Achieving change through clinical leadership: The rewarding journey of advocating for perioperative nurses and nurse surgical assistants in Australia

This paper explores the transformative impact of clinical leadership within the perioperative setting of the Australian healthcare system. It details the grassroots advocacy led by perioperative clinicians, particularly nurse practitioners, who invested significant personal time and effort to address inequities in patient access to surgical care. Their work resulted in a landmark policy change under the Medical Benefits Schedule. This advancement not only improves financial equity for patients but also strengthens the professional standing and sustainability of perioperative nurse practitioners. The journey was complex and time-intensive, and came with personal financial costs to those involved, yet it exemplifies the power of clinician-led reform.