Nhulundu Unprecedented pandemic leads to unprecedented strategies

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. 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

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

only been limited to the health clinic with the Aged Care Program also introducing significant changes to service delivery. Program Coordinator, Nikita Cowley, said additional ad hoc funding from the Department of Health would see an increase in service delivery to existing and new Aged Care clients.

“This injection of funds will allow us to ensure the health and wellbeing needs of our clients are met during

COVID-19,” she said.

Monies will be allocated for allied health therapy services, social support, personal care, domestic assistance, home maintenance and food services. The COVID-19 pandemic has also affected the Family Wellbeing Program. Funding from the Department of Child Safety Youth and Women has led to the appointment of a Specialist

Domestic and Family Violence Social Worker at the centre. The social worker’s role will enable the program to help support vulnerable people and families who may have been impacted by the virus. Another important development in response to COVID-19 has been the establishment of a COVID Lead Project. Funded under the Queensland Government’s Immediate Support Measures, the new role will support and lead Nhulundu Health Service’s response to COVID-19 and recovery. Aged Care and Business Services staff participated in an in-service day recently, with other staff scheduled to follow suit.

The popular Tucka-Time program continues to grow. Additional funding will see the program expand into regional areas including Charleville, Rockhampton, Gladstone, Biloela, Bundaberg and Toowoomba. As with other programs, COVID-19 has meant rethinking program delivery to ensure compliance with Queensland Health guidelines. A Gladstone facilitator has recently been appointed, with plans underway to trial a new online delivery format at a local school.

A recently appointed Manager of Innovation and Service Development will help shape and enhance future service delivery at Nhulundu Health Service. This is something Mr Cooke said would ultimately deliver even better health outcomes for clients and the community.

“These are challenging times we are facing, however I have every confidence in our staff.”

“They are well equipped to meeting the needs of our clients throughout this pandemic and into the future,” he said.