2023 Student Placement Guide - Barmera AHWC

2023 Student Placement Guide

Student-Led Allied Health Clinic

Aboriginal Health Wellbeing Centre, Barmera

Flinders University acknowledges the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands on which its campuses are located. These are the Traditional Lands of the Arrernte, Dagoman, First Nations of the South East, First Peoples of the River Murray & Mallee region, Jawoyn, Kaurna, Larrakia, Ngadjuri, Ngarrindjeri, Ramindjeri, Warumungu, Wardaman and Yolngu people.

Specifically for the activities we undertake in the Barmera region we acknowledge the First Peoples of the River Murray and Mallee Region, the Ngaiawang, Ngawait, Nganguruku, Erawirung, Ngintait, Ngaralte & Ngarkat people, the traditional owners of the lands and waters on which we live, work and play.

We honour their Elders past, present and emerging.

Artwork credit: Elizabeth Yanyi Close, Pitjantjatjara/Yankunytjatjara, 2020

Flinders University Rural & Remote Health SA

Flinders University Rural and Remote Health South Australia is an University Department of Rural Health. We facilitate high quality multidisciplinary health education and research across rural communities in South Australia. Our presence includes sites in the Barossa Valley, Adelaide Hills, Murray Mallee, Fleurieu Peninsula, Kangaroo Island, Mid North, Yorke Peninsula, the Riverland, South East, Far North and Eyre Peninsula.

We have a strong national and international reputation for providing community-engaged inter-professional training for medical, nursing and allied health students. This includes the Doctor of Medicine Rural Stream (MDRS) program and multidisciplinary rural clinical placements.

Our fundamental vision is to improve the health of our rural and remote communities through the transformative power of education, research and health care in the development of a committed and highly skilled rural and remote health workforce.

In order to achieve this vision, we continue to foster partnerships with local health, community and government agencies and support research opportunities on health matters relevant to local communities.

Our four priority areas of focus are:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health

• Education

• Research

• Partnerships

Through this practice, we bring new and exciting opportunities to actively engage and work with rural communities.

Image: Banrock Station

Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network

The Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN) supports approximately 70,000 people living in the Riverland, and the Murray River, Lakes and Coorong areas of South Australia, extending east to the Victorian Border. This includes the towns and surrounds of Renmark, Paringa, Berri, Barmera, Waikerie, Loxton, Pinnaroo, Lameroo, Karoonda, Mannum, Murray Bridge, Tailem Bend, Meningie, Tintinara, Coonalpyn.

Our wide range of health care services include accident and emergency, day and inpatient surgery, Aboriginal health, mental health, obstetric services, chemotherapy, renal dialysis services, community and allied health services, aged care services.

We have a range of facilities including hospitals, Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACF), Multi-Purpose Sites (MPS) and community health sites. We also provide in-home care to approximately 9000 people living within our region through Country Health Connect.

Our work is guided by our Consumer and Community Engagement Strategy and Clinician and Workforce Engagement Strategy, which sits alongside our inaugural Strategic Plan.

The key strategic themes for RMCLHN are:

• Caring for our communities

• Excellence in clinical care

• Local accountability

• Investing in our people

In RMCLHN we strive to

• Provide safe, high-quality health and aged care services

• Engage with the local community and local clinicians

• Ensure consumer care respects the ethnic, cultural and religious rights, views, values and expectations of all peoples

• Ensure the health needs of Aboriginal people are considered in all health plans, programs and models of care

• Meet all relevant legislation, regulations, Department for Health and Wellbeing policies, and agreements.

Your Support Crew & Contacts

In addition to your university coordinators and placement support staff, the staff below are part of the Flinders University Rural and Remote Health SA (FURRHSA) team and Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN).

Jess Press

Senior Clinical Educator - Interdisciplinary jessica.press@sa.gov.au

0403 650 046

• Clinical supervision

• Assessments

naomi.thomas@flinders.edu.au

0414 190 127

• Financial support

• General uni admin queries

Bec Stengewis

Lecturer, Rural & Remote rebecca.stengewis@flinders.edu.au (08) 7421 9338

• First point of contact for solving problems

• Student support

Tahlia Lloyd

Cultural Coordinator

tahlia.lloyd3@sa.gov.au 0466 869 204

• Cultural learning

• On-country experience

Naomi Thomas Program Manager, Uni Dept Rural Health

You, the student

Your Placement Experience

Flinders University Rural and Remote Health SA is funded by the Federal Government’s Rural Health Multidisciplinary Training (RHMT) program to support medical, nursing, midwifery and allied health students undertaking rural and remote health placements. The RHMT program is a health workforce initiative seeking to positively influence health students to choose to work in rural and remote Australia.

