2013/2014 Annual Report
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation ICN 7460
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Contents Chairpersons Report................................................................................................................................. 1
Organisation Chart.................................................................................................................................... 3 Chief Executive Officer Report.............................................................................................................. 5 Administration Report............................................................................................................................. 7 Practice Manager Report........................................................................................................................ 9
Clinic and Healthy for Life Report.....................................................................................................13
SEWB/BTH Report....................................................................................................................................17 Drug and Alcohol Services Report....................................................................................................19
Counselling Support Report................................................................................................................23
Dunjiba Substance Misuse Report....................................................................................................25
A Final Farewell to our dearest Colleagues of all time..............................................................27 Thank you to all those that have supported and contributed to another successful year!................................................................................29
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Annual Report 2013/2014
Chairpersons Report It is with great pleasure that I present you the Directors Report and Audited Financial Statements of Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHS) for the 2013’/2014’ Financial Year. The past year has been a very turbulent one in terms of funding direction from the Federal Government, which has left most Indigenous Organisations in the dark with regard to future funding opportunities. This is happening in a back-ground where the organisation is expected deliver more with lesser funds. But I am extremely happy to state that the CEO together with the staff have been able to
minimise costs and run the organisation in a very efficient manner while not compromising on service delivery. I am also happy to state that the Management and staff of UTHS have been working tirelessly to get as many GP’s and Specialists to come up to Coober Pedy to ensure that the services provided to the Community are maximised. This is evident by the extra number of Doctor visits which were carried out during the past Year which also resulted in an increase in patient numbers. This shows that UTHS is exceeding its delivery expectations. A big Thank You to the CEO and the Clinic/Healthy for Life staff. I am also pleased to inform you that the Drug and Alcohol Day Centre is running at maximum capacity with its current Men’s and Women’s Programs, Counselling Support, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Program as well as the regular Bush Trips all of which contribute towards achieving the objective of addressing Substance Misuse within the Community. I am proud to say that the UTHS Drug and Alcohol Centre has and is having a positive impact in addressing these issue within the Community. Great work all staff at the Drug and Alcohol Centre. I am also delighted to inform you that the organisation has been found to be well
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
managed in terms of Finance, Pay-roll and HR matters. I am confident that UTHS will receive ISO Accreditation in a couple of weeks from now which would be a first for a Community Controlled Aboriginal Corporation in South Australia. I take my hat off to the CEO and the Admin Team. I would also like to state that the Board is working closely with the CEO to take this organisation to the next level by negotiating for new funding opportunities with various stake-holders including Mining Companies in and around Coober Pedy. The coming year is going to be more challenging than the previous one due to uncertainty around future funding, but we as a Board are positive that the organisation could and would survive these turbulent times and continue to service the Aboriginal Community of Coober Pedy and surrounding areas. I also wish to inform you that the Board of Directors of UTHS have not received any monitory or non-monitory benefits in the capacity of being Board Members. Finally, I take this opportunity to thank the Board, CEO and all staff at UTHS for the commendable work they continue to do in order to improve the health and wellbeing of the Aboriginal People of the Community.
ROBIN WALKER Vice Chairperson
PATRICK LARKINS Board Member
CHRIS WARRIOR Board Member
DILSHAN PERERA Secretary
PRISCILLA LARKINS Chief Executive Officer
LILLIAN FATT Board Member
David Hunter Chairperson
Annual Report 2013/2014
Organisation Chart Umoona Tjatagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation ICN 7460
Board CEO
Priscilla Larkins Practice Manager / Quality Officer Michael Fernando H4L Coordinator Janice Steele
Executive Assistant Dilshan Perera
Child Health Nurse Janine Lebois
Registered Nurse Jincy Varghese
Medical Receptionist Mariena Rodrigo
Environmental Health Dylan Warren
Registered Nurse Ingrid Lopez
Assist. Medical Receptionist Rachel Nikolau
Male Health Worker Robert Hele Female Health Worker Gelnys Dodd Health Promotion Officer Josie Warrior
Registered Nurse TBA Male Health Worker TBA Female Health Worker Lillian Fatt
DAS Manager TBA
Community Liason Officer Josie Warrior
Clinic Coordinator Kwa Gyan
Transport Officer Courry Collen Driver TBA
Business Services Manager Dilshan Perera Finance Support Adele Paz
DAS Program Coordinator TBA
Payroll Officer Laura Larkins
Substance Misuse Worker Anthony Lindsay
IT Communicare Support Officer Shan Rodrigo
SEWB/Bringing Them Home Suhara Perera
Male drug & Alcohol Worker Michael Lipstey
Admin Support Officer Yushani Perera
Dunjiba Substance Misuse Worker Bobby Warren
Substance Misuse Worker Donna Bailes
Receptionist / Admin Support Damien Reissen
NGOTGP Counsellor / Mental Health Clinician George Laslett
NGOTGP Registered Nurse Jose Kuriakose
Cleaner - DAS/H4L Delesh Perera
