Balance E-Newsletter - Vol 6 Spring Edition

BALANCE

North West Hospital and Health Service VOL 6| OCTOBER 2023 SPRING EDITION

Acknowledgement of traditional custodians The North West Hospital and Health Service respectfully acknowledges the Elders past and present and the Traditional Owners of the land, sea and waterways which we service and declare the North West Hospital and Health Service’s commitment to reducing inequalities between Indigenous and non-Indigenous health outcomes in line with the National Indigenous Reform Agreement (Closing the Gap).

Acknowledgement of Australian South Sea Islanders North West Hospital and Health Service formally recognises the Australian South Sea Islanders as a distinct cultural group within our geographical boundaries. The Northwest Hospital and Health Service is committed to fulfilling the Queensland Government Recognition Statement for Australian South Sea Islander Community to ensure that present and future generations of Australian South Sea Islanders have equality of opportunity to participate in and contribute to the economic, social, political and cultural life of the State

Vision, Purpose, Values Our Vision To lead the delivery of safe, sustainable healthcare in our unique region with our diverse partners and communities.

Our Purpose Partner with our communities to improve health outcomes by delivering valued, high-quality and sustainable health services that are close to home.

Our Values Our values will guide our decision making and actions as we commit to respecting, protecting, and promoting human rights in our decision making and actions. These values include Innovation, Respect, Engagement, Accountability, Caring, and Honesty.

This newsletter is produced by the North West Hospital and Health Service.

All feedback and contributions are welcome to NWHHS_Communication@health.qld.gov.au.

All published material has been approved by the Health Service Chief Executive.

Contents From the Board Chair From the Health Service Chief Executive

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Community Mount Isa City Library donate books for kids Students get a glimpse into life in healthcare Local mum shares experience with MGP Ballet without boundaries for Cloncurry

08 09 10 12

Staff Palliative care support for North West Helen Bailey awarded research grant New peer support program for staff Health practitioner heads to Parliament Collaboration enhances surgical services Dental duo leading services R U OK? Day Unique nursing experience

13 14 16 17 18 20 22 24

Consumers North West HHS Consumer Engagement Current consumer opportunities Outreach Services From the Consumer Liaison Officer

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Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Health Students start their studies National Day of Recognition Orange Sky mobile laundry service launches Soap aid distribution in Doomadgee Senior community worker awarded scholarship

30 32 34 35 36

Facilities Spotlight on Camooweal

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Wellbeing Preventing digital eye strain Dietitian's Corner Support is available

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NWHHS Balance

From the Board Chair Cheryl Vardon AO Dear North West, The weather is warming up, but things are not slowing down across our region.

The North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS) Board and Executive recently participated in a facilitated strategic planning session to revitalise and energise the future direction of the North West HHS to better meet the local community’s needs. It was wonderful to come together as a group, focusing on embedding country-centred thinking and insights from the Health Equity Strategy and reviewing the current values, strategic vision, purpose and priorities.

A draft, updated Strategic Plan will be released to staff, consumers and stakeholders and I encourage everyone to review the document and provide feedback.

Board Members have been busy these past months, continuing to build relationships with staff and stakeholders across the North West. Some highlights include: Attending the North West Minerals Province Stakeholder Advisory Committee Meeting and the North West Queensland Region of Councils (NWQROC) in Mount Isa Participating in the Tropical Australian Academic Health Centre (TAAHC) and Better Health North Queensland Committee Meetings Travelling to Mornington Island and Doomadgee to meet with staff, consumers and visit facilities Attending the Deputy Premier’s Forum on Queensland’s New-Industry Development Strategy in Townsville.

Participating in a number of Consumer Group meetings In September, I participated in the King’s Birthday Honours Investiture Ceremony where I was awarded an Order of Australia by her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeanette Young AC PSM for distinguished service to public administration, particularly education and health, and for the protection of children and young people. I am humbled to receive such recognition and be in the company of inspiring leaders whose achievements have positively impacted the lives of Queenslanders.

While in Mount Isa for the October Board and Committee Meetings, the Board hosted a morning tea for our very impressive Deadly Start Program trainees. These dedicated Spinifex State High School students are on track to complete their Certificate III in either Health Services Administration, Allied Health Assistance or Dental Assistance. It was inspiring spending time with them and learning about their experiences. Thank you to all staff who have supported these students, our next generation of healthcare professionals.

