Unprecedented pandemic leads to unprecedented strategies SUBMITTED BY GLADSTONE REGION ABORIGINAL AND ISLANDER COMMUNITY CONTROLLED HEALTH SERVICE t/a
NHULUNDU HEALTH SERVICE Continuous improvement to service delivery is of paramount importance at Nhulundu Health Service. Accustomed to considering new ways of delivering quality primary health care, staff were well equipped to modify their delivery model when the COVID-19 pandemic emerged earlier this year.
Nhulundu Health Service CEO, Matthew Cooke, said their innovative approach allowed staff to comply with guidelines set down by Queensland Health. “We have implemented a broad range of measures designed to keep our staff, our families and our community safe during this time,” he said.
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Sector Leader M AG A Z I N E
One of the first changes to be rolled out was the establishment of a drive-thru flu clinic. “This was a creative solution to safely deliver flu vaccinations to vulnerable patients during a time of social distancing,” said Mr Cooke.
“ The community response was overwhelmingly positive; we saw a marked increase in the number of clients getting vaccinations.” Staff and clients alike have welcomed a new permanent general practitioner, Dr Sheenu Mishra, to the medical centre. Mr Cooke said that finding a suitable, qualified doctor had been a long and difficult process, however
| November/December 2020
the new appointee brings continuity of care to the local community. Ongoing telehealth consultations have proven popular. Clinical Practice Manager, Jenny Kerr, said this important measure helped prevent unnecessary exposure of patients and healthcare professionals to COVID-19.
“ Funds were made available to purchase phones which allows clients to FaceTime or video call their doctor.” “This has been well received as many clients have been reluctant to come into the clinic,” she said. Additional COVID-19 requirements, including client screening prior to entering the clinic and modified waiting room procedures, have not