Male Hygiene Worker Michael Lipstey (Jnr)
Cleaner - Main Office TBA
Female Hygiene Worker Gilby
Groundsman James Tumappang Receptionist DAS Keyine O’Toole
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Annual Report 2013/2014
Chief Executive Officer Report Welcome to the 2013 /14 Annual General meeting. This year we have again seen some dramatic improvements and changes within the organisation. The organisation has successfully achieved its first stage of ISO Accreditation with the next review due in October. The staff have done a tremendous job in securing the first stage of the audit and we look forward to achieving the full accreditation in October. Wayne Turner from CBB and Stacey Kambouris HMED has provided staff and the management team with excellent support throughout this year. The new Budget proposed by the new Federal Government this year has put another strain on our future Budgets. Thanks to our self-generated
Medicare income, we were able to overcome some financial strain and provide the organisation with extra financial support. Through this we were able to successfully secure extra doctor time enabling us to achieve better client care management. Umoona Tjutagku Health Service continues to always strive to improve the quality of services delivered out into the community and improve the gaps. Staff continue to provide a comprehensive Primary Health Care service while educating clients in the community. The feedback we’ve received has been positive. Staff retention is always a big challenge for the organisation with Umoona Health training staff and staff leaving with the qualification funded and provided for by Umoona Health within a short period of time. This is a common problem with all levels of staff since it is always difficult to find the right candidates that have the skills and experience in working in remote areas. Staff in all program areas have been working extremely well working towards improving their statistics through a higher number of episodes of care. Staff are also improving on client care
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
management with the support from their Managers and external Agencies. Umoona Health is undergoing its next round of ISO Accreditation and I wish to hear some great news in October. Furthermore I would like to take this opportunity to pay respect to a very special man, Uncle Robin Walker. Robin has been a pillar of strength to this organisation for many years and has shown such passion to helping this community. He would take time out to make sure people were ok. He would give his last dollar to anyone in need even if he would eat bread and noodles for a week.
opportunity goes without saying. However, we all hate to lose such an efficient and talented colleague. Your diligence, patience and pleasing personality will be long remembered. Your keen wit and wisdom have positively impacted each and every one of us. You have truly inspired me and others to work with sincerity and dedication. Thank you once again for showing me how one can be an exemplary employee and an excellent colleague. I consider you not only a colleague, but a valuable mentor, friend and most of all Uncle.
I also take this opportunity to thank the Board, Management and staff of Umoona Health for all the assistance provided to me during the past year to bring this organisation up to the level it is in at this moment of time. Without your support we would not have achieved all of this. A big thank you to all once again ! I look forward to another successful year.
Priscilla Larkins Chief Executive Officer
Uncle Robin, I consider myself very fortunate for having an opportunity to work with an expert of your calibre. Working with you was a great learning experience for me and to others. I value the knowledge and insight you have, and willingness to share it with all of us. I credit you for the success of this organisation for all the hard work you have put into this place is irreplaceable I thank you for that. Thank you for being such an inspiration to us. You gave me and each and every one of us determination, motivation and inspiration. We thank you for being a colleague and a teacher, two in one. You showed me patience instead of anger, guidance instead of annoyance and understanding instead of intolerance. Thank you for being so supportive over the years to us all. Your feedback, your criticism and your opinions hold more value for us than from anyone else. Our team was saddened by the announcement of your loss. The fact that you deserve this great
Annual Report 2013/2014
Administration Report It’s has been great to be associated with Umoona Health during another fantastic year where we have been able to take the organisation to a higher level of Service Delivery, Governance and Accountability. Firstly, the organisation successfully went through the first stage of the ISO Audit and is confident of obtaining ISO Accreditation by the end of October 2014’. Top Management and Staff support during this process was commendable. This enabled us to advance the final Accreditation date to end October, a couple of months earlier than scheduled. I am also pleased to inform you that we have been able to conduct two sessions of Corporate Governance to the Board, CEO
and Secretary/Business Services Manager (BSM) during the past Financial Year. This has enhanced the Board and Senior Management Team’s knowledge and capabilities with regard to proper governance processes and procedures. From a Business Services point of view we have taken measures to ensure more accountability and transparency with regard to Accounting and Finance related matters. This was done through the coordination with our External Accountants, Auditors and also by providing Training and Development to relevant staff. This was also followed-up with the Pay-roll function which has now made it more effective and efficient in terms of managing this activity. We have young but capable ladies, Finance Officer (Adela Paz) and Pay-roll Officer (Laura Larkins) to manage these two functions respectively. It’s also with pleasure that I inform you the upgrade done to the IT Server in the main office at a cost of aprx. $30,000.00. This was on a priority to-do list the previous year since the existing server was at full capacity and could
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
not accommodate any more users. The purchase and installation of the new IT Server has reduced many issues/delays which were on-going with the previous machine. Shan Rodrigo, our IT Support Officer was instrumental in ensuring the smooth transition from the old Server to the new one.
