Talk-About The official newsletter for the Aboriginal and Islander Health Unit September/October 2019

Metro North Hospital and Health Service

Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit Sherry Holzapfel. Indigenous nurse and midwife joins Metro North as new Director

Proud Yidinji woman from the Atherton Tablelands, Sherry Holzapfel, has joined Metro North Hospital and Health Service (MNHHS) as the new Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit (A&TSIHU).

Sherry commenced in mid-August and Sherry is a registered nurse and She has extensive experience in will lead the implementation of the midwife with experience in healthcare Health as a health new Metro North Hospital and Health leadership, most recently working for worker, registered nurse and midwife Service Better Together Aboriginal Indigenous healthcare organisations and has worked in several Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in northern Queensland including the and Torres Strait Islander community- Plan 2019-2022 (Better Together) Palm Island Community Company in controlled organisations as senior for Australia’s largest public health Townsville and Mamu Health Service management. service. Ltd in Innisfail. Story continues on P.4 > Contact information Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3646 7489 Give us Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3646 1696 feedback Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3646 7489 Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3646 5612 Talk-About Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Ph: 07 3646 5612 / 0428 861 888 We welcome your feedback, contributions, story ideas and details Team Leader Ph: 07 3647 9535 / 0408 472 385 on any upcoming events. Please The Prince Charles Hospital contact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit Communications Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3139 5165 Manager Renee Simon at Renee. Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Ph: 07 3139 5062 [email protected] or phone (07) 3139 3231. Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Ph: 07 3139 6429 / 0429 897 982 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Redcliffe Hospital Islander Health Unit Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3049 6791 If you have any feedback regarding the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Team Leader Ph: 07 3139 6300 / 0436 690 306 Health Unit services, programs and initiatives, you can contact the Caboolture Hospital following: Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 5433 8249 / 0438 518 912 Mail to: Team Leader Ph: 07 3139 6300 / 0436 690 982 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit, Building 26, Chermside After Hours Team Friday and Monday 12noon to Community Health Centre, 490 8.30pm Hamilton Road, Chermside QLD 4032. Saturday and Sunday 10am to 6:30pm Ph: 07 5433 8249 Email to: Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Ph: 07 3647 4183 [email protected] Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Ph: 0409 583 967 Alternatively, call and ask for our Safety and Quality Officer on Indigenous Acute and Primary Care / Sexual Health Team 3647 9531. Team Leader: Tracy Grant Ph: 07 3492 1851

What’s inside September/October 2019

Contact information...... 2 Why do we need to breast screen...... 8 A word from the Director...... 3 Consumer Feedback...... 9 Better Together Plan...... 9 OUT & ABOUT New Adolescent Mental Health Service for Queensland...10 Long Service Leave Awards...... 5 Expanded services support...... 13 Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford Introducing the new art ...... 14 Staff Excellence Awards...... 5 Supporting Strong and Healthy Football...... 17 Thank You St Columban’s College...... 6 IHLO Room at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital...... 6 STAFF PROFILE Staff Yarns Shirts – new promotion...... 7 Six new standards – Neressa Johnson...... 18 Presentation of RAP Committee Resources...... 7 IN FOCUS IN THE NEWS...... 19 Introducing Chief Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander WORD OF THE MONTH...... 19 Health Officer and Deputy Director-General of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Division...... 8 Staff Yarns Poster...... 20

Page 2 •

I would like to thank everyone for This committee will be supported A word from the warm welcome to Metro North by localised Aboriginal and Torres Hospital and Health Service over the Strait Islander Health governance past two months. I am taken by how structures within Royal Brisbane the Director large Metro North is and the scope and Women’s Hospital, The Prince of work our Indigenous staff cover. Charles Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital, Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals, So far, I have had the opportunity and clinical directorate levels of to meet with many of our Executive Community and Oral Health and teams, staff and stakeholders Mental Health. These localised to gain an understanding of the committees have responsibility agenda and the focus ahead with for overseeing the Close the Gap the Metro North Hospital and Health agenda, Reconciliation Action Plans Service Better Together Aboriginal and the National Safety and Quality and Torres Strait Islander Health Standards. Plan 2019 – 2022. It has been seven years since I Over the next few months our team worked within Queensland Health will be organising a road show and I am excited about all the with each of our hospitals and positive changes that have been services to create awareness and made for our Aboriginal and Torres understanding around our Close the Strait Islander patients, families Gap agenda. Sherry Holzapfel and communities. I’m looking Director, Aboriginal and Torres There is a commitment Metro North- forward to working and being part Strait Islander Health Unit wide to ensure our four-year plan of the A&TSIHU, to bring my culture, will ensure all Aboriginal and Torres beliefs, initiatives and experiences. Strait Islander people accessing Metro North is already leading health services in Metro North will the way with the close the gap receive high quality person-centred initiatives; my goal is to ensure this care that is culturally responsive, great work continues and to work empowers self-care and choice and as a team to create better health is designed to improve health and outcomes for our people. wellbeing. I would like to acknowledge the The Better Together Plan will be former Acting Director, Paul Drahm, overseen by the Metro North for his commitment and dedication Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander to our Indigenous health agenda. I Health Oversight Committee. The wish him all the best with his role group members include the Chief as Indigenous Service Manager at Executive Metro North and each Community and Oral Health. Executive Director from Metro North hospitals, directorates and clinical I look forward to working with you streams. all and continuing to meet with our community members as I settle into The committee also includes an the new role. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff representative, community Sherry Holzapfel representative, Hospital Liaison Director, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Officer and Institute of Urban Islander Health Unit Indigenous Health representative.

