Newsletter / June-2022

June 2022 ISSUE 35

NEWSLETTER UMOONA TJUTAGKU HEALTH SERVICE

8

12

14

Alcohol & Other Drugs

Clinic

H4L

Calendar

Programs

UMOONA TJUTAGKU HEALTH SERVICE ABORIGINAL CORPORATION A: PO Box 166, Lot 08 Umoona Road Coober Pedy SA P: (08) 8672 5255 W: www.uths.com.au

F: (08) 8672 3349

Medical: reception@uths.com.au

Admin: umoona@uths.com.au

Contents CEO’s Message (Climate Change)

03

Basketball Program

06

Men’s Cooking Program

07

AOD Program

08

Mobile Clinic

10

Clinic Calendar

12

H4L Programs

14

Medication Changes

19

Covid-19 Prevention Initiatives

20

02

Climate Change (CEO’s Message) On the 6th of May I was given the opportunity to speak at the (SACOSS) South Australian Council of Social service conference held in Adelaide alongside Doctor Victoria Matthews from University Centre for Rural Health.

The conference was based around Building Climate Resilient Community Sector. It highlights a major concern on how prepared are we to live under such major changes that are happening right under our noses and nothing is being done about it nor do our mob understand how we are being impacted by the change.

The effects of climate change in our community is becoming more evident each year but it’s not talked about as often as it should. When you witness it in your own community it becomes quite significant and frightening. Scientists and Governments worldwide are recognizing that failure to act will result in increased frequency and intensity of weather events and disasters.

We shouldn’t be spending money on sending someone to Mars or the moon why? We have planet earth where we should be using our own initiatives to save what we have.

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South Australia is expected to experience increased heatwaves, fires and the resultant smoke pollution, drought and dust pollution, more intense storm activity with flooding, and coastal inundation from rising sea levels and storm surges.

These events pose risks for health and community service sector organizations, their assets, people, clients and communities.

Health and community service providers, governments, communities and emergency service providers have a shared responsibility to prepare, and keep safe, communities and individuals who may be more at risk from the impacts of climate change. Join us to find out more about developing and implementing strategies to prepare, adapt and respond to climate emergencies and disasters and create more climate resilient organizations, communities and people.

Climate change is a threat to our health, livelihoods, homes, businesses and infrastructure and most of all our culture. The impacts of climate change are not distributed equally, with the greatest burden being borne by people experiencing poverty, living with disabilities or chronic physical or mental health conditions, whose first language is not English as well as the very young and the elderly. Community sector organizations are not immune, and people need to know they can access services whatever the weather.

What are the risks and impacts on organizations, service models, paid and volunteer staff or client groups? How do we prepare? How can we ensure that the best measures are in place to support our organizations, and our Community How can we best work with government, emergency service providers and sector partners to create a safer future for our next generation?

As our climate changes and becomes warmer it will have significant impacts on human health. Heat waves, fire and smoke can be deadly. Drought, fire and floods can impact on food and water supplies required to live healthy lives.

Anxiety and grief about the climate crisis is becoming increasingly recognized by Health Workers, social workers psychiatrists, psychologists and general practitioners.

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Climate Coober Pedy Coober Pedy has the desert climate prevailing. The daytime temperature is warm to hot, while it can also be cold at night. You won't have rain here anytime soon.

Coober Pedy Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Day temp. (°C) 37

35 32

27

22

18 18

21

25

30

32

34

Night temp. (°C) 26

24 22

18

14

11 10

12

14

18

21

24

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec Precipitation (mm)

6

9

5

6

9

4

6

4

7

8

14

15

Days with rain

4

3

3

4

4

2

3

2

3

4

5

5

Dry days

27 25 28

28 28 29

27

27 25

26

26 27

How does Opal mining affect our community and environment?

Mine shafts litter the 4,954 km2 mine fields in Coober Pedy. They vary in depth but are typically 25m-30m deep. The environmental impacts of opal mining on the area are very significant. There are large piles of dirt and dust scattering the landscape and therefore is a constant danger of running into an uncovered mine. This poses threats to the wildlife living in the area and if no actions are taken, the safety of these animals is at risk including lives of humans. Heavy machinery and human activity in the area has cleared away most of the vegetation and has made it difficult for new plants and trees to grow. Due to lack of shelter, native animals are already struggling to survive in Australia’s harsh outback. In years to come, without any actions being taken to prevent this problem, future generations will no longer be able to sustain plant or animal life in Coober Pedy. Therefore, if mining operations continue to affect the environment as they currently are, it is not sustainable.