In 2022, we were successful in obtaining a grant to expand the RHMT program, specifically in allied health, into smaller communities. You may hear reference to the “Expansion Grant” which is the funding that has enabled us to work together with the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network and other universities to establish this new Aboriginal Health student-led clinic in Barmera.

The clinic will grow from a playgroup held at the Barmera Aboriginal Health Wellbeing Centre, with community members bringing children along to the playgroup. You will be part of a group of students from speech pathology, physiotherapy and occupational therapy disciplines to provide healthcare to patients across the spectrum. The interprofessional clinic will have an inter-generational focus and Indigenous cultural learning throughout.

You will be among the first students to participate in this clinic and we are relying on your assistance in consultation with the staff at the health service and development of the clinic. Initially you may do some sitting around or just sitting in on sessions while we build the relationships with the local Aboriginal community - this is ok. The community needs to be comfortable with a student presence in the clinic before we can expand the servicethis is your training on cultural safety coming to life! You will walk away from this placement with a lot of “soft” skills, which are often harder to learn than your therapeutic discipline specific skills.

Your week will be split between the Barmera Aboriginal Health Wellbeing Centre and the Community Health team based in Berri. Whilst your patient load will initially be low in Barmera, you will have exposure to a more broad range of patients during your time in Berri. Your supervisor, Jess Press, is an Occupational Therapist employed in Berri and she will work closely with you and the Speech Pathology, Physiotherapy and OT teams in the region. You will also be supported by cultural advisors.

Rural & remote areas offer you a diverse and unique learning experience!

Expect to work:

 With patients across the lifespan

 Across multiple health care areas

 Within a multidisciplinary health team

 With a variety of cultures

Have a go at:

 Volunteer at community events

 Joining local clubs

 Exploring with other students

Resources

Four laptops are available for your work in the Barmera clinic.

A mobile phone is also available for loan when visiting patients in their home or away from the clinic. Please note that the phone is only for emergency use and not for general day to day use.

To borrow a laptop and/or mobile phone please complete the Loan of Equipment form on page 30 and return to naomi.thomas@flinders.edu.au

If you are required to do any outreach visits in your own vehicle, please refer to page 14 for information on financial support.

Mental Health Support

During your placement you may be away from your family and friends for an extended period. This can be difficult so ensure you have a plan in place to stay in touch with them by phone calls, text messages, video calls and/or social media.

If you are struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out to your ‘support crew’ listed on page 6 for assistance and support.

Flinders University counselling services are still available even though you are not at the main campus - appointments can be conducted via phone or video call depending on your needs. See https://students.flinders.edu.au/support/hcd/counselling for more information.

If you’d like to talk to somebody face-to-face, a local psychologist is available in the Riverland: Elissa Corlett, phone 0447 858 323. You will need to identify yourself as a Flinders Univeristy student and Elissa will invoice the university (completely confidential - no student indentification is included and the invoice is paid centrally so no-one involved in the program will know you have accessed the service unless you advise us).

The Flinders University Out-Of-Hours crisis line can be reached between 5:00 pm - 9:00 am on weekdays and 24 hours on weekends and public holidays: call 1300 512 409 or text 0488 884 103

The Regional Access program offers free professional telephone and online counselling 24 hours a day and seven days a week for people living in rural South Australia. This service will connect you with a local health service for additional support if required. See https://saregionalaccess.org.au/ for more information.

Cultural Information

The Barmera Hospital and Community Health Centre sit on the lands of the Erawirung people. The Erawirung people lived on the eastern bank of the river between Paringa and Loxton occupying 3400 square kilometres. The Riverland is made up of 7 traditional owner groups. Each group had its own religions, songs, laws, language, and ceremonial culture. Their social structure was closely guarded through kinship ties. Elders were responsible for passing this knowledge to the younger members of the group. A strong network linked these communities with each respecting each other’s boundaries.

