One of the questions we've been asked repeatedly over the years is, "Where can nurses learn more about plastic and reconstructive surgery?"

It has always been a difficult question to answer. While there are excellent educational opportunities in some areas of nursing, dedicated training in plastic and reconstructive surgery is surprisingly limited, particularly within Newcastle and the Hunter region.

After more than a year of planning, we're proud to launch our Plastic & Reconstructive Nursing Education Day—a full-day professional development program designed to strengthen knowledge, clinical confidence and practical decision-making for nurses caring for plastic and reconstructive surgery patients.

Our Clinical Director and Nurse Specialist, Kahlee, has been instrumental in developing the program. Together, we've created a course that reflects the values we believe are fundamental to excellent patient care: thoughtful clinical practice, evidence-based decision-making, attention to detail and a genuine commitment to achieving the best possible outcomes for patients.

Importantly, this is not simply a course about surgical procedures. It focuses on the nursing care that surrounds reconstructive surgery—from skin cancer reconstruction and skin grafts through to flap surgery, microsurgery, postoperative wound care, recognising complications early and developing confidence in clinical decision-making. Case-based discussions and practical learning form an important part of the day.

We're also delighted that the day will bring together a range of presenters from across the Hunter. Alongside our own team, plastic surgeons, plastic surgery trainees and experienced plastic surgery nurses from several local institutions will share their knowledge and experience, creating a collaborative educational event that reflects the strength of plastic surgery within our region.

Whether you're an experienced surgical nurse, work in peri-operative care, an outpatient setting, or simply have an interest in plastic and reconstructive surgery, we hope this education day provides practical knowledge that can be applied immediately in clinical practice.

We look forward to welcoming colleagues from across Newcastle, the Hunter and beyond as we continue building opportunities for education within our specialty. Further information, including dates, venue and registration details, can be found on our event flyer.