Few Key Points To Support Environmental Changes - Get to know about climate change - Educate your children and family - Stop using plastic - Grow trees, - Transform your transport - Rein in your power use - Tweak your diet - Shop local and buy sustainable - Don't waste food - Dress (climate) smart 5

BASKETBALL PROGRAM Physical inactivity can place a burden on the health system, and lead to premature death or disability from injuries such as falls. If we are active, not only are we likely to reduce body fat, but reduce our risk of obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease (CVD) and some cancers. Our overall mental health and wellbeing is also likely to improve as well.

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service always willing to help the aboriginal community to enjoy and maintain their mental and physical health. And also, Umoona Tjutagku Health Service has the understanding of the local Aboriginal community needs.

Aboriginal and Non-Aboriginal Youth and adults in Coober Pedy love playing and watching others playing basketball. Therefore, Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Sports and Physical activities and Safety and Wellbeing team holds Basketball Program every Monday 06.00pm – 08.00pm at the outdoor basketball court with the help of other internal (After Hours Mental Health team) and external stakeholders.

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MEN’S HEALTHY COOKING PROGRAM A healthy diet is essential for good health and nutrition. It protects you against many chronic diseases, such as heart disease, diabetes and cancer. Eating a variety of foods and consuming less salt, sugars and saturated and industriallyproduced trans-fats, are essential for healthy diet.

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service understands the health issues and understanding about healthy food among the local Aboriginal men. Therefore, the Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Drug and Alcohol Centre, Sports and Physical activities team and Safety and Wellbeing team organise Men’s Healthy Cooking programs every Wednesday from 10.00 am – 12.00 pm in the activities centre. UTHS management and the local Aboriginal men are currently discussing about organising a men’s bush trip which will encourage the men to go out of the town a little bit and discuss about the future plans.

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Alcohol & Other Drugs In 2019, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experienced 23% of alcohol and other drug concerns, which was 1.4 times greater than nonindigenous Australians (17 % ). Tobacco usage was the most common factor contributing to the most illness burden for Indigenous peoples in Australia in 2018, accounting for 12 percent of the total disease burden. AOD Social Workers are working at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation in order to support the community, support in eradicating AOD issues by having autonomy over their decision by informed consents, and delivering culturally safe and appropriate services each and every time. Our team is following (National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples Drug Strategy 2014–2019) in order to support our community.

Overview Of The Strategy

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Oodnadatta Visits AOD Social Workers working alongside with multidisciplinary teams to mitigate alcohol and other drugs-related issues, social-emotional problems, grief and loss, mental health issues, social exclusions, gap, and marginalisation faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples in Oodnadatta. In Oodnadatta, AOD Social Workers visit fortnightly in order to provide AOD Treatment services to our clients, organise AOD Awareness Programs, brief interventions, AOD counselling, and home visits to clients.

Brief Interventions

Feedback

Reflective listening, providing feedbacks non-judgemental in a gentle way (“as standing in your shoes”)

L isten

Active listening and identifying on which stages of change clients are?

A dvise/Assist

Sharing of information in regards to AOD which can assist clients to make a decision to change a mind however, it completely depends own clients as they can only make their own decisions.

Goals

What goals is your client prepared to accept? Cutting down? Stopping? Having someone care for the kids when they are using?

Strategies

Client finds out any strategy or not? Further treatment needed?

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Mobile Clinic Umoona Tjutagku Health Service has recently acquired a Mobile Clinic Van. Initially used for health promotion and to raise awareness for COVID testing and vaccinations, it is currently being used for Flu and COVID-19 vaccination purposes.

The van has a built-in vaccine fridge, air-conditioning and an examination chair. It offers a private space for consultation on wheels. So next time you see the van, please say Hi!

Get Vaccinated 10

After Hours Mental Health Service Umoona Tjutagku Health Services provides after hours mental health services to the Indigenous clients of Coober Pedy. After hours team includes a qualified Social Worker and an Aboriginal Health Worker. After hours team visit Coober Pedy hospital as well as the police station to help the clients who are in there. Services are provided by coordinating with hospital and SAPOL staff. Clients can access afterhours services by contacting afterhours workers over the below contact number.