Outlined below are statistics on the make-up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population within the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network (RMCLHN).

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout RMCLHN as of May 2021

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people working within RMCLHN as of May 2021

Quick Information

• Life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples is 71.6 years for males and 75.6 years for females. The Life expectancy for non-Aboriginal Australians is 80.2 for males and 83.4 for females (stats as per CTG report 2020).

• Once onsite you will be able to access the Aboriginal Health Hub page which will provide you with information on contacts within Aboriginal Health, resources and educational information that is localised to RMCLHN.

• As a part of your orientation with RMCLHN you will complete an online cultural awareness training session and be provided with a document that focuses on understanding the cultural difference of working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

• During your placement you will participate in a Cultural Immersion overnight stay at Calperum Station. For more information on the venue see https://alt.org.au/. Further details, including dates, will be provided further into your placement.

Before Your Placement

• Complete the ‘Your Mob Learning’ training through Flinders University (free of charge).

• Get to know the country you live on by using the AIATSIS Map of Indigenous Australia

• Learn more about Aboriginal Kinship Systems which will support working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families through the Kinship Module - The University of Sydney

Useful Websites

• Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet: Cultural Safety for Health Professionals

Cultural Immersion Experience

During your placement you will attend a cultural immersion experience at Calperum Station. Calperum Station is located 15 kilometres north of Renmark. For more information about the location visit their website: https://alt.org.au/

The visit is an overnight stay (usually commencing at lunch time one day and finishing at lunch time the next day). You will be required to bring your own bedding and toileteries. Food is supplied. Activites may vary at different times of the year but may include a welcome to country with Uncle Barney, culture meets ecology walk, dreaming stories, walks along Ral Ral Creek, yarning around a campfire, bird watching (twitching) and damper making. It really is a great experience and helps grow your understanding of Indigenous people’s connection to the land and how that will help you to work with Indigenous people in a clinical setting. You will be accompanied by staff including the cultural team who lead your cultural learning sessions.

Dates will be advised during the course of your placement. If you have any questions please contact Tahlia Lloyd (see page 6).

Placement Preparation

Financial Support

Travel & Accommodation

Accommodation for domestic students is heavily subsidised by Flinders University Rural and Remote Health SA. Refer to page 18 for exact costs. Being away from home poses different challenges for different people. One of the major challenges is financial hardship. Our priority is that the accommodation we provide be safe, secure, and accessible. By reducing this financial challenge, our hope is that each of our placement students has a greater ability to focus on learning, studying and participating in the communities they are living in.

Flinders University students studying in the College of Nursing & Health Sciences can apply for assistance with the payment of your accommodation fees and travel costs. For further information check the discipline specific pages under Essential Pre-Placement Checks. Please email any questions to cnhs.placements@flinders.edu.au

Domestic students not receiving any financial support via scholarship or funding from your own university/college, a predetermined amount to cover fuel expenses (equivalent to one return trip from Adelaide to your placement town) is able to be claimed from Flinders University Rural and Remote Health SA. Receipts are not required to be submitted.

Students from any university: if during your placement with the Aboriginal Health Wellbeing Centre you undertake any travel for work/placement purposes only, a travel reimbursement is available. You will need to complete the Student Vehicle Logbook during your placement and submit copies at the end of your placement with a completed Student Expense Reimbursement form (sections 1, 3 and 4 need to be filled in). Both the logbook and the expense form can be found at the end of this document

Scholarships

Refer to the Flinders University Rural and Remote Health SA website for scholarships that may assist with your rural placement. Further scholarships can be found on the main Flinders University website. Students from other universities should also check with their home university

Student Associations

Contact your university student association - they often offer financial support for students who are struggling. Flinders University students please refer to the FUSA website

Services for Australian Rural and Remote Allied Health (SARRAH) are offering students studying an allied health degree FREE membership!

Sign up on their website today: https://sarrah.org.au/membership/individual-membership/join-as-a-student-member

Placement Preparation

Administration Tasks

 Flinders University students only: send a copy (scan or photograph) of your Flinders University student ID Card to naomi.thomas@flinders.edu.au to organise access to the Berri study space and Renmark Campus.

 Complete the talent release form on page 27 (if you are under 18, please contact Naomi Thomas to organise a different form). Photos may be used for Commonwealth funding reports, promotional materials, social media posts or other uses.