The Board also had the opportunity to join staff in celebration of those receiving their Length of Service Awards.

Deputy Chair, Eleanor Milligan and I were delighted to present awards to a very dedicated group who have demonstrated unwavering commitment to the delivery of safe, high-quality healthcare.

I thank all staff for your continued passion and dedication to supporting our communities.

Cheryl

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NWHHS Balance

From the Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan I am pleased to share the Spring edition of the Balance magazine with you, reflecting on the milestones and stories from across our hospital and health facilities in the North West.

At the end of September, the North West Hospital and Health Service 2022-2023 Annual Report was tabled and published. Overall, we ended the financial year with some excellent outcomes. While the past year has challenged the health service to be responsive and innovative to the changing environment of the healthcare needs across rural and remote communities, we have seen new partnerships formed and an expansion of services.

We have expanded renal dialysis services in the North West, with the establishment of a permanent two-chair dialysis unit in Cloncurry and temporary two-chair dialysis units in Doomadgee and Mornington Island. Phase two of the expansion will see additional units in both Doomadgee and Mornington Island.

We have also strengthened efforts to advance the health outcomes of First Nations peoples, with the launch of the North West Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025 in October 2022. We are committed to working with healthcare partners and key stakeholders to implement the Strategy and support the Ending Rheumatic Heart Disease Queensland First Nations Strategy 2021-2024.

We have recruited an additional seven positions to the RHD workforce to support Acute Rheumatic Fever (ARF) and RHD patients through primary and community health.

We have also recently launched a mobile laundry service in partnership with Orange Sky and Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council to tackle the environmental factors that increase the risk of Streptococcal A infection as another defence to stop RHD, and other diseases.

We acknowledge that there is much work to be done to ensure health equity in our First Nations communities and we are committed to working collaboratively with communities and health partners to effectively end Rheumatic Heart Disease (RHD) in the North West by 2031.

I would like to take this time to acknowledge our staff who allow the health service to deliver high-quality healthcare across our wonderful region. They continue to show unwavering resilience and commitment and are dedicated to serving our communities.

Sean

NWHHS Balance

Community

Mount Isa City Library donate books for kids Did you know that books can help kids to learn new words and phrases, experience a range of emotions, acquire skills and knowledge, and help to develop higher levels of imagination?

already an avid reader and book lover and was thrilled with some new reading material!

The good folks at the Mount Isa City Library certainly do! They recently donated a number of books to suit all ages and tastes to the Mount Isa Hospital Paediatric Ward.

The generous donation was gladly accepted by young patient Theo, who is

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NWHHS Balance

Students get a glimpse into life in healthcare We were pleased to recently welcome Grade 10, 11 and 12 students from Good Shepherd Catholic College for work experience at Mount Isa Hospital.

They completed a week of rotations throughout different areas including Paediatric Ward, Medical Ward, Surgical Ward, ICU, Theatre, Cancer Care, Maternity, Special Care Nursery, Emergency Department and Oral Health.

They also had guided tours of James Cook University and the Yacca Library and got

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to meet the Executive Leadership Team.

The students also participated in skills stations where they got to experience an ED simulation room, taking observations, basic life support, make your own wound station, virtual reality and nasogastric tube insertion.

We look forward to hopefully welcoming many of these students as healthcare professionals in the years to come!

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NWHHS Balance

Local mum shares experience with Midwifery Group Practice program Sarah has been living in Mount Isa for the last 12 years and has two children. Both were born at the Mount Isa Hospital; her son nine years ago and her daughter in April this year.

"Unfortunately, there was no MGP program when my son was born. I went through multiple midwives during my pregnancy and labour, and after his birth, I only saw a midwife once. It was quite a different experience," she said.

After a close friend told her about the MGP program, she knew it was what she needed.

"When I learned about a program where I could have one midwife throughout the whole journey, I knew I had to be a part of it!"

Sarah describes her birth experience as wonderful. She laboured at home, stayed in regular contact with her midwife and arrived to the birthing suite with dim fairy lights, soft music and friendly faces awaiting her arrival.

With the support of her partner and parents, she had a natural birth and skinto-skin with her baby girl who instinctively went straight to the breast.

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"With my son, I struggled with latching, had bouts of mastitis, and ended up with cracked and bleeding nipples. I even distinctly remember saying, I would rather birth my son every day than breastfeed one more time.

"I didn't make it past five months, mostly because I didn't seek enough support.