Psychiatrist and Psychologist visits To provide clinical help to the clients dealing with Mental Health issues we also provide Psychiatrist visits once a month. Clients are followed up based on Mental Health care plans done by GP. Clients also get services from a Psychologist who visits bi-monthly and helps people in Coober Pedy. Clients are always encouraged to come and have a yarn whenever they feel low or seek help. After hours team work closely with psychiatrist and psychologist, and follow up client. Help provided by psychiatrist and psychologist have had obvious effects on people and helped them recover and get back on track.

Please call our friendly staff on 0437 268 933.

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Clinic Calendar June 2022 SUN

5

12

19

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

1

2

3

GP,

GP,

GP,

Podiatrist,

Podiatrist,

Podiatrist,

Dietician.

Dietician.

Dietician.

SAT 4

6

7

8

9

10

Dentist

Dentist

Dentist

Dentist

Dentist

Psychologist,

Psychologist, Psychologist,

Physician,

Physician,

Physician,

Resp. Nurse

Resp. Nurse

Resp. Nurse

17

18

25

13

14

15

16

Queen’s

GP,

GP,

Psychiatrist.

Birthday

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

Registrar.

Registrar.

20

21

22

23

24

Dietician, GP.

Dietician, GP

Dietician, GP.

GP,

GP,

11

Hepatologist. Hepatologist.

26

27

28

29

Podiatrist, GP Podiatrist, GP Podiatrist, GP

30 GP

July 2022 SUN 3

10

12

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

7

8

9

GP,Dentist,OT GP, DenGP, Dentist, ,Physio tist,OT,Physio OT,Physio

GP, Dentist

GP, Dentist

11

12

13

14

15

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist.

Podiatrist.

Podiatrist.

Podiatrist.

4

5

6

16

SUN 17

24

MON

TUE

WED

18

19

20

GP, OT

GP, OT

GP, OT

25

26

Dietician, Physio,

OT, Physio, Diabetic

Diabetic

Educator,

Educator.

Dietician.

THU

FRI

SAT

21

22

23

27

28

29

30

OT, Physio, Diabetic Educator, Dietician, Psychologist.

Psychologist.

Psychologist.

August 2022 SUN

7

14

21

MON

TUE

WED

FRI

1

2

3

4

5

GP

GP

GP

GP

GP

8

9

10

11

12

Physio, GP,

Physio, GP,

Physio, GP,

GP,

GP

Psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist.

Psychiatrist.

15

16

17

18

19

Dentist, GP

Dentist, GP

Dentist, GP

Dentist.

Dentist.

22

23

24

25

26

GP.

GP, Cardiologist.

GP, Paediatri- GP, Paediatri- GP, Paediatrician. cian. cian.

28

THU

29

30

31

GP

GP

GP

SAT 6

13

20

27

Call 08 8672 5255 to book an appointment.

Between 8.30am to 4.30pm (Monday to Friday).

Feedback forms are available at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation Reception (At the main office & the DAS building).

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Healthy For Life We are pleased to announce that we have a Midwife working with us at the Healthy for Life Building. She has joined us for a short period of time and we will be looking to fill this position with a full-time midwife soon.

Her Name is Jenna Webber.

Jenna is available to all Mums that are expecting a baby, or are trying to have a baby you can come to H4L and have a chat with her.

She will also be available to assist with any feeding concerns, health for you baby for the first six weeks.

Jenna will also be doing education programs for mums if they have any problems at home just ask Jenna.

Other things that will be happening at the Healthy for Life   

Immunisations Playgroup Woman’s Health Checks

So all you Mother’s out there with children between the ages of 0 -5 you are welcome to come to the H4L have a coffee /Tea and a chat.

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Women’s Program On Thursday the 5th of May we introduced our new midwife Jenna to Women of Umoona as we celebrated Mother’s Day. It was a beautiful morning where Jenna treated our Mothers to a hand massage whilst she chatted about the needs of the community and worked on building rapport. Together we enjoyed a lunch prepared by the wonderful social workers at the Drug and Alcohol service which included some tasty Roo tail.

Jenna will be working alongside our Child Health Nurse Theresa at the Healthy for Life Centre to develop a Children and Caregivers program for 0-5 year olds.

Some programs we are working on include childbirth preparation classes, introducing solids cooking classes, emotional wellbeing activities and playgroup just to name a few.