Travelling to and around the Riverland

You are responsible for organising your own transport to and from your rural placement. A reliable vehicle/car is required.

 Driving on rural/remote roads presents unique challenges – please read the Austroads Guide To Road Safety for Rural and Remote Areas

 Do you know how to get there? Check out Google Maps

 Do you have money for fuel?

 Has your vehicle been serviced recently?

 Is your spare tyre in good condition?

 Have you planned adequate breaks? Choose areas that aren’t deserted.

 Are you covered for roadside assistance/service e.g. RAA?

 Do you have a map? There may not be internet access on the road.

 Are you aware of rural/remote road conditions? Keep an eye on the news and weather prior to your trip. Check SA road reports

 Take plenty of drinking water. Take snacks in case of unexpected delays.

 Travelling in hot weather? Is there a risk of bushfires? Consider postponing your travel if it is a fire danger day. Check the CFS website for current warnings.

 Be aware of the wildlife you might see on the road and try to avoid any accidents.

 Drive with your lights on low beam regardless of the time of day. It makes your car easier to see! (Remember to turn them off when you arrive).

Communications & Social Media

 Check the website of your mobile phone carrier to see if you will have mobile phone coverage when travelling to the venue and whilst staying in the town.

 Is internet available at your accommodation? Are there other options? (University accommodation has wifi available).

Local social media sites can be a great source of information on things to do and see or to find out about local community events. Remember:

 Rural & remote communities are small and photos, incidents, romances or general comments made on social media can easily be linked back to a confidential patient/event by a community

 Share photos & stories with the Rural & Remote Health SA team

 Familiarise yourself with your university social media policy and take care to maintain privacy of colleagues, clients & workplaces.

 Follow Flinders University Rural & Remote Health SA on Facebook

Accommodation

 If using Rural & Remote Health SA accommodation – have you booked it?

 Have you confirmed your arrival date with the accommodation?

 The accommodation team will advise what you need to bring with you (eg towels, food). Ensure those items are in the car when you leave!

See page 18 for further information on the student accommodation.

Your Health

Good nutrition promotes good learning. Ensure you have money for food. Don’t forget to exercise and take time out whilst on placement.

Remember to bring any medications and scripts you need with you. Refer to page 21 for details of health services including chemists available in Barmera and Berri if needed.

Recommended Reading

Rural and Remote Health

Click on the images above to access copies of these useful books. All apart from ‘Australia’s Rural, Remote & Indigenous Health’ are available for free online.

Australia's Rural, Remote & Indigenous Health by Janie Dade Smith is available from university libraries (including the library at the Renmark Campus) or to purchase online.

Study Spaces & Campus Information

Berri Campus

Address: Riverland General Hospital, 10 Maddern Avenue, Berri SA 5343

Facilities available:

• Study space

• Internet (eduroam) and printing access

• Video conferencing equipment

• Please note there are no computers, you need to bring your own laptop

Renmark Campus

Access

• Entry via the Riverland General Hospital (near specialist rooms)

• Flinders University ID card swipe access (refer page 12 to set up access)

• Students undertaking placement with the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network only.

• Only available if not already in use for tutorials or workshops.

Address: Ral Ral Avenue, Renmark SA 5341 (adjacent to Renmark & Paringa District Hospital)

Phone: (08) 8586 1000

Facilities available:

• Student computer room

• Internet (eduroam) and printing access

• Student support

• Video conferencing equipment

• Student library

Access

• visit the campus during business hours and speak to one of the local staff to receive an orientation to the building

• Flinders University ID card swipe access (refer page 12 to set up access)

• after-hours/weekend access available

Student Accommodation

Flinders University Rural & Remote Health SA has student housing in Barmera and Berri. The house in Barmera at 1 Easther Court, Barmera (images below and next page) is reserved for students undertaking a placement in the allied health student-led clinic at the Aboriginal Health Wellbeing Centre. The house is less than a kilometre from the clinic

The three bedroom house is a residential home including washing machine, basic cooking utensils and equipment. Each student has their own private bedroom but shares the kitchen, living spaces and bathroom (unless you’re lucky enough to get the ensuite!). Wifi internet is available in the house.

At times when there are more than three students on placement, accommodation will be located in Berri (same type of house/s), approximately 15 minutes away by car. University accommodation is shared with students from any health discipline and any Australian university.

University accommodation is free for Flinders University domestic students and $50 per week for domestic students from other universities. All students must pay a $200 security deposit to confirm your booking that will be refunded upon satisfactory completion of a final inspection at the end of your placement.

If you are yet to receive an email from the student support team with information on how to book the accommodation, please email student.support.rhsa@flinders.edu.au

If you are staying with friends, family or sourcing your own accommodation and not requiring university accommodation please email student.support.rhsa@flinders. edu.au to let us know. For our Work, Health & Safety records, please advise where you will be staying while on placement.

Regional Information

Exploring The Area

While you are on placement, we really want you to explore and get to know the town and region you will be living in. We’d love to see some photos of you out and about, especially photos we can show future students so they can see some of the fun things they can do while on placement in the Riverland.

Please plan any day trips carefully - here are some tips to consider:

 Tell someone where you are going, when you are expected to return and who you are going with.

 Pack food, sunscreen, hat, insect repellent and plenty of water.

 Check your vehicle – do you have enough fuel and a good spare tyre?

 Don’t venture out on a fire danger day.

 Be careful around the river as the receding flood waters are leaving a lot of debris that will take time to clean up.

Tourism Information

Click on the brochures & websites below to look at all the wonderful things you can do in your spare time while living in Barmera or Berri. There is also accommodation options for family and friends who may want to visit you. (Strictly students only sleeping in student accommodation)

Get Social!

http://www.barmeratourism.com.au/

https://www.barmeratourism.com.au/whats-on/

https://www.berribarmera.sa.gov.au/discover-our-district

https://www.visitriverland.com.au/

Are you under 35 and living or working in the Riverland? Looking to meet new friends and develop a social network? Are you new to the region and looking to develop local connections? Riverland Young Professionals welcomes the region’s trade and service employees and professionals to attend regular networking events throughout the Riverland. Their fun, informal events are free to attend, including drinks and nibbles and often feature short presentations from local speakers. See https://www.facebook.com/groups/RiverlandYoungProfessionals/

Town Services

Click on the hyperlinks for more information on services available in Barmera and Berri.

ATM’s

ANZ, Berri

Bank SA , Barmera & Berri

Cashcard, Barmera

CBA, Berri

People’s Choice Credit Union, Berri

Rabobank, Berri

RediATM, Berri

Chemist

Barmera Pharmacy

Amcal Pharmacy Berri

Riverland Plaza Pharmacy, Berri

Gyms & Studios

Balanced Movement Physio & Pilates, Barmera

Barmera Recreation Centre

Body Boss Studio, Barmera

Love the Day (Yoga), Barmera

Riverland Fitness Centre, Berri

Riverland Gymnastics Academy, Berri

Total Body Fitness, Barmera

Vitality Health Club, Berri

Hospital

Barmera Health Service

Riverland General Hospital, Berri

Mechanical & Tyres

A2B Automotive, Berri

Barmera Motors Pty Ltd

Bridgestone Service Centre, Barmera

Dhillon Mechanical & Tyres, Berri

Doc’s Auto Repairs, Barmera

Jeffree Automotive, Berri

Mitech Auto, Berri

Riverland Auto Repairs, Barmera

Riverland Enhanced Vehicles Mechanical, Berri

Roly’s Automotive Services, Berri

Medical Clinics

Barmera Medical Clinic

Berri Medical Clinic

Sports Clubs

Barmera Aquatics Centre

Barmera & Berri Basketball Clubs

Barmera & Berri Bowling Clubs

Barmera & Berri Golf Clubs

Barmera & Berri Netball Clubs

Barmera & Berri Tennis Clubs

Barmera-Monash & Berri Football Clubs

Berri Cricket Club

Berri Hockey Club

Berri Swimming Club

Berri Warriors Baseball Club

Christopher’s Taekwondo Academy, Berri

Hayden Stoeckel Swimming Pool, Berri

Muscle & Martial Arts, Berri

Supermarkets

ALDI, Berri

Coles, Berri

Foodland, Barmera

Riverland Health Foods, Berri

Woolworths, Berri

Taxi Service

Barmera Taxi Service

Berri Taxi Service

ExpressX, Berri

Miscellaneous

Barmera & Berri Public Libraries

Maps

Riverland General Hospital & Community Health Service