Page 3 Indigenous nurse and midwife joins Metro North as new Director

< Continued from P.1

Her most recent position was Her most recent position was “Coming from a primary health care working on Palm Island as the working on Palm Island as the background, continuity of care from integration/primary health services integration/primary health services hospital back to community is very manager integrating a new primary manager integrating a new primary important. Follow-up care is integral, health facility. health facility. as well as health promotion and prevention for our communities,” Sherry’s career commenced in Sherry’s career commenced in Sherry said. Toowoomba as an Indigenous Toowoomba as an Indigenous Health Worker. During this time, she Health Worker. During this time, she “Listening to the community needs balanced full time study, work and a balanced full time study, work and a will be at the forefront of this role young family. young family. and listening to our Indigenous staff. Cultural appropriateness is very Sherry commenced in mid-August She became one of the first important, and the only way to do and will lead the implementation Indigenous midwives at Toowoomba that is having more Indigenous staff of the new Metro North Hospital Hospital and was a respected working in the health system on the and Health Service Better Together clinician for Indigenous families. ground and in leadership roles. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander She joins Metro North at an exciting Health Plan 2019-2022 (Better “It’s been seven years since I worked time for Indigenous health with the Together) for Australia’s largest within Queensland Health and I recent launch of the Better Together public health service. am excited about all the positive plan and the soon to be launched changes that have been made for our Sherry is a registered nurse localised Reconciliation Action Plans Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and midwife with experience for each hospital. patients, families and communities.” in healthcare leadership, most “I’m looking forward to working and recently working for Indigenous For Sherry, a career in health was a being part of Metro North, to bring healthcare organisations in northern desire from a young age after she my culture, beliefs, initiatives and Queensland including the Palm completed a school-based nursing experiences. I’m excited for this new Island Community Company in placement with Bluecare. Four of opportunity and journey. I am very Townsville and Mamu Health Service her six siblings now work in health passionate when it comes to my Ltd in Innisfail. and it is a career path she hopes to people and working with my people,” encourage more Indigenous youth to Sherry said. consider. “It’s been seven years since I worked within “We see the health issues and concerns for our mob. We have Queensland Health and I am excited about all the to look after our people and the best way to do that is in health; positive changes that have been made for our to be involved, participate and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, be committed and dedicated to improving the health of our people for families and communities.” generations to come,” she said. Sherry has cultural connections with “Metro North is already leading the Kuku-Thaypan from Laura and She has extensive experience in the way with the close the gap Gungarri tribe from Mitchell and the Queensland Health as a health initiatives; my goal is to ensure this Badtjala tribe from Fraser Island. worker, registered nurse and mid- great work continues and to work She returns home back on country wife and has worked in several as a team to create better health to maintain cultural connection and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes for our people.” family traditions of hunting and community-controlled organisations gathering. Sherry said her experience working as senior management. with Indigenous communities across the state has allowed her to build good relationships and a core understanding of the health issues and challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Page 4 .

Indigenous nurse and midwife joins Metro North as new Director OUT&ABOUT Long Service Leave Awards Staff from Community and Oral Health have been celebrating some milestones over the last few weeks. Just at the Chermside Community Centre staff have accumulated a combined total of 5,500 years. Two staff members from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit (A&TSIHU), Natasha White and Paul Drahm were part of that group awarded their certificates on 23 August. Also celebrating their fantastic achievement were A&TSIHU staff members Caley Colley, Delma Dorman and Ann Baxter. Well done to everyone for your dedication and commitment to ensuring Metro North is closing the gap on Indigenous health. Delma Dorman receiving her certificate and badge for her 10 years of service.

