Nurse slain in Sydney suburb

A veteran Sydney emergency department nurse has been found dead outside her home in Chatswood, in the city's north, the Sydney Morning Herald reported today.

The body of Michelle Beets, 57, who worked at the Royal North Shore Hospital, was found on the patio of her home about 6.20pm yesterday after neighbours reported hearing screaming coming from her house.

Ms Beets's brother Marty lives in New Zealand, the paper said.

He described Michelle as a reserved and quiet younger sister who "didn't take any nonsense".

Sydney police have appealed to the public for assistance regarding the murder.