ADELA PAZ Finance Officer
SHAN RODRIGO Communicare Support Officer
LAURA LARKINS Payroll Officer
DELESH PERERA Cleaner
DAMIEN RIESSEN Receptionist
JAMES TUMAPANG Groundsman
As on previous Years the main set-back for the
organisation has been its inability to attract suitably qualified personnel to work on a longterm basis in the organisation. The remote location of Coober Pedy is a major contributing factor to this issue. Umoona Health has had to spend lots of money on Advertising and also as Recruitment Fees paid to various organisations to ensure that all vacant positions are filled within the shortest possible time period. With regard to the rest of the positions within Admin, Yusharni Perera was promoted as the Drug and Alcohol Admin Support Officer while Damien Riesen and Kaylene O’Toole remain as our capable Receptionists. James Tummapang continues as our Facilities Officer and we have had a new addition to the Admin Team, Delesh Perera – Cleaner. The CEO and my-self adds to the last two slots of the Admin Team which has been great to work with during the past Year. Thanking you,
Dilshan Perera
Business Services Manager / Company Secretary
Annual Report 2013/2014
Practice Manager Report Friendly and Caring Clinical Service Our clinical services are provided by Locum Doctors, Allied Health Specialist, Registered Nurses, Midwife, Aboriginal Health Workers, Pharmacist, and visiting Dental team. These services are supported by a Practice Manager, Clinical Coordinator, Medical Receptionist, Transport Officer and Aboriginal Liaison Officers who make it possible to achieve the quality of
work each day. By providing services in an interprofessional team, the clients benefit from the expertise of each team member as well as from the collaboration of the team. In working to achieve better health care and active ageing for all Aboriginal people living in Coober Pedy and surrounding regions, we developed the better health initiative, which focuses on promoting good health; reducing the burden of chronic disease; and improving care for people in the community at the beginning of the financial year. Meeting all objectives was, at times, difficult, but was achieved through the dedication, hard work and leadership of the staff. During the year under review, number of GP hours increased, number of individual patients increased, whilst episodes of care increased by 28% compared to year 2012/13. It is also noteworthy that we recorded the highest number of visiting specialist this year and continued to provide a comprehensive range of medical services under one roof. Excellent GP Hours The GP team constitutes people with diversity of skills including those attached to teams in antenatal, child and family health, mental health, chronic disease care and substance misuse. Many of the GPs work in the general medical stream as well, and provide opportunities for patients to have both walk-in consultations and consultation by appointment. SA Health funding of 0.5% GP hours supported
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
eleven GP visits this year in our Health Service. These visits have mostly been filled by Dr. Helen Sage who is an expert in community, mental and women’s health. Dr. Jodie Whillas and Dr. Judy McDonald visited twice under this funding. Dr. Richard Buzacott and Dr. Neville Carlier bridged the balance of five visits under the SA health funding which enabled us to optimize a better GP mix during year 2013/14.
With the support of the four GP visits provided by the RDWA, this financial year we achieved Twenty Seven GP visits leading to 67.3% of GP availability per month at the end of the financial year. Medical Specialists and Allied Health Service With the principal support from the Rural Health Outreach programme and the MSOAP this year, the health service has conducted various specialists clinic specially targeting chronic disease clients. This reduced the need for people to travel away from home for consultations and treatments outside the community. Such rural health outreach programs include: • Endocrinologist visit to provide review & support to our clients in the community with Diabetes
MSOAP-ICD (Medical Specialist Outreach Assistance Program-Indigenous Chronic Disease) continued to increase access to medical specialists for UTHSAC. This enhanced GP visits specifically target Chronic Disease Prevention and Management. Our two long-term experienced female GPs Dr. Jodi Whillas and Dr. Judy McDonald provided eight visits lasting four days each to assist our clients with their Aboriginal Health Checks as well as Chronic Disease Care Plans. The Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia (AHCSA) has been giving tremendous contribution to the Health Service by providing Dr David Scrimgeour as a regular GP to provide expert community health service and empower our clinical team. Dr. Scrimgeour added five GP visits of four days each per month until the end of December 2013.
• Asthma/Respiratory Physician visit to provide review and support for Asthma clients each quarter • Occupational Therapist- assisting community members in developing strategies to help them manage activities of daily living safely • Ear, Nose and Throat Specialist and audiology visit and follow-up appointments including arranging for ear operation for our clients in the community (adults & children) with Chronic Ear Disease • Additional Allied Health visits including Audiologist, speech therapy, physiotherapy, dietician and podiatry • Ophthalmologist and Optometrist visit bi-annually
eHealth The eHealth enables us to collect monthly measures to assist with the preparation of up to date patient records. By the end of the year we had registered significant volume of patients for a Personally Controlled eHealth Record (PCEHR) and also have started uploading Shared Health Summaries. Quality Improvement and Accreditation It is with great pleasure to announce that we have successfully achieved RACGP accreditation for the next three years. The clinic is to achieve its best results ever showed remarkable leadership in its services provision. We have implemented state of the art quality management system throughout the year including clinical governance and risk frameworks in order to support the upcoming organizational accreditation of ISO 9001:2008. We are confident of achieving ISO certification hurdle by end Dec 2014. Dental Clinic Throughout the year, the Clinic continued to raise awareness of the need to maintain a better standard of dental health through the culturally appropriate dental health treatment follow-up, education/promotion, and referrals to SA dental. The dental team have visited on monthly basis and provided excellent service to the people living in Coober Pedy and surrounding regions. We continue to provide our S100 pharmacy. Patient Assistance Transport Scheme (PATS) has continued to provide support for our clients who
Annual Report 2013/2014
Practice Manager Report
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6-14 Health Check
Diabetes GPMP
CHD GPMP
Figure 2: Total Service Contacts
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Michael Fernando
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Key achievements in care activities are outlined in Figure 1. Figure 2 displays the number of service contacts for regular patients over time. Figure 2 highlights that an average of 528 clients was served by the clinic for a month and recorded an average of 2,388 service contacts.