Natasha White receiving her 10 years certificate of service at Chermside Caley Colley receiving her certificate for 10 years of Ann Baxter must be congratulated for her devotion to her Community service. clients over her 25 years working for Queensland Health. Centre.

Caboolture, Kilcoy and Woodford Staff Excellence Awards

Co-winner of the Integrated Care Award is Robert Brown, Indigenous Health Liaison Officer from Caboolture Hospital.

Robert has been instrumental in the collaboration and building of relationships between Caboolture Emergency Department and the Indigenous Community by initiating and organising a successful touch football event. Robert endorses the theme of ‘Closing the Gap’ by encouraging Indigenous clients to feel safe when accessing good health care, encouraging coming together as a community and making youth feel they are empowered about their L-R Lance Le Ray Executive Director & Director Of Medical Services Caboolture, Robert Brown health care. Congratulations Robert. Indigenous Health Liaison Officer Caboolture and Bonny Barry Metro North Board Member.

Page 5 OUT&ABOUT

St Columban’s College – A presentation of framed Better Together Artwork, by esteemed artist Elaine Chambers-Hegarty, Thank You was presented to St Columban’s College Principal Michael Connolly and Facilities Manager Wade Schimke on Thursday 15 August 2019 by Paul Drahm Community and Oral Health Indigenous Services Manager. The artwork will be displayed in the school hall for all to enjoy. The presentation was a thank you to the college staff, parents and friends for their ongoing commitment for the annual Metro North Hospital and Health Service Family Fun Day NAIDOC celebrations held in the college grounds. The 2019 event supported over 60 stall holders and approximately 1500 attendees. Each year the event is increasing in popularity and in 2019 is now seen as the biggest NAIDOC celebration on the northside of Brisbane. The college is an ideal location due to the proximity of the Caboolture Hospital and the higher percentage of Indigenous population in the area and has L-R Wade Schimke, Michael Connolly and Paul Drahm. committed to hosting the event again in 2020.

New Indigenous IHLO Office at Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital

When community members visit Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital (RBWH) they are directed to a much more culturally appropriate space on the Atrium level above the main entrance to the hospital.

The relocation of the Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officers to the new area earlier this year is proving very popular with the Indigenous community who, until recently, had to navigate to a secluded spot on level five of the Ned Hanlon Building. The high visibility of the office has seen an Staff from the RBWH Indigenous Hospital increase in consumers seeking information Liaison service. and direction to the many appointments offered at the RBWH. Pictured inset is Bernadette Bird, currently The office offers a one stop shop and backfilling at the TPCH demonstrates the ongoing commitment Metro Hospital Liaison Service. North Hospital and Health Service has to a future of closing the gap on Indigenous health. An official opening of the space will be held in the coming weeks.

Page 6 OUT&ABOUT Staff Yarns Shirts Staff Yarns is an online community, providing a Staff Yarns Ambassadors across Metro North raise cultural connection for Aboriginal and Torres Strait awareness of the network and encourage staff to join, Islander staff across Metro North. enabling access to information on upcoming events, news, training, job opportunities and local support groups. The network, called Metro North Staff Yarns, aims to bring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff together through Join Metro North Hospital and Health Service’s online the online portal providing an opportunity for Indigenous Indigenous platform “Staff Yarns” by logging onto Yammer staff to connect and collaborate on ways to improve www.yammer.com, look for Metro North Staff Yarns, services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. register to join up and receive one of these fantastic new The online portal hosts a wealth of information, resources shirts to wear. and contacts for members within the network.

Eye-catching shirts are being offered to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff who join the online Staff Yarns portal. Administration Officer at Redcliffe Hospital Jennifer Barrett is new to the network and hopes to learn more about her Aboriginal culture and connection with staff members. Since wearing the shirt, she is getting Staff Yarns member and TPCH Registered Nurse Glen Quinn is proud to wear his shirt lots of queries from staff saying they are also interested in joining the network. at work within the hospital.

Presentation of RAP Committee Resources – The Prince Charles Hospital On Monday 19 August, the Reconciliation Action Plan Committee (RAP) at The Prince Charles Hospital (TPCH) were presented with a large framed Better Together painting, a set of flags and a framed Statement of Intent as part of the Metro North Hospital and Health Service Better Together Health Plan 2019-2022 initiative.

The resources were presented by Paul Drahm, Renee Simon and Sherry Holzapfel, the new Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit. The presentation was also the chance for TPCH RAP Committee to formally meet with Sherry. Over the next two weeks other RAP Committees across Metro North will be The Healing Garden was the perfect place for the Reconciliation Action Planning Committee at TPCH to presented with their resources and meet receive framed copies of the Better Together Artwork and Statement of Intent, an initiative of the Better with the new Director. Together Health plan.