This time around, my midwives helped me with a good latch from the start and answered all my questions during regular visits that continued until I was discharged at six weeks postpartum."

Sarah also reached out to other mothers around her, including her own mother and partner's mother for extra support.

"I have a wonderful group of mums that I catch up with regularly now. Some who breastfeed, some who supplement feed and some who didn't have the opportunity to breastfeed. We all share the same attitude - you need to do what's best for you and the baby.

"I think it's safe to say I underestimated how difficult the breastfeeding journey would be the first time around, but now, with the right support I am still breastfeeding my daughter four months on, and I don't see an end in sight.

"There are so many places to find answers and support. Talk to your midwife, family, mothers' group or partner. Ask for help when you need it.

You'll find that any mother or father will have a story to share.

"Most importantly, be kind to yourself.

And don't forget... it takes a village.”

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NWHHS Balance

Ballet without boundaries for Cloncurry aged care residents Our Cloncurry Aged Care residents were recently treated to a visit by Jessie from QLD Ballet who conducted a well attended QLD Ballet Regional Seniors Ballet Workshop.

A creatively conducted class featuring music and videography guided our seniors through a series of chair movements and exercises. Thank you for the opportunity Queensland Ballet!

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Palliative care support for North West communities North West HHS Palliative Care Nurse Donna McGregor has an incredibly important role in the local community.

Donna supports patients and their families throughout the dying process and has become a pillar of strength and support for many families over the years and she takes it all in her stride.

"It's a privilege to work in palliative care, we have quirky personalities, I guess because we're dealing with death and dying a lot," Donna said.

"Having conversations is the most important aspect of palliative care — it isn't just about the person, it's about the network around the person."

NWHHS Balance

Staff

Helen Bailey awarded research grant for virtual reality model

North West HHS staff member Helen Bailey has been announced as a successful recipient of a $20,000 grant for research focused on using virtual reality to increase the effectiveness of delivering maternity care in rural and remote Queensland.

The Queensland Health Clinical Research Fellowships, valued at a total of $2.731 million, were awarded to 18 clinicians researched across various medical, nursing and allied health fields.

Health Service Chief Executive said it was wonderful to see Ms. Bailey supported in her pursuit of a critical research project aimed at improving health outcomes for rural and remote communities.

“I would like to congratulate Ms. Bailey on this wonderful achievement,” Mr. Birgan said.

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“The healthcare needs in rural and remote areas like the North West are continually evolving, and the innovation of virtual reality in education is promising for regions like ours.”

Ms. Bailey, Director of Nursing Relief Coordinator Remote Facilities for North West HHS said she was delighted to be awarded the grant.

“We know that rural and remote areas often face unique healthcare disparities, including limited access to services, so this grant will further support the important work to improve maternity care in our communities,” Ms. Bailey said.

“By harnessing the potential of virtual reality technology, this project aims to improve maternity education and training, ensuring that healthcare professionals in these communities are better prepared to provide high-quality care to expectant mothers.”

Ms. Bailey’s research project is in partnership with Central Queensland University and the University of the Sunshine Coast.

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NWHHS Balance

New Peer Support Program for staff across the region North West HHS recently launched a Peer Support Program. The program focuses on staff wellbeing and promoting meaningful relationships within the health service.

Our staff come to work every day to look after the health and wellbeing of others, and we are proud to be able to offer them extra support for their own health and wellbeing through this great program.

Our peer support officers are specially trained volunteers from across our health service who are here to provide a confidential and caring ear.

Staff can reach out to Peer Support Officer’s directly to organise a time to meet.

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Health practitioner heads to Parliament House Advanced Aboriginal Health Practitioner Rheumatic Heart Disease, Kara Rudken recently swapped the red dirt of the outback for the hallowed halls of Parliament House in Canberra after being invited to speak at the Ending RHD breakfast in August.

She travelled with fellow North West HHS colleague Paediatric Cardiologist Dr Justo and spoke about her work as a registered Champion 4 Change with RHD Australia as well as her RHD Health Practitioner role and advocate for RHD patients.

“It was a remarkable morning with members from remote communities,

aboriginal leaders and other RHD Champion 4 Change advocates at Parliament House to discuss the stark reality of First Nations people living with RHD and opportunities to improve this.

"The event was hosted by Senator Malarndirri McCarthy - Northern Territory and The Snow Foundation. Politicians and other key decision-makers heard some personal insights from lived experience experts about the growing toll of this disease on families and communities, to which I gave my personal experience and what was my drive to become who I am today as an Aboriginal Health Practitioner.”