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Evaluating current partnerships and seeking potential future partnerships will help us maximize our outcomes given our limited resources. The clinic focused on developing Care Plans and ATSI check to ensure wellness of the clients and the community as well as generating healthy revenue base to the organization. This could be used to get more GP hours and specialist visits in the future. We need to continue to be creative and to utilize the skills we have as a collective to be the most efficient, effective and forward thinking
Figure 1: Care Activities for Regular Indigenous Patients
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Decreases of the subsidiaries for GP visit are continuing in year 2014/15 as well. However, New ICD Outreach programme extend their wings to UTHSAC for additional medical specialist services which will commence from January 2015. The continued dedication of ICD Outreach to provide these specialist programs at UTHSAC is very much appreciated, and clearly demonstrates their commitment to improve the health and wellbeing of our Aboriginal Community in Coober Pedy.
Sustainable gains in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health remain a priority for the clinic. All areas of the health service were engaged in this effort. It encourages doctors to carry out regular comprehensive health checks for clients to promote healthy behaviour. Child health checks are an important way to detect early developmental or other health concerns such as dental, ear and skin conditions. UTHSAC is becoming more systematic in terms of how these checks are being offered through our Healthy Kids Clinic. In the same way, Adult Health Checks are also performed to detect health problems. Current data demonstrates that UTHSAC has seen a significant increase in the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessments/ Checks (MBS Item715) completed for the 2013/14 period, when compared to the corresponding period for 2012/13.
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Comprehensive Care
Service Contacts
need to see specialist health professionals, test or surgery outside the community.
Service Contacts Individual Patient Served
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Annual Report 2013/2014
Clinic and Healthy for Life Report
KWA GYAN Clinic Coordinator
INGRID LOPEZ Registered Nurse
JINCY VARGHESE Registered Nurse
LILLIAN FATT Senior Aboriginal Health Worker JANICE STEELE H4L Coordinator
DYLAN WARREN Environmental Health Worker
JANINE LEBOIS Child Health Nurse
GLENYS DODD Female Health Worker
ROBERT HELE Male Health Worker
JOSIE WARRIOR Health Promotion Officer
Men’s Health DEAHAN RIESSEN Trainee Aboriginal Health Worker
MARIENA RODRIGO Medical Receptionist
RACHEL NIKOLAU Assist. Medical Receptionist
in our reports and the statistics of our clients’ records. The pride of seeing our clients get better with smiles on their faces drives us to devote our time and energy to clients’ centred care. The clinic works in conjunction with the Healthy for life team and the environmental health worker to ensure complete clients’ care. Healthy for Life
Overview of the Clinic’s Performance The clinic has continued to maintain and develop an excellent record of medical health service provision. Presently our current number of clients is between 450 and 500. However, we have over 2000 transient clients and most of them are very active at the clinic. Our focus on client’s centred care through client’s feed-back has been the key to our success. We acknowledge clients’ feedback and work collaboratively with them to ensure their satisfaction of our services. Our services of have greatly improved within the year and they will keep improving until all our clients get better. There have been improvement in all aspects of clients’ care and this is evident
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
We take the health of our men seriously. We ensure our men are cared for by men staff if they prefer to be. We do community outreach care for our men. We also do men’s health checks to determine how to properly care for our men clients.
COURRY COLLEN Transport Officer
Umoona health believes that to deliver the best practice, the client must be actively involved in the service delivery. Hence, our health care services are informed by the perspective of our clients as they are the recipients of the services. The healthy for life team visits clients in the community and talk to them to determine what works for them and how they are going with their health. Our outreach and community visiting has increased the availability of services and has promoted trust and ongoing relationships with the community. The H4L team continues to monitor the health outcomes of our clients using appropriate follow ups
Chronic Disease Prevention Women’s Health Our health service has 3 female visiting Doctors who are dedicated to comprehensive and management for a range of women’s health issues including contraception, Pap smear, antenatal checks, osteoporosis, anxiety and depression, hypertension, diabetes, maintaining good health and well-being. Further, we do community outreach to help our women in the community with their health and we ensure our female clients are cared for by female staff depending on their preferences.