Page 7 IN FOCUS

Introducing Queensland’s first Chief Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Officer and Deputy Director- General of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Division.

Haylene Grogan has been Government and brings a wealth appointed as Queensland’s of knowledge and experience in first Chief Aboriginal and Torres Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strait Islander Health Officer health, and a commitment to working across the health system, and Deputy Director-General of with Queensland’s Aboriginal and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Torres Strait Islander Community Islander Health Division. Controlled Health organisation, with The new role also brings the our Hospital and Health Services, Haylene is a Kuku Yalanji and creation of a new Aboriginal and and with our partners in community Torres Strait Islander Health Division Tagalaka person with Italian and across government. heritage from Far North Queensland, in the Department. The transition and Queensland Health’s first Haylene will start with Queensland of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in October 2019. Islander Health Branch into the new Deputy Director-General. division has commenced and we Establishing this role has been thank the team for their patience Haylene commenced her career in a Ministerial priority through the and goodwill during this time. health as a receptionist and health Rapid Results Program. It is a key worker at Wuchopperen Health leadership role that will increase This role marks an historic occasion Service in Cairns and has previously the system-wide visibility and for Queensland Health and we all held senior positions at federal and importance of Aboriginal and Torres must continue our involvement state government level, including in Strait Islander health and improve in working together to provide Queensland Health. health equity and outcomes for health services that deliver better Queensland’s Aboriginal and Torres outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Haylene was welcomed back to our Strait Islander peoples. Strait Islander Queenslanders. organisation and to Queensland

Why do we screen for breast cancer?

Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October gives us all the opportunity to talk everything breast cancer and screening! BreastScreen Queensland would therefore like to contribute a 1. Preventing deaths from breast 3. Reassurance. Most women who few segments about our program to cancer. Screening mammograms have a screening mammogram the TalkAbout Newsletter. can show very small breast cancers will get a result of ‘no evidence Breast cancer is the most commonly before they can be seen or felt. The of breast cancer’ and will feel diagnosed cancer in Indigenous earlier breast cancer is found, the reassured. For every 1000 women women and the second most better the chance of surviving it. (aged 50-74 years) who attend a screening mammogram, 955 will common cause of cancer death. 2. Less invasive treatment. Women get an all clear result and 45 will be currently who have breast cancers that called back for further tests. participate in breast screening at are found through a screening a lower rate than non-Indigenous mammogram are less likely to have If you are a woman over 50, or Australians, meaning breast cancers a mastectomy (have their breast you know someone who is, call are diagnosed later and mortality removed). They may also have BreastScreen Queensland on is higher. Here are the benefits of more treatment choices. 13 20 50 or visit www.breastscreen. cancer screening: qld.gov.au to book an appointment. Early detection saves lives.

Page 8 IN FOCUS Consumer Feedback (NAIDOC)

On Tuesday the 9th July 2019 Metro North hosted a NAIDOC Family Fun Day event at St Columban’s College Caboolture. The NAIDOC theme for 2019 was Voice. Treaty. Truth. In line with this theme the ‘conversations with Metro North Community Forum’ captured the voices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander stakeholders.

The community forum was facilitated A full report by Monique Proud of Cultural was prepared Grounding alongside artist Riki by Monique Salam from “We Are 27 Creative” Proud and has who completed a graphic illustration been provided of the main themes and insights to all hospital that arose throughout the session, directorates and painting in real time on the day. clinical streams for review. Over 60 Indigenous community members attended the forum The alongside Metro North Board recommendations members, executive and staff. will be actioned as part of the Metro The main objective of the North Hospital community forum was to engage key and Health Service stakeholders in the development of Better Together respectful and culturally appropriate Aboriginal and strategies that would improve the Torres Strait experiences that Aboriginal and islander Health Torres Strait islander peoples have at Plan 2019-2022 each touchpoint – Entry, In-Care and initiatives. Exit/Transition.

Metro North Hospital and Health Service Better Together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2019-2022.

The launch of the Metro North health; reducing the burden of Hospital and Health Service Better disease in relation to cancer Together Aboriginal and Torres Strait screening; crisis and complex care Islander Health Plan 2019-2022 at for support and advocacy within the Caboolture NAIDOC Family Fun the emergency department; and Day on 9 July demonstrated Metro living well, living longer to trial North’s commitment to guiding new approaches to improving the organisation over the next four connectivity to care. years to achieve meaningful change All directorates within Metro North to ensure all Aboriginal and Torres are now developing their own Strait Islander people accessing implementation plans aligned to the Metro North services receive high four priorities. quality person-centred care that is culturally responsive, empowers The first reporting deadline is 30 self-care and choice and is designed September 2019, with progress to improve health and wellbeing. reporting back to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit will The plan includes a focus on four be on a quarterly basis. Queries can clinical priority areas of a strong be directed to start to life for maternal and child 07 3139 3235.

