Anna is passionate about mental health nursing clinical practice and leadership in Victoria, nationally and internationally.
In line with the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System, Anna’s vision is to ensure we have a skilled mental health nursing workforce for the future, which is nurtured and valued. A workforce that is capable, flexible, and responsive will work collaboratively with consumers and carers encouraging self-determination and self-management of mental health and wellbeing.
Anna promotes recognition of the mental health nursing profession, provides education and training, and promotes best practice standards, workforce planning, development and professional leadership. She advocates for positive and recovery-focused outcomes for consumers who access Victorian mental health services.
Anna was appointed Victoria’s Chief Mental Health Nurse in 2015. She started her nursing career in Scotland in the early 80s and moved to Australia in 1989. Anna has worked in both inpatient and community settings as a clinician, manager and as a Director of Nursing in both mental health and drug and alcohol services.
In addition to her role as Victoria's Chief Mental Health Nurse, Anna is Safer Care Victoria's Executive Director Clinical and professional leadership unit.