• We have achieved great positive outcomes regarding our clients health and we did this through client centred care, constant education and deep listening to our clients. We listen to our clients and get feed -back from them to determine how they want their care done through their feedback. • Our average birth weight has increased by 0.131g since July 2013 • Most of our clients who have blood pressure, now have their blood pressures close to normal as possible • 98% of our children clients are fully immunised • Both Adult and child health checks have increased greatly this year • There was no low birth weight in this quarter as compared to 1 in the last quarter • Our diabetes clients who have chronic disease assessment completed have increased Team care arrangements have increased and care plans have increased as compared to the last
Annual Report 2013/2014
Clinic and Healthy for Life Report quarter. We would like to ensure all our clients have care plans done in the next quarter because that is how we can determine if any of our clients is at risk of having chronic disease complications. With early detection and early intervention we can avoid a lot of complications • Our diabetes clients who have HbA1cs done have increased as compared to the 2nd quarter. This is a very good achievement and we need to keep it up. By the next annual general meeting, we would like to ensure that all our diabetes clients have their blood sugars below 10mmol/L and HbA1c at 7% or lower. This will help with the prevention of diabetes
related complications such as heart diseases, kidney diseases, eye problems and many other diseases that are related to poor blood flow
• At the moment, 32.7% of our diabetes clients have their HbA1c reduced to 7% or lower and we hope to have the rest reduced too. This is a very good achievement and can get even better because our clients are getting better understanding of diabetes and are eager to reduce their BSLs We give our clients education regarding chronic disease prevention, we follow them up in the community; we do check- ups and education regarding better understanding of conditions such as asthma; diabetes; high blood pressure; and how to prevent complications. We do explanation of test results to ensure our clients understand their results. We work collaboratively with our clients to ensure positive outcomes. We listen to them; we get feedback from them to determine how feel and how they want their care done so we can meet their needs.
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Asthma Clinic
Ear Health
Environmental Health
We do asthma clinics. During the asthma clinics, we do spirometer test on our clients to determine their lung functions so that the respiratory physician can use the results for intervention. Further we give asthma education for medication management and the prevention of attacks on our clients.
We do ear health checks for both adults and children for early detection of ear infections and prevention of complications, to improve hearing and better child’s health, education and social life.
We have a qualified environmental health worker who does community outreach programs including pest control, infection control, home assessment, waste management, advice education, dog health control and many others that enhance health promotion in the community.
Child Health We are trying to protect the children in this community from having chronic diseases. Hence we do child health checks for early detection and early intervention. We encourage parents to come in with their children for their health checks to be done. It may take about forty minutes of your time but it is very rewarding. Those forty minutes could be the key to your child’s chance of avoiding a chronic disease that may be in the family. It may be true that your family has a history of chronic illness which puts the whole family at risk of having that illness. However, the healthy for life team at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service is telling you that, you or your children do not have to have that chronic illness even if it is in the family. Having it should not be a must because it can be prevented. If you already have the chronic disease, we can work with you to prevent it from getting complicated.
With Glenys Dodd and Robert Hele as leading ear health practitioners, our healthy for life team has done a great job with ear health in the last quarter. We are passionate about the ears of our clients because ears are so vital to language, families, stories; learning and it help people to be safe and strong. We give the credit to NACCHO for imparting such great knowledge to us to better the health of people in this community. With this knowledge we are able to improve the ear health of our people through otoscopy, audiometry and tympanometry. Finally we would like to keep working with you, using client’s centred culturally appropriate care. Hence we need your feedback to achieve this aim. Thank you all.
Annual Report 2013/2014
SEWB/BTH Report Social and Emotional Wellbeing and Bringing Them Home (SEWB/BTH) The Social & Emotional Wellbeing (SEWB) continued to provide comprehensive clinical and non-clinical services to Clients and their Families within the Coober Pedy region to identify the needs for culturally specific services that take into consideration their holistic concept of health, their spiritual and cultural belief and the contexts of their lives. There have been numerous challenges these past 12 months, some of which have provided Staff with opportunities to showcase their achievements. Since July 2013 the Social & Emotional Wellbeing worker has been full on working as
Social Emotional Wellbeing/Bringing Them Home (SEWB/BTH) coordinator with Drug and Alcohol team with client counselling and harm minimisation programs in the community. Under the leadership and management support provided by the SEWB/BTH coordinator, SEWB have an experienced and proud team that works well between, Counselor, Substance Misuse Workers, Aboriginal Health Workers and Clinicians to care, support, treat and assist in the recovery of clients. Services provided by the SEWB/BTH program includes, • Access information/resources/services/ health coaching. • Provide counselling support including: Narrative therapy, Grief and loss counselling, Motivational interviewing, person centred therapy and Anger management counselling. • Assist and refer clients to UTHSAC Drug and Alcohol services, BTH link up programs and other local service providers in Coober Pedy. • Liaise with mental health clinicians:
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Psychiatrist to book face to face appointments or by Tele psychiatry. • “Ngangkaris” for people needing traditional cleansing of themselves, homes or work places. • Facilitate women’s programs. • Organize cultural activities, Yarning circles and programs. • Social support and Resilience • Provide case management and coordination support. • Advocating on behalf of individuals, families or groups. Psychiatrist Service The addition psychiatry services have added to our capacity to provide psychiatric care within a culturally safe environment. We provided mental health consultations sessions to our clients through expertise Psychiatrists Dr Adriana Lattanzio and Dr Cord Udy throughout the year. 44 number of clients have been refried to Psychiatrist on distinguish reasons. Our teleconference facility was enabled clients to get consultation service at any given time even in a remote location. Episode of care and Client contacts
Stolen Generation Project It is vital to highlight the stolen generation project implemented by the SEWB Stolen Generation project is funded by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Healing Foundation for 06 months. The project aims to provide new information about managing emotion of within the context of stolen generation. Our collaborative approach is evident with the development and implemented of the project, which produced an exceptional outcomes for the community, including : overcome social isolation and building social cohesiveness, provided a good foundation and strengthen the relationship between and members and their lost culture, Demonstrated a viable way of living and dealing with trauma, overcome social isolation and building social cohesiveness, through yarning sessions with the members, sharing stories and ventilation of feelings healed the future generation. Healing camps/workshops and healing gatherings also given additional wings on successes of the project As reported in previous AGM reports the demand for these services is greater than what is able to be offered. I will be focusing on team-building , motivation, meeting new people, and building cultural awareness and confidence.