Page 9 New Adolescent Mental Health Service for Queensland Construction of Australia’s first statewide adolescent mental health extended treatment centre is progressing well and on track to open in early 2020.

Architectural view of the front of the building which will be open during 2020.

The purpose-built centre, to be operated by Children’s This new service is designed for young people aged between Health Queensland, is located at The Prince Charles Hospital 13 and 18 years who have severe and complex mental campus in Chermside. illness with associated functional decline, and who may have previously accessed multiple services along the mental The centre will have 12 residential beds alongside a 10-place health continuum. day program, delivered in partnership with the Department of Education. Young people up to 21 years may be treated at the centre if they have developmental needs more effectively managed within an adolescent model. Referrals to the centre will be Young people up to 21 years may accepted from community-based Child and Youth Mental be treated at the centre if they have Health Services. The statewide residential service will provide 24-hour developmental needs more effectively mental health care to young people, in a safe, therapeutic, managed within an adolescent model. inclusive, culturally-sensitive, and supportive environment for a period of up to six months, with flexibility depending on their individual needs and circumstances.

Page 10 To support a patient and family- centred environment the centre also includes two family accommodation units, so families and carers can stay at the centre and be involved in the care of their child. Young people will also be able to attend the day program up to five days per week, while continuing to live at home. The aim of the service is to provide support to young people so that they develop life skills, attend regular schooling or vocational training, and reconnect with their family and local community. The service is only one element in a continuum of mental health services in Queensland, including existing community child and youth health services, Assertive Mobile Youth Outreach Services (AMYOS), Youth Residential Rehabilitation Units, Step-Up Step-Down Units (SUSDUs), and Acute Mental Health Inpatient An aerial view of the new facility at TPCH. Units. The development of the adolescent The ground floor will house staff and visitor parking, with the extended treatment service has been an inclusive co-design adolescent extended treatment service on the first floor. process with consumers (past and present), parents, and For construction updates visit https://www.health.qld.gov. carers. au/improvement/youthmentalhealth/capital-program/ Consumers, parents and carers are also being invited to treatment-centre participate in aspects of fitting out the centre and the For more information visit https://www.childrens.health. recruitment of staff who will work in it. qld.gov.au/latest-news-mental-health-extended-treatment- More information about this will be provided by Health centre-to-open-in-2020/ Consumers Queensland in the very near future.

Architectural view of the front of the building which will be open during 2020.

Page 11 Getting tested for breast cancer can save your life.

So by having a free BreastScreen test every two years, you can make sure any problems are found, even before you can feel them. You can take a friend or family member if it makes you feel more comfortable. A female worker will help you, and she’ll make sure you feel relaxed and safe. The breast screen is done in private, and only takes a few minutes. It’s free for women aged 50 to 74. If you’re over 75, talk to your GP or health professional to find out if breast screening is right for you. Breast screening. It’s an invitation that could save your life.

Call Page 12 australia.gov.au/breastscreen 13 20 50 Expanded services support for first Australians to better access the Queensland health system

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders will have easier and faster access to health services following the expansion of Queensland Government interpretation and translation services.

For the first time, interpreting services and greater access to these services This agreement means we can better for Yumplatok (), will help to remove some of the manage how interpretation and Meriam Mir, Wik Mungkan, Kala language barriers that make it difficult translation services are provided Getting tested for breast cancer can save your life. Kawaw Ya (KKY), Kala Lagaw Ya (KLY), for people accessing much needed and ensure the community is able to Kriol and Guugu Yimithirr are available. healthcare services. access the assistance they need. Interpreters and translators are being While these services are mostly used Further information on how to sought for all other Queensland by healthcare providers, they are access these services is available by Indigenous languages. available to all Queensland contacting [email protected]. Government departments, non- gov.au or (07) 3096 2258. Queensland Health is the largest user government organisations, not-for- of interpreters and translators, profits as well as universities and TAFE.

Translation and Interpreting Services with 2M Languages!