NWHHS Balance

Successful collaboration enhances surgical services We are pleased to share the success of a collaboration with Metro South Health to ensure continuous surgical coverage in Mount Isa, with surgeons from Metro South Health having a unique opportunity to work in the North West region on a rotational basis.

Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the collaborative initiative was one of the innovative ways the health service was adapting to the changing environment of today’s healthcare needs.

“By leveraging the expertise and resources of Metro South, North West HHS has been able to provide uninterrupted services to our patients, while also supporting the career progression and experiences of our surgeons from metro cities,” Mr Birgan said.

This collaboration was made possible thanks to the vision of Dr Sanjeev Naidu, Metro South Health Surgical Stream Lead and Queensland State Chair of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, who is passionate about ensuring sustainable surgical services exist in rural and remote areas.

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“I believe this arrangement is an exemplar of what providing a sustainable rural surgical service looks like in remote regions going forward, which is very exciting to be a part of.”

Dr Sandun Abeyasundara is one of the general surgeons from Metro South who jumped at the opportunity to work in the North West for one week every month, sharing that it was a great opportunity and learning experience.

“I wanted to come to Mount Isa as I am passionate about emergency general surgery. I find my time here very rewarding and working in such an isolated environment with minimal resources is really eye-opening,” Dr. Abeyasundara said.

“The community here really appreciate the services you provide, and I feel I am really making a difference.”

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NWHHS Balance

Staff Spotlight

Dental duo leading services Meet the husband-and-wife duo who are leading the Oral Health Department Colin and Celeste became dentists in 1997, starting their careers in England.

After a few years, they returned home to South Africa where they managed their own private practice. They immigrated to New Zealand in 2004 and enjoyed life there with their two sons.

During a holiday to tropical North Queensland in 2012, they fell in love with Australia. They lived and worked in Hervey Bay privately and then moved into the public sector when offered the opportunity to supervise dental students.

Colin is now our Director of Oral Health and Celeste is a Senior Dentist with us here at North West HHS. "We were very grateful to be supported in our request to come to North West HHS after hearing about the need for dentists within the region.

"We love the community, the wide-open spaces, and the freedom of the outback.

We love the outdoors and spend most of our free time out in the bush with our two adorable border collies.”

North West HHS is grateful to have Colin and Celeste with us in the North West!

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Library and Information Week was recently celebrated. Did you know, the small, but mighty YACCA library boasts a collection of 1000 books?

Staff in Mornington Island exemplifying the importance of teamwork in remote settings to keep our health services running efficiently

Staff from Mental Health and AODS attended the Gulf Cluster Football grand final day in Normanton and shared important information about mental health awareness

Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Governor of Queensland recently visited the Burketown Clinic, a commitment that was made following the devastating floods

The dental team saw 64 people in Doomadgee on their most recent visit

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Ambulance Services and Minister for Women Shannon Fentiman recently met staff at the Doomadgee Hospital

Staff were kept very busy during the Dajarra Rodeo, treating injuries from bulls, horses and camels, and other general illnesses like vomitting

Our Pharmacy Department provides medication advice and supports medication supply to all patients within the North West HHS

NWHHS Balance

R U OK? Day In recognition of R U OK? Day, staff across the North West enjoyed taking some time together and sharing conversations with friends and colleagues. In Mount Isa, Cloncurry and Mornington Island, morning teas and lunches were in full swing!

You don’t need to be an expert to have an R U OK? conversation. The work of health professionals is vital, but we can all play a

role in supporting the people in our world.

By having regular, meaningful conversations about life's ups and downs, we can help those in our lives feel supported and encourage them to access help before they are in crisis.

Ask, 'are you OK?'. Not just today, but any day it’s needed.

NWHHS Balance

Unique nursing experience We think working on Mornington Island is a unique experience in a beautiful part of our region, but don't let us convince you.

The hospital helps you out providing drinking water and basic (actually very adequate) groceries.

Read what Cath, who took the opportunity to work on the island for a short-term contract, had to say about her experience.

As well as running the joint, Scotty (DON) is a good cook and there's muffins and cookies in the staff room every week. We had a staff BBQ where Scotty spent his day cooking for us all and brought his TV outside for soccer at sunset.