Suhara Perera
Social and Emotional Wellbeing/ BTH Social Worker
During this period there was significant and increasing demand on client needs in Mental Health and the complexities of issues presented. During the year under review, number of individual patients increasing whilst the episode increased by 75% compared to year 2012/13.
Annual Report 2013/2014
Drug and Alcohol Services Report What an exciting and achievable year it has been for the DAS program. This year the DAS teams have pushed beyond boundaries with the new liquor licensing put in place which has made our programs a lot more achievable and rewarding to see. Despite the changes in DAS management the staffs have continued to strive to do their very best. Priscilla has been supporting the DAS team with management along George Laslett and Tony Lindsay’s support.
DONNA BAILES Substance Misuse Worker
Bush Trips Men’s Music program On Wednesday weekly Tony Lindsay, Aboriginal mentor heads up a great drug and alcohol
diversion program. Men gather with their guitars and talent and soon there is an enormous sound of 1990’s electric music and driving beat. The program has a settled definite base of 8 men with others joining along the way.
There really is water in the Coober Pedy basin and Mosquito and Long Creeks prove a great location on Tuesdays for bush trips where Aboriginal men (former stockmen, ringers and drovers) enjoy getting out for some kangaroo tail and a way to be real in the great Australian outback. Here Aboriginal Health Worker, Michael Liptsey, Mental health Nurse, Jose Kuriakose, mentor, Tony Lindsay or Counselor George Laslett use either the drug board, audiovisuals, short talks or personal counseling to reinforce harm minimization messages, drug and alcohol information and a Motivational Interviewing approach to reducing drugs and alcohol. On a regular weekly basis in groups of 5 to 6 men meaningful conversations and decisions are made to reduce alcohol and nicotine abuse.
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
In the future there are plans for an annual band performance with a support act to a bigger, visiting act. This will give local musos, rappers and young people the opportunity to rise up and learn new skills, develop vision and interests. During the breaks the UTHSAC workers find ways to promote healthy living, harm minimization approaches to drug and alcohol and connections with clients.
MICHAEL LIPTSEY Drug and Alcohol Health Worker
JOSE KURIAKOSE Registered Nurse
ANTHONY LINDSAY Drug and Alcohol Health Worker/ Mentor
KAYLENE O’TOOLE Receptionist
YUSHARNI PERERA DAS Admin Support Officer
Firewood Collection
• Exercise
On Thursdays Aboriginal health worker, Michael Liptsey and another worker take a small team of men out bush to collect firewood for families. Again this is UTHSAC style, using creative necessary and helpful processes to engage with clients over sometimes difficult topics in a natural
• Development and engagement with positive role models;
setting.
• Fun and fitness;
Electric Light Basketball
• Nutritious eating;
During the latter half of 2013 Garry Merryfull, Events Coordinator, UTHSAC led the exciting, action filled and sweaty Youth Electric basketball program. Most Thursday night’s 30 to 45 7years to 17-year-old young people pounded the courts in energetic completion.
• And diversionary aspects.
With a team of 5 UTHSAC Staff, volunteers and the CEO, young people were able to get out, have a healthy meal, and have some exercise in a place of safety. Initially at the open air basketball courts and then later in the Coober Pedy Area School gymnasium young people met to shoots baskets, rides bikes, play cricket and play soccer. These times provided a rich opportunity to engage with young people around early intervention messages around drugs and alcohol. Begun in early January 2013 as an Early Intervention program related to engagement with young people the programs outcomes include:
• Sensitive and timely drug and alcohol education; • Development of positive peer relationships;
Some of the participants have had contact with the Criminal Justice System and used drugs and alcohol but involvement in such a program has helped develop new mindsets and perspectives and ways of moving forward. Guest speakers like Jimmy Perry ADAC, Paul Elliott (AHCSA) and the STRIDE team and positive role models have helped in this process. Women’s Art Program Women’s group attendances for 2013-14 were 21 groups held with 81 participants. These ladies can paint, great to see the colour and creativity coming out. Hygiene and Breakfast Program This is a harm minimization program where clients attend in the mornings to attend to their personal hygiene. This program gives staff the opportunity to refer clients from health problems and also provide hygiene facilities for transient and clients who are homeless.