“At 2M we have a long track record with Indigenous language interpreting services since our debut in 1999. Our CEO, Tea Dietterich, established with the Mirima Dawang Woorlab-Gerring Language Centre in Kununurra, the Indigenous Interpreting The 2M Indigenous language Service, the “Kimberley Interpreting Service” and was service is also available as an instrumental in promoting the rights of Aboriginal people to the onsite interpreting service. services of interpreters.” 2M invites all Indigenous language interpreters to register with Since then the 2M Team has been Looking for Indigenous linguists them to participate on the newly providing Indigenous language launched 2M lingo platform. Please 2M has a panel of qualified services including interpreting, share this article with your contacts and NAATI certified Indigenous translation and video localisation to spread the word to Indigenous interpreters but is actively looking in Aboriginal and TSIC languages linguists and bilingual Indigenous for more QLD Indigenous language in Queensland. speakers. NAATI can with speakers to join the interpreter certification and training for Languages include: team. To overcome the distances suitable candidates and we love to in QLD, an innovative video • Yumplatok – Torres Strait hear from anyone in the Indigenous remote interpreting platform 2M Island Creole community who is interested in lingo makes it easy for interpreters So by having a free BreastScreen test every two years, you can make having an interpreter career. The • Wik Mungkan to accept interpreting assignments 2M Team is passionate about even in remote locations, and sure any problems are found, even before you can feel them. • Kala Lagaw Ya training tomorrow’s interpreters also caters for immediate on- • Kala Kawaw La today. You can take a friend or family member if it makes you feel more comfortable. demand interpreting requests. • Meriam Mir, and A female worker will help you, and she’ll make sure you feel relaxed and safe. Enabling video remote interpreting, For further information go to • Dyirbal. interpreter scheduling and access https://www.2m.com.au/2m- The breast screen is done in private, and only takes a few minutes. It’s free for women aged 50 to 74. to a pool of Indigenous language indigenous-interpreting- If you’re over 75, talk to your GP or health professional to find out if breast screening is right for you. interpreters, the platform allows queensland/ or contact us at direct and flexible access to these [email protected] or telephone rare resources. 07 33678722. Breast screening. It’s an invitation that could save your life.

Call australia.gov.au/breastscreen 13 20 50 Page 13 Introducing the new artwork across Metro North

Metro North provides culturally appropriate health services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (A&TSI) consumers at all health service facilities. Our vision is to ensure that all A&TSI people within the MNHHS catchment and beyond, have equitable access to health services that are culturally appropriate and culturally safe. In 2018, the launch of a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) for Community and Oral Health Directorate included plans for all hospitals to have their own localised RAPs and to create a Close the Gap plan to be launched in 2019. Metro North

TPCH Redcliffe

COH

Page 14 Metro North secured Aboriginal graphic designer/artist Elaine Chambers-Hegarty to design the artwork for the project. Elaine created the overarching design for for the Better Together Plan, and localised artworks for Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, The Prince Charles Hospital, Redcliffe Hospital, Caboolture and Kilcoy Hospitals, and Community and Oral Health Directorate. She is also working with Metro North Mental Health on their specific artwork. The artwork will be used in a variety of mediums to promote culturally safe and connected care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers.

Caboolture

Mental Health

Kilcoy RBWH

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Authorised by the Australian Government, Capital Hill, . Page 16 Supporting strong and healthy Indigenous youth through football Ramone Close is passionate about bringing the world game of football (soccer) to Indigenous youth across Australia.

As a former player himself, Ramone “I think a lot of our mob want to come competed at Australian School Boy out and experience level, to National Premier League, the championships, Queensland Premier League and but to also have a A-League experience across several family fun day out clubs. Ramone has also enjoyed to connect with international football experience community, health across Europe playing in Poland stallholders and and Belgium as well as exposure in education. We Germany, United Kingdom, Portugal hope to build these and Singapore. championships and encourage our In November, Ramone will bring mob into football,” football to Caboolture for the Ramone said. Australian Indigenous Football Championships over three days (7-9 Ramone said he November). The tournament will hoped to see more include an open Indigenous Men’s Indigenous youth team, open Indigenous Women’s taking up the game. team, gala dinner, Goori Football “We have Craig Youth Cup and Johnny Warren Forster attending, Foundation celebrity match. he’s a massive High profile Indigenous leaders Adam advocate for diversity Goodes, Nova Peris and Federal and equality with Indigenous Politician Ken Wyatt will football. Our mob be attending, as well as Craig Forster traditionally plays from SBS to live stream from the other codes like event. Rugby League, through this event The purpose of the event is to bring we are creating a new together Aboriginal and Torres opportunity for our Strait Islander communities across youth,” he said. Australia and offer first-class football tournament. Ramone’s love for football has created “Our primary focus will be to provide “Raising participation in football is key other opportunities to serve his a football platform for grassroots as it’s easy to build a strong child than community. He recently opened a Indigenous communities across repair a broken man. For me it’s about sporting house in Redcliffe allowing the nation and to showcase the the youth because if we really don’t 10 young men between the age positive aspects of the players, look at our youth, we’re not going to of 18-25 from Northern Territory, the coaches and the communities have adults. Queensland and New South Wales the as well as promote and encourage opportunity to take part in a football “Part of this event will also look at health lifestyles and emphasise the program, allowing them access from health holistically and support around importance of education attainment,” rural communities. education and other opportunities. Ramone said. We understand there is life outside “As a young man in Australia, The championships were held in of sport and we can’t play sport if life especially a young Indigenous man, Logan last year and Caboolture was isn’t good.” it’s not easy. Even if you have been chosen to support the popularity of raised strong in your culture and Ramone’s other dream is creating the games, with a state of the art identity, like I have, you still have your generational change through facility and six fields on offer. ups and downs,” he said. education, employment, health and The Metro North Aboriginal and Torres culture within Australian Indigenous “My vision for the sporting house Strait Islander Health Unit (A&TSIHU) communities through his company is to recognise football as a great will be supporting the event with called GOORI. sport and for our youth to see all a ‘family fun day’ on Saturday 9 the opportunities that I’ve received One of the projects already in November. through football. the pipeline is to create local and sustainable employment in Cherbourg through a manufacturing company.