"For anyone thinking about doing a stint in North West Queensland, give Mornington Island a go. The Director of Nursing and admin staff are fantastic, accommodation is great, doctors are regular so know the locals well, and if you're into fishing and sunsets you can't really go wrong.

Normal common sense with safety after dark applies. Security on-site and no issues the five weeks I've been here.”

Explore the opportunities available on SmartJobs.

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Keen to work with us?

Explore the opportunities available in the North West at SmartJobs.

VISIT SMARTJOBS

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NWHHS Balance

Consumers

North West HHS Consumer Engagement Opportunities are currently open for a range of consumer positions, including membership of the Comprehensive Care Committee, the Controlling Infection Committee, and seven Consumer Advisory Groups and networks throughout the North West.

Consumers, community members, patients and carers play an important role on our committees by providing patient and consumer voices within our service plans and delivery. Our consumer partners take part in activities and meetings to share a patient, carer, and community point of view and to help us make decisions.

Our Consumer Partners come from different backgrounds and locations within the North West and bring different health experiences.

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Jasmine Barber Manager Public Relations

Having a broad mix of people helps us to better understand our communities’ health service needs.

Typically, the commitment ranges from one hour every three months to one hour every month and can be done in person or online. Consumer training and support is provided for anyone interested in these opportunities. For more information, please visit the website page below:

JOIN A CONSUMER ADVISORY GROUP You can also make contact by emailing nwhhs.engagement@health.qld.gov.au

Outreach Services Interested to know when outreach services will be visiting your community? Visit the dedicated Outreach Service page on the North West HHS website to stay up to date.

VIEW THE CALENDAR

From the Consumer Liaison Officer We continue to welcome feedback from patients, their families and staff who have visited facilities across the North West. Visit the North West HHS website to leave your feedback.

Consumer Compliment "We are a travelling family passing through, but just wanted to say how lucky your community is to have such an incredible hospital. We were there for two nights with our 16-month-old and from the moment we stepped into the hospital to the moment we left, we cannot fault any of the staff.

From the nurses, doctors, administration, cleaners and everyone in-between, everyone’s level of care was just amazing. Coming from a recent stay in a larger hospital it really makes you appreciate healthcare workers here, showing nothing but kindness and compassion whilst we were there. So, thank you to the Mount Isa Hospital. I hope the community appreciates the staff as much as we do."

Leave your feedback by scanning the QR code

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Natasha Dew

NWHHS Balance Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

Deadly Start

Students start their studies North West HHS has been supporting students over the last few months through the Deadly Start Program.

This unique initiative aims to provide culturally safe pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to gain paid workplace experience, obtain a Certificate II and Certificate III qualification, and secure ongoing employment with North West HHS upon the successful completion of their traineeships.

The program is in partnership with Metro North HHS, Connect ‘n’ Grow, and the Seed Foundation Australia to ensure the students are set up for success and ultimately continue a career in healthcare.

Under the portfolio of Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, Christine Mann, the HHS welcomed eight students from Spinifex Senior College into the program earlier this year, supported by their school-based liaison officer and North West HHS Indigenous Workforce Coordinator, Shannon McConachy.

"The Deadly Start program is an integral part of our commitment to building a future workforce that is representative, culturally competent, and focused on improving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who still persistently experience poorer health than other community members," Ms. Mann said.

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"We are excited to see these students develop their skills, knowledge and confidence as they move into their Certificate III studies, and we look forward to offering them ongoing employment opportunities within North West HHS.” “We are confident that these young individuals will emerge as exceptional professionals in their chosen fields, bringing their newfound skills and expertise back to their respective communities,” Ms. Mann said.

Prue Pocock, Head of Department for Senior Schooling at Spinifex Senior College said the program was a fantastic opportunity for students in the region.

“The program has provided an excellent pathway and future career options for our First Nations students interested in the health sector. Spinifex State College has been delighted to partner with North West HHS and we look forward to continuing to provide these opportunities in the future,” Ms. Pocock said.

North West HHS is committed to creating opportunities for the next generation and are proud to support these students as they progress their careers.

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NWHHS Balance

Workforce

National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practicioners Monday 7 August 2023, North West HHS celebrated National Day of Recognition for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Health Practitioners. Events were held across our region, including Mornington Island, Doomadgee, Cloncurry and Mount Isa with certificate presentations as a way for us to shine a spotlight on this crucial workforce.

Something that makes this workforce so amazing is that they are the world’s only Indigenous health professionals underpinned by national training and regulation.