Annual Report 2013/2014
Drug and Alcohol Services Report The Breakfast program follows showering so that clients can reduce harm as some drinkers consume alcohol on an empty stomach increasing the effects of alcohol. Vitamin C and Thiamine tablets are provided for clients to reduce alcohol’s effects on the brain and organs. This a real chance to engage with clients in brief interventions, educations sessions, presented by staff as a way of educating clients on the effects of alcohol and drugs on the body, brain and soul. Lately the Breakfast program has moved to the Day Centre where men and women engage with staff and this leads on to ongoing conversations, programs and counseling. Training In 2013 Michael Liptsey and Donna Bailes completed their Certificate 111 Strong Spirit Strong minds Aboriginal Alcohol, and other drugs Course. George Laslett attended Co Morbidity training and Motivational Interviewing at Flinders University. He is completing a Cert1V in Alcohol and Drugs at TAFE. All staff attended the 3 day Quit skills program and 2 day Motivational Interviewing training put on by the Cancer Council.
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Annual Report 2013/2014
Counselling Support Report Kupa Piti Mamaku Health Group 2013-2014 The Kupa Piti Mamaku Health Group met monthly during the period up to June 2014. During this time much of the time was spent planning the COBRA Bike Ride 2013 and follow up from the Men’s camp at Thuruna. At most meetings attended by 14 men (half clients and the other half service providers) some guest speakers participated including Stephen Simpson ( Kornar Winmil Yunti), Paul Elliott( AHCSA). Craig Rigney (Kornar Winmil Yunti), Jimmy Perry (ADAC) and Aaron Stuart (Centacare). Such subjects as Grief and Loss, Men’s health, cultural approaches to Drugs and Alcohol Exercise and recreation, family relationships were discussed. Suicide prevention and cultural approaches to withstanding such were warmly received from Aaron Stuart. Stephen Simpson and Craig Rigney helped our committee in its plans to build on the Men’s camp and follow up in developing future goals. In February 2014 the Kupa Piti Mamaku Health Group supported the Pit Stop Concept with a Men’s health check day where young and older men came to have a check up and various stops, just like checking out the car into a service. Fun with planning and then the serious aspects of health baseline facts and information was helpful. Other meetings included country music, relaxation and movies whilst building relationships. Counseling Between July 1st 2013 and June 30th 2014, 150 different clients were seen in 1280 counseling interviews at UTHSAC Day Centre, home visits and in outreach settings. Some interviews were conducted in bush trips, camp and breakfast club locations to bring about a sense of relaxness. It has been a privilege to see many participants reduce alcohol and drug abuse. Some now
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
abstaining and others referred to diversionary programs, men’s groups, women’s groups and rehabilitation. The treatment completion rate of 80 percent was welcomed although some folk disengaged earlier than least year due to a greater number of transient clients who returned to the APY Lands. There was frustration at the lack of a residential rehabilitation options for Aboriginal people with few locals wanting to travel north for therapy and the distant Southern rehabilitation establishment. The UTHSAC Drug and Alcohol Centre is finely fitted out with state of the art resources, information, contact details and counseling. More people are now dropping in for counseling and information. Outcomes One of our clients was struggling with marijuana induced paranoia and a binge drinker of alcohol. It was not unusual for him to be intoxicated 6 nights per week and in doing so was buying drinks for others and his life revolved around alcohol, drugs and hangovers. After ongoing connection with the DAS workers he began to recognize that ‘hum bug’ more than anything else was spurring him on to drink. His mates would shame him if he tried stop, especially as he was buying for them too.
Bush trips, trips to collect firewood for family and ongoing involvement with people has turned this isolated person into a family hero. It’s marvelous to witness what can happen when people are truly motivated and help is available. Statistics this year 1st July 2013-30th June 2014 Individual counseling for clients: 2010-100 clients, 2011-95; 2012 -106; 2013 -133; 2014 -206 Episodes of care: 2010-2,100, 2011-1,900; 2012 -3,200; 2013 -7,200; 2014 -11,181
2013-14 Breakfast Program: 201 groups with 1815 episodes/meals 2013-14Electric Light basketball 48 events with 916 individual attendances. 2013-14 Bush Trips and various Men’s groups 32 events with 127 attendees.
George Laslett DAS Counsellor
Attendance at bush trips, education sessions, some pharmacotherapy (a medication to reduce alcohol urges), contact with the Psychiatrist, and staying home on ‘danger days’ helped him breakthrough to become abstinent for 10months. Following he abstinence and the separation from society the client began to come back from a place of strength and rekindle new relationships and help others rather than seeking handouts.