Page 17 STAFF PROFILE Neressa Johnson

It’s accreditation time and Neressa https://www.safetyandquality.gov.au/ Johnston’s role in ensuring the new publications-and-resources/resource- National Safety and Quality Health library/nsqhs-standards-user-guide- Services Standards for Aboriginal aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander- and Torres Strait Islander Health are health correctly introduced into Metro North Hospital and Health Service (MNHHS) 2. Do you think the formation of the new has been an onerous task over the last standards will have a positive outcome 5. Can you give an insight into what 12 months. for Indigenous health across MNHHS? is a ‘typical’ day for you in your role Yes, I do. We’ve already seen a at A&TSIHU especially since being We asked Neressa if she could share significant amount of engagement involved with the preparation for the some insight into her role to ensure and support from our leadership and upcoming accreditation in November MNHHS is prepared for accreditation in staff members to improve their areas. November this year. Lots of meetings with staff and Several Directorates have already committees, reading through 1. Can you offer an insight into the new established Aboriginal and Torres and responding to emails and National Safety and Quality Health Strait Islander governance committees preparing documents to support the Service Standards being introduced? – to oversee activities and initiatives. Accreditation process. What brought about the changes? 3. Once accreditations across the 6. The A&TSIHU recently formed into The NSQHS Standards (2nd edition) HHS are finalised and each facility is a strategic team now reporting to the consists of eight Standards and 148 reporting back on their successes, Executive Director of Operations. What actions. There are six Aboriginal what do you then see as the next step do you think of these changes and how and Torres Strait Islander-specific to continually ensuring that MNHHS is will this positively impact your role? actions in the standards covering staying abreast of Indigenous Health It motivates me to be a part of the Clinical Governance, Partnering with outcomes? Consumers and Comprehensive Care. new direction Metro North is taking. I Each hospital and health service across believe the new reporting structure will To be successful with these six actions Metro North will have their own action raise the importance of Aboriginal and health services need to demonstrate plans addressing each of the six actions Torres Strait Islander Health and that they are being addressed to pass their and be responsible for monitoring and it is everyone’s business to achieve assessments which include; reporting on their progress. better health outcomes. There will be • Develop meaningful and ongoing more input to support consistency of 4. Your involvement in the Safety relationships with local Aboriginal and processes and systems across Metro and Quality initiatives for Indigenous Torres Strait Islander communities, North which will greatly improve our clients attending any facility across organisations and groups people’s health and community input. MNHHS sees you liaise with key • Address the needs of Aboriginal and stakeholders at various meetings 8. Metro North HHS recently launched Torres Strait Islander people across each facility. What has been the ‘Better Together’ health plan, a • Improve Cultural competency and the best outcome so far for you four-year plan designed to improve cultural awareness of the staff in relation to closing the gap on health outcomes for Aboriginal and • Creating a safe and welcoming indigenous Health? Torres Strait Islander peoples. You environment I’m really excited about the Artwork were involved in the development • Processes to routinely ask patients project that supports each Hospital of the plan; can you tell us what if they identify as Aboriginal and/or and Health Service to have their own are the main objectives and what Torres Strait Islander unique artwork to improve creating a community can expect to see as the welcoming environment for our mob. key improvement actions? • Report and monitor priorities The artwork was undertaken by Elaine There are four priority areas 1) The development of the six actions Chambers-Hegarty who is a well-known leadership, government and workforce, was led by the National Aboriginal and respected Aboriginal artist. 2) Engagement and partnerships, and Torres Strait Islander Health 3) Transparency, reporting and Standing Committee, together with the We have recently also developed an accountability and 4) Culturally Wardliparingga Aboriginal Research Indigenous Identification training responsive, safe and connected care. Unit of the South Australian Health and package which is focused to be There will be an overlapping of activities Medical Research Institute. delivered to Administration Officers to within the Better Together Health Plan make sure the question that identifies For those who are interested there is and National Standards, however our mob is asked every time and in a an available User Guide for Aboriginal the difference will be that the Better respectful way “Are you of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health that Together Health Plan provides a focus and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?” provides guidance and case studies on strengthening improvement within to help health services to meet six By making sure staff are asking the clinical areas to improve diagnosis, new actions included in the NSQHS question of everyone will ensure care management and care of diseases or Standards (second edition). The and services are effective and timely. illnesses. Which we know all to well are following link will take you to the guide. Linking identified consumers to specific the leading contributors to the health services and clinical interventions. gap experience by our people.