After not having our Healthy for life building since January due to Covid we are very happy to welcome you all back for care and advice. Please feel free to drop in and say hi and let us know what we can do for you.

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H4L Schedule June 2022 SUN

MON

TUE

WED 1

THU 2

FRI 3

SAT 4

Child Health Program plan Check / + preparation Immunisation

5

12

19

6

7

8

9

Birth Prepara- 0-5 Years tion Class 1 Music + Rhyme 10AM to Time 12PM

0-5 Years

Child Health Program plan Check / + preparation Immunisation

13

14

15

Queen’s

0-5 Years

Birthday

Music + Rhyme Time

20

21

Dental Health Session (9:30AM to 10:30AM)

27

28

Birth Prepara- Birth Preparation Class 3 tion Class 4 10AM to 12PM

16

10AM to 12PM

17

11

18

Child Health Program plan Check / + preparation Immunisation

22

Birth Prepara- Introducing Soltion Class 2 ids to babies cooking class 10AM to 12PM

26

16

10

29

23

24

Women Health Checks + Pamper Day

Program plan + preparation

30 Child Health Check / Immunisation

25

SEWB / Mother’s Day

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CLINIC One thing we can be sure of in life is changes. Nothing ever stays the same.

The past three months has seen the departure of some of our long- serving health professionals for family and personal reasons. We said goodbye to Jasmeet Kaur, Carmel Agrazada and Donna Bailes. The need for health service delivery in our community did not change though and as a health service we tried to engage locum staff to fill in the gaps while we recruited. Unfortunately, due to high demand for health professionals Australia-wide because of COVID, there has been a lag in locums starting. We have had to call upon our Aboriginal health worker staff and even our CEO to bridge the gap before the locum workforce started. We just wanted to say thank you to our CEO Priscilla Larkins, AHP Josie Warrior, AHWs Damian Riessen, Elaine O’Toole, Misho Miller and our trainees for stepping in. We also want to thank our midwife Jenna Webber and our RN Therasa Joseph for capably carrying the load when we were so short-staffed even on top of the requirements of usual workload, program delivery and continuous training.

This what continuous service to the community and team work is about.

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Staff Internal Training

MEDICATION CHANGES If you have a Webster pack please go to the Pharmacy to collect. When your Webster is running out call the clinic on (08) 8672 5255 or call the Pharmacy on (08) 8672 3444 to order a new pack.

No prescription or medication will be dispensed at Pharmacy unless, accomplished with written approval letter from Clinic Manager. Community members are no longer allowed to put anything onto UTHS account without written approval.

If you don’t have a health care card you will have to pay the gap that the Pharmacy will charge.

When coming to the Doctor’s at UTHS and you have been given a prescription please wait for it, as it only take 10 minutes. If you cannot wait we will not deliver it until 3.30pm that is the time we drop medication off. So please be patient and wait for your medication.

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Umoona Health Covid-19 Prevention Initiatives

BBQ Program To Attract Clients

Vaccination Clinic

20

21

Staff Changes Umoona Health welcomes new health workers in the local community.

Welcome back to Michael Miller junior, great to see him back and in full swing.

Jonte Larkins

Garry Warren

Aiden Ackland

Misho Miller

Joanne Williams

Junior AHW

Trainee AHW

Health Worker

Trainee AHW

Receptionist/AHW

Lamis Zara Gomes

Leanne Amatto

Darryl Braund

Enrolled Nurse

Enrolled Nurse

Substance Misuse Worker

Good bye to our old staff. We wish them the very best in their new roles. They have shown so much commitment in their positions out into the community. They will be missed forever.

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DIVERSITY STATEMENT Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHSAC) will strive to: Inform, educate, perform, model and lead to ensure diversity is reflected throughout UTHSAC. Create & sustain an environment that actively embraces diversity and inclusion by recognising value in the uniqueness of all individuals

Hold all people associated to UTHSAC accountable for their actions and decisions impacting the achievements of UTHSAC Diversity mission statement.

Utilise the success in diversity to assist UTHSAC becoming a provider and the employer of choice as we lead our community to improve health We respect all our Community and all who walk through our doors and expect the same in return from Community Members and Clients.

VISION STATEMENT Innovative, responsive and culturally appropriate health services are accessible to Aboriginal people living in the Coober Pedy and surrounding region.

MISSION STATEMENT To provide a holistic health care service that achieves positive health outcomes through primary health care intervention as well as safer communities through prevention and education.

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