During the Mount Isa event we showcased some of the professional stories and reflections from the “Celebrating 50 Years of Queensland Health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers 1970 to Present” project. Wonderful stories of health workers captured on film were played, that included some of our retired and current health workers and also on show was a compelling timeline that showcases Queensland Health’s key milestones in empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers over the past 50 years. We enjoyed the celebrations of this crucial workforce and celebrating the work they do.

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NWHHS Balance

Community

Orange Sky mobile laundry service launches in Doomadgee Following a commitment to ending rheumatic heart disease (RHD) by 2031, North West HHS are pleased to announce the recent launch of a mobile laundry service in Doomadgee.

The service has been made possible following a partnership agreement with Orange Sky and Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council.

With clean clothing and bedding essential to reducing the risks of skin infections which left untreated can increase the risk of RHD - the mobile laundry is a critical step towards ensuring access to essential hygiene infrastructure.

North West HHS Chief Executive Sean Birgan said the partnership was valuable for supporting the Doomadgee community in a really practical way.

“If we can all work together to provide access to equipment that is otherwise difficult to obtain and maintain in a remote community like Doomadgee, then we are ensuring that our communities have the resources to manage their health and improve their wellbeing,” Mr Birgan said.

Mr Birgan said community operators have been trained to successfully facilitate the service and the community has been widely consulted.

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NWHHS Balance

Community

Soap Aid Distribution in Doomadgee We are pleased to share that a soap aid initiative is underway in Doomadgee, with more than 1200 bars of soap packaged and distributed in the community.

Soap is an important part of preventing the development of diseases like trachoma and skin sores, but access to basic necessities like soap can be limited in rural and remote areas.

The trachoma team have been visiting Doomadgee since 2018, working with the local healthcare service, school and council to undertake trachoma screening and health promotion activities that encourage facial cleanliness, access to water and general hygiene. Earlier this year, the issue of access and availability to soap was raised and this initiative was born.

Soap has also been made available at various places across the community, with positive uptake at the following locations: Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, MyPathways, The Wellness Centre, Aged Care, Doomadgee Hospital, Gidgee Healing, 54 Reasons and the police station.

This initiative closely aligns with other work being done in the Doomadgee community around rheumatic heart disease and healthy skin to improve access to basic hygiene supplies. It further complements other initiatives to improve health hardware, like the Orange Sky mobile laundry facility and supporting safe water quality.

Thank you to Wendy Morotti, Public Health Clinical Nurse Consultant (Brisbane) for working alongside our local teams on this project.

NWHHS Balance

Mykaela Hart

Senior community worker awarded scholarship Mykaela has been working for North West HHS since September 2022 and was recently awarded a scholarship to complete a Graduate Diploma in Indigenous Health Promotion.

She's a proud Kalkadoon woman who was born and raised in Mount Isa, where her mother and father both grew up. Mykaela worked in childcare for five years before applying for a job in health. She now can't imagine doing anything else.

"I wanted to be more involved in my community and when this position came about I was interested in how much I would be able to get out in the community

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and educate mob about health, but also educate my colleagues about the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and culture in this community."

"The best part of my job is getting out in the community, engaging with the people and providing them with education about health not only in Mount Isa but throughout all of the North West region.

“It makes my day knowing that I’ve helped someone take any small steps to better their health, whether it's helping them to make appointments with other services or just having a yarn and listening to their stories."

She's excited to begin her diploma and further develop her new career.

"It'll help me to get a better understanding of health promotion, learn different culturally appropriate approaches to better understand the communities and their health needs and how we as a whole community can make differences for the future generations to come."

When she's not working or studying, Mykaela enjoys spending time with her family.

"When I’m not working you can find me spending time with my family at home with a big feast, going out bush and heading out of town to see extended family in Cloncurry or Boulia."

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NWHHS Balance

Facilities

Spotlight on Camooweal Camooweal is a country town of approximately 200 people situated 13 kilometres from the Northern Territory border.

The clinic offers pharmacy services, child health, immunisation, school-based wellness health checks and community home visits.

Established in 1884 as a service centre for surrounding cattle properties, Camooweal marks the furthest tip of the Mount Isa City Council catchment. The IndjalandjiDhidhanu people are recognised as the Traditional Custodians of the area. In total, 42.5 per cent of the local population identify as Aboriginal peoples and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Known as the gateway to the Northern Territory and Queensland, the town is home to a rich history and rural lifestyle.