Page 18 IN THE NEWS

Yerin levels dental playing field The song debuted at the Barunga NBA star supplies struggling with first Aboriginal clinic on Festival, after a collaboration community with clean drinking Central Coast between Skinnyfish Music, the Bupa water Health Foundation, Telethon Kids Yerin Eleanor Duncan Aboriginal and the Menzies School of Health superstar Patty Mills paid Health Services has launched the first Research. a visit to Walgett in north-west New Aboriginal dental clinic on the New South Wales on Thursday to deliver South Wales Central Coast. clean drinking water to residents who have otherwise been forced to purchase A special ceremony in Darkinjung Experts want clearer vision to their water due to the elevated country took place launching the new sodium levels in a backup supply. facility that will provide culturally close the gap on Indigenous appropriate dental treatment to First eye health The champion is Nations people. working on an initiative with Walgett Better access to eye testing, Local Aboriginal Land Council to help https://nit.com.au/yerin-levels- affordable glasses and timely medical the community access clean drinking dental-playing-field-with-first- treatment could save the sight of water. aboriginal-clinic-on-central-coast/ many Aboriginal and Torres Strait https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/ Islander people. article/2019/07/30/nba-star- https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/nitv- supplies-struggling-community-clean- drinking-water1 New babies receive warm news/article/2019/08/07/close-gap- indigenous-eye-health welcome to community in QLD Queensland’s West Moreton Two-year-old Cherraya Health has held their first Welcome Houldsworth is the first Family does not accept apology Baby to Community ceremony, a Indigenous toddler to receive a contemporary take on the traditional after pregnant Aboriginal cochlear implant in the Northern Welcome to Country. patient’s death Territory after being born deaf The event welcomed babies born A grieving family has not accepted Darwin mother Rosalie Houldsworth in the past year to the community an apology from the operator of the remembers the moment her two-year- to recognise the many Indigenous rural NSW hospital which sent home old daughter Cherraya could hear for Australians from different areas living a pregnant Indigenous woman, hours the first time after receiving a cochlear in the West Moreton region. before she died from a treatable implant. Babies and their families were infection. Cherraya was the first Indigenous welcomed with traditional dances, a Naomi Williams was six months toddler in the Northern Territory to smoking ceremony and were given pregnant when she presented at the receive the implant three months ago, small gifts by the Elders from the emergency department of Tumut after she was discovered to be deaf West Moreton Health Ipswich Hospital District Hospital in the early hours of with hearing aids of no use. Yarning Circle. New Year’s Day 2016. https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/nitv- https://nit.com.au/queensland- https://www.sbs.com.au/nitv/ news/article/2019/09/05/i-cried- health-mob-welcomes-babies-to- article/2019/08/01/naomi-williams- happiness-indigenous-toddler-hears- community/ inquest-aboriginal-apology her-first-words

Heartfelt song beats back infection Aboriginal children from the Word of the Month: community of Barunga in the Northern Territory have created a catchy new music video called ‘Boom Boom’ to “Tidda” raise awareness for rheumatic heart disease (RHD). Simply means sister and can also be used for female friends RHD is a life-threatening disease Reference – https://www.welcometocountry.org/26-aboriginal-words- caused from an untreated Strep A australians-should-know/ infection.

Page 19 We welcome your feedback, contributions, story ideas and details on any upcoming events. Please contact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Unit Communications Manager Renee Simon at [email protected] or phone (07) 3139 3235. http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.5/au/ © State of Queensland (Metro North Hospital and Health Service ) 2019 Produced by the Metro North Communication Directorate Page 20