Annual Report 2013/2014
Dunjiba Substance Misuse Report For much of 2013 -14 Oodnadatta Substance Misuse started off with two employee’s Bobby Warren and Christine Lennon. Oodnadatta Substance Misuse program has been working closely working with other community organizations to tackle the problem of drinking and drugs. 30 men and 16 women were seen by workers during this year. Services provided this year included information and education about substance misuse’ School education visit, discussions were provided at the Oodnadatta Aboriginal School about binge drinking and Foetal Alcohol syndrome. Support groups, individual counseling, crisis intervention, cultural activities mobile assistance program. Referrals were received from Housing SA, Centrelink, Courts, Correctional Services, AA, and SAPOL and the Oodnadatta clinic. Number of clients Male
Female
Total
Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander clients
30
16
46
Non Indigenous clients
0
0
0
Total Clients
30
16
46
This year has seen many highlights which included: • Setting up of an office in the old TAFE building on Dunjiba Community Council land and location which has facilitated us being closer to the Main Street and subsequent referrals. • Running Dry days at Oodnadatta where the hotel is closed and a barbecue and family day is held. • Regular bush outings, fishing trips to Macumba Station and bush tucker activities where Drug and alcohol harm minimization
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
strategies are discussed in a relaxed setting. • Attendance in Coober Pedy with Kupa Piti Mamaku Health Group and Men’s and Women’s activities • Support to assist in developing COBRA (Coober Pedy Oodnadatta Bike ride Adventure) Oodnadatta end. Now have 8 bikes in Oodnadatta and regular riders • Counseling/Brief Interventions especially regarding strategies for cutting back on alcohol and stopping drug use.
Meetings:
Needs:
• Regular liaison with Dunjiba Community Council and Oodnadatta Substance Misuse Reference Group.
To continue the development of the (previously used by TAFE); complete with ADSL and office equipment so that Oodnadatta staff can have access to emails for better communication and toilets as soon as possible.
• Assisting in finding new office premises. • Liaison with associated service providers in town • Liaising with Oodnadatta Clinic in regards to psychiatrist visits and care.
Study: Certificate 111 in Primary health Care Manual Handling; Mental Health First Aid; First Aid
Episodes of Health Care for July 2013 – June 2014 Activity
Male
Female
Total
Individual Counseling
92
116
208
Group Counseling
194
198
392
Smoking Groups sessions
81
83
164
Individual smoking session re NRT
88
86
174
Description/Comments
Held in 31 male and 31 female groups.
• During the year Christine Lennon and Bobby Warren attended the 5 day Motivational Interviewing training run by Cancer Council at the Activity Centre at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation.
Men’s/Women’s camp
0
0
0
Monthly BBQ
48
49
97
6 barbecues held
• Focus on Smoking issues and using
Men’s Shed activities
34
-
34
4 sessions
Female shed activities
157
-
157
24 sessions
Day Trip
20
6
26
5 male trips 2 female trips.
Transport to clients
61
43
104
Advocacy/Liaison
62
80
142
Referrals made to other agencies
21
11
32
School Visits
3
3
6
862
675
1537
Motivational interviewing skills to work with Nicotine dependent clients either individual or in groups especially in regard to pharmacotherapy like NRT.
• Assisted Social Emotional Well Being with ‘What is Mental Health’ Program. Transport: • Transport to Court attendances, Coober Pedy Saints, and visits by Dentists and Allied health in Coober Pedy. • Support to SAPOL and Dunjiba Community Council regarding any Drug and alcohol issues • Attending sessions with clients to Psychiatrist and doctors.
Total
Bobby Warren
Substance Misuse Worker Dunjiba
• To funerals and supporting family
Annual Report 2013/2014
A Final Farewell to our dearest Colleagues of all time
Our Farewell to such great colleagues Robin Walker and Dannielle Harrison To our dearest colleagues, friend, Uncle and sister you decided to move to greener pastures, but your departure will leave our grounds barren and dry. We know that these two are going to get an awesome promotion in their new job but there is no guarantee that they will get awesome colleagues like us two. Monthly targets, performance appraisals and KPIs come and go, but the memories of working with these two will stay forever. It is hard to say goodbye to such great colleagues who has been less of a co-worker and more of a friend. We will miss you both and I am sad that the joyride of working with you has to come to an end. The cold meeting room walls will now feel colder without the warmth of helpful and considerate colleagues like you both. But more importantly,
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
in your absence the hearts of all your colleagues will uncontrollably grieve. Farewell. Your departure is a cruel reminder that all good things in life must come to an end. Having you both as great health workers as you have been for this organisation has been one of the best professional experiences in my career. Farewell, to the man whose word we trusted more than operating procedures, checklists and manuals. Your knowledge and experience was always beyond par. Dannielle without your help and never ending support, I don’t know how we will be able to hold fort. Without your cheerful smile and motivational notes, we will have to depend on inspirational quotes and notes you left behind to keep us going. Your departure has left us heart broken and unforgettable. You have left a big impact
on this organisation, your professionalism and commitment goes along way. You left us but your morals, ethics and advice to all will stay with us forever. You strived to do your very best and we Thank you for that. We give Thanks to such great colleagues whom we will cherish every day of our lives. They were the pillars of this organisation and provided great support to all that was touched by them. They were the face that you can never forget, we love them to eternity. Farewell to our Dearest Colleagues!
Annual Report 2013/2014
Thank you to all those that have supported and contributed to another successful year!
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Annual Report 2013/2014
In Dedication to Robin Walker
Farewell, to the man whose word we trusted more than operating procedures, checklists and manuals. Your knowledge and experience was always beyond par.
P.O. Box 166, Lot 8, Umoona Road Coober Pedy, South Australia 5723
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Phone: 08 8672 5255 Fax: 08 8672 3349 e-mail: umoona@uths.com.au web: www.uths.com.au