Newsletter - September 2023

September 2023 ISSUE 39

NEWSLETTER UMOONA TJUTAGKU HEALTH SERVICE

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12

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NDIS

Clinic

NIAS

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

Fax: (08) 8672 3349

Medical: reception@uths.com.au

Contents Meet the Umoona Health Service Clinic Reception Team

03

Changing of Supervisor GP

04

NDIS

06

AOD

09

Clinic Calendar

12

NIAS

14

Farewell to Drug & Alcohol Manager Patrick

18

02

Meet the Umoona Health Service Clinic Reception Team Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation today is not just a name but a recognized community health service taking responsibility for the Indigenous men, women and kids in Coober Pedy.

The Clinic reception team in the Umoona Health is the first point of contact for organising medical appointment with GP/ Specialist, Dental and Allied Health services.

Umoona Health Medical Reception Team The front reception is face of the health service and provides the first impression the clients have with the Umoona clinic. No matter if it is through a phone call or face to face, the reception team provides a welcoming introduction to health professionals, visitors, community members and clients to the services. We also provide administrative support to clinical staff to ensure the smooth running of the service.

We provide a respectful and confidential service to all our clients. Next time you come to the clinic, please say hello.

List of Services Medical Receptionist Provided at Umoona Health: 

   

Scheduling appointments  Liaising with Medicare/ PATS/ Locum Agencies  Assisting and organising health related travel and accommodation requirