Lis McKerracher appointed NT Health’s Katherine-based health promotion school nurse

After the role sat vacant for four years, NT Health has finally found a nurse to provide immunisation services to Katherine’s eight schools, as well as helping to combat a vaping crisis at the town’s two high schools.

Lis McKerracher is NT Health's new Katherine-based health promotion school nurse. Picture: Supplied

After the role sat vacant for four years, NT Health has finally appointed a nurse to provide immunisation services to Katherine’s eight schools, as well as lend a hand in cracking down on a vaping crisis at the town’s two high schools.

Lis McKerracher, who formerly worked a long stint at Katherine Hospital as a registered nurse and midwife, before taking a career break when she became a mother, was appointed to the role of health promotion school nurse in May.

Ms McKerracher, who is also the president of the Katherine Tennis Club among various other hats she wears in the community, has responsibility for delivering the school immunisation program at both government and non-government schools, as well as hosting sessions on topics as diverse as consent, the effects of vaping, mental health, washing hands, puberty and sex education.

Lis McKerracher is NT Health's new Katherine-based health promotion school nurse. Picture: Supplied

Before the long-term absence of a nurse, the role was formerly based solely at Katherine High School, but Ms McKerracher is now based at the Katherine Community Health Centre.

She said there had been an enormous amount of groundwork in her first months in the role, with getting a consistent school immunisation program for years 7 and 9 back up and running an early priority.

“NT Health run the vaccination program for years 7 and 9, but because there was no one in my role, vaccinations have been done but there was no follow up for those who haven’t been,” she said.

“I’ve done a big review of students in years 7–12 and am chasing up everyone who hasn’t been immunised.

“Unfortunately there’s a huge number, so I’m playing catch up.”

St Joseph's Catholic College Katherine is one of eight schools in the township that will benefit from the appointment of Ms McKerracher. Picture: Alex Treacy

Now the immunisation program is back on track, Ms McKerracher said she was increasingly able to focus on building relationships with local schools and students, and delivering informative talks and activities.

“Kids initially just saw me as the immunisation person, so it’s been nice coming in and doing fun things with them rather than just jabbing them,” she said.

“Establishing relationships with the each of the school groups is a big thing at the moment, getting it out there with teachers that I am there to help them with student health.”

Ms McKerracher has already delivered a number of sessions with Katherine High School, most recently an R U OK? Day event with years 7 and 8, and a session on sexting with the year 9s.

New Katherine health promotion school nurse Lis McKerracher has already delivered a number of sessions at Katherine High School. Picture: Alex Treacy

She also delivered correct handwashing demonstrations to primary school students in Katherine as part of Science Week, and next term will see her focus on puberty for primary students, and first aid training for secondary students.

Another pressing priority for Ms McKerracher will be to assist school leaders in cracking down on vaping at Katherine High School and St Joseph’s Catholic College.

“There’s quite an issue with vaping in both the high schools,” Ms McKerracher.

“I’ve been liaising with CatholicCare NT and they are going to bring their DAISY [Drug and Alcohol Intensive Support for Youth] program to Katherine next term.”