Why choose a Nurse Practitioner?
Advanced clinical care, without the wait.
Nurse Practitioners are among the most highly trained clinicians in Australia's health system - qualified to assess, diagnose, prescribe and manage care independently. Here's what that means for you.
What Is a Nurse Practitioner?
A Nurse Practitioner (NP) is a registered nurse who has completed additional postgraduate training - typically a Master's degree - and holds AHPRA endorsement to practice at an advanced clinical level.
Unlike some other health roles, Nurse Practitioners are authorized to work autonomously: assessing your health, ordering and interpreting investigations, diagnosing conditions, and prescribing medications where clinically appropriate - all without requiring oversight from a doctor for each decision.
What This Means for You
Independent assessment and diagnosis - a full clinical workup, not just a referral pathway
Prescribing authority - where clinically appropriate, within scope of practice
Continuity of care - one clinician following your history and progress over time
A holistic approach - trained to look at the whole picture, not just the presenting concern.
Meet Simon Henning
Simon is an AHPRA-endorsed Nurse Practitioner (NMW0001782003) with a clinical background spanning emergency medicine, primary and urgent care, and telehealth.
His experience includes autonomous clinical roles across emergency departments, minor injury and illness clinics, and dedicated telehealth practice in men's health and metabolic health - bringing that same rigour to every consultation at Savu Studio.
Why "Savu"?
The name Savu comes from the Fijian word for waterfall - a reflection of renewal, flow, and calm. It captures what I wanted this space to feel like: grounded, unhurried, and restorative. A place where clinical rigour and genuine care exist in the same room.
Education & Certifications
Master of Nurse Practitioner - Queensland University of Technology
Master of Nursing Science - University of Melbourne
Graduate Certificate in Nursing Practice (Emergency) - University of Melbourne
Bachelor of Biomedical Science - Bond University
Professional Certificate of Aesthetic Medicine
Primary Certificate of Sexual Health (Men)
FAQs
Is a Nurse Practitioner the same as a specialist doctor?
No. Nurse Practitioner is a distinct registration type under AHPRA, with its own scope of advanced clinical practice. It isn't a medical specialty, but it does carry independent assessment, diagnostic and prescribing authority within that scope.
Can a Nurse Practitioner prescribe medication?
Yes, where clinically appropriate and within scope of practice, following individual assessment.
Do I need a referral to see a Nurse Practitioner?
No. You can book directly for most consultation types at Savu Studio.
Is care from a Nurse Practitioner covered by Medicare?
Some consultation types may be eligible for a Medicare rebate depending on the nature of your appointment - this will be discussed with you directly.
Simon Henning Nurse Practitioner AHPRA NMW0001782003
Ready to experience NP-led care?
Savu Studio is based within The Derm Clinic, led by Ashleigh Schwarz, Nurse Practitioner. While Savu Studio operates independently, both practitioners share a commitment to evidence-based regenerative aesthetics and wellness. Having two experienced Nurse Practitioners working from the same location creates a collaborative clinical environment where patients can access comprehensive care across skin health, aesthetic medicine, and wellness. Together, we aim to provide personalised treatment plans supported by qualified, experienced healthcare professionals.
Sharing the space with The Derm Clinic
Contact us
We can’t wait to hear from you!