, and then looking after them during the first few years of their baby’s life. This can be a very challenging time and I love being able to help women and their families during this time. I have also been very lucky over the years to be involved with research for stillbirth which I have found very rewarding, namely being involved in the development and roll-out of the Safer Baby Bundle.

With the obesity rates in South Western Sydney climbing, I also love helping patients with weight management, and looking at the joy on their faces when they realise how much weight they have lost and how much better their blood pressure and blood parameters are.

What is the most important thing you/your practice contributes to this community?

Wattle Grove Family Medical Practice has been around for a number of years, founded by my colleague Dr John Stanford. It is a very well-respected practice and has been helping the local community for a number of years. In particular, we spend a lot of time with defence families, who often have difficulties with medical care as they move around so much.

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I have two young children, aged five and three, who keep me busy! I love gardening, cooking, and bush walking with my children and dog.  

What do you love most about Wattle Grove/ Liverpool LGA?

Wattle Grove is such a beautiful area to work in. We have a beautiful patient base. The patients are genuinely thankful for the care we provide to them. Working at Liverpool Hospital has also been very rewarding, being able to help a patient population of socio-economic disadvantage. Helping these women is extremely rewarding. 

What advice do you give your patients about maintaining good health?

Good health has many facets to it. This includes physical health, which can be obtained by regular exercise, but also participating in activities which people enjoy. There is also the mental health aspect, and it is so important to focus on the things in your life you appreciate – spending time with friends, spending time in the outdoors. It is also important to check in with your GP if you ever feel as though your health is not as good as it could be. COVID-19 has been a very challenging time for people, and I still feel as though we are seeing the ramifications of this.

This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 7 December 2022. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.