The Barkly Highway which joins Mount Isa to Camooweal is considered the longest main street in the world, at 188km long.

The Camooweal Primary Health Clinic is a nurse-led facility, providing 24-hour acute and emergency on-call service with a hospital-based ambulance. The clinic incorporates the advanced nurse model and nurse practitioner model of care and focuses on chronic disease management, preventative health, health promotion and health education.

The Camooweal district is honeycombed with rare sink holes and caves, dating back to the Cambrian Period, about 500 million years ago. Those visitors experienced in serious caving will discover a whole new world beneath the Camooweal region. While in Camooweal make sure you visit the Barkly Tableland Heritage Centre, Camooweal Caves National Park and the Drovers Camp Information Centre.

Known as the gateway to the Northern Territory and Queensland, Camooweal is home to a rich history and rural lifestyle.

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NWHHS Balance

Wellbeing

Wellbeing Tips

Preventing digital eye strain If you’ve been looking at a computer Blink more. Blinking helps clean the screen or your smart phone for a long surface of your eye, which helps sharpen period of time, when was the last time your vision. you looked away?

Take eye breaks. Why not try the 20-20It’s no surprise that the use of any digital 20 rule, where every 20 minutes you look device has increased substantially in at something at least 20 feet (6m) away recent years. Digital eye strain, which has for at least 20 seconds. also aptly been named computer-vision syndrome, includes a wide range of ocular Adjust your monitor. Ideally, you want (to do with the eyes) and visual your monitor/s directly in front of you, roughly an arm’s length away. The top of symptoms. your screen should be at or just below The most common symptoms associated eye level, so your neck is in a neutral with digital eye strain are eye strain, position to eliminate any unnecessary headaches, blurred vision, dry eyes and neck strain. even pain in the neck and shoulders.

Check the lighting. Bright lighting might Just like we advocate for self-care for our be wreaking havoc on your ability to see minds and bodies, why not try these eye your monitor clearly and focus on what self-care tips the next time your eyes are you’re looking at. Try turning off or dimming the overhead lights and closing feeling tired. the blinds to reduce natural glare.

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Dietitian's Corner

Method Preheat the oven to 180-200 C for 15 mins.

Line a baking paper first with aluminium foil, then with baking paper on top, making sure there is excess on the sides. This is to ensure that we can secure the fish parcel, while making sure it doesn’t stick to the foil.

While the oven is preheating, mix the lime juice, ginger, and garlic together in a small bowl until well incorporated.

Place the fish on the baking paper and splash the olive oil over both sides. Gently pour the lime, ginger sauce on the fish and turn over in sauce to coat well.

Summer white fish with colourful fried rice

Once coated, place the fish in the centre of the tray, taking care to ensure each piece is not touching and season both sides. Then take the edges of the baking paper and foil and bring together in the centre, scrunching the foil to make a secure parcel that is sealed on all sides.

North West HHS Clinic Dietitian Natascha Molderings shares a delicious recipe to try.

Place in the oven and cook for 15-20 mins (add an additional 10 mins if cooking from frozen).

Ingredients For the fish: 4 pieces of your favourite fish recommend barramundi or snapper) Splash of vegetable oil or EVOO 1 lime, juiced 2 tsp grated ginger 2 tbsp grated garlic Salt and pepper to taste Coriander, to serve

(I

For the rice: 2 cups cooked rice, cooled (or microwave rice for a quick alternative) 1 tbsp vegetable oil or EVOO 1 brown onion, sliced thinly 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp turmeric 3 tbsp garlic 1-2 cups of your favourite vegetables (chopped) – I recommend, beans, snow peas, carrots 1 tbsp butter Note: * if adding tougher vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, or eggplants, or starchy vegetables such as potatoes or pumpkin additional pre-cooking is required.

While the fish is cooking, heat up a frypan with oil. Once medium-hot, fry the onions until they turn brown and soft.

Add the spices and sauté until fragrant.

Add the rice and fry for 1 minute until spices have completely coated the rice.

Switch off heat and add your vegetables at the end (this is to ensure that they don’t go soggy*).

Finally add butter, salt and pepper to taste and stir through until completely incorporated.

Remove the fish from the oven when cooked through; it should be opaque and moist.

Serve fish with a generous heaping of rice, lime and ginger sauce and finish with the coriander.

North West Hospital and Health Service

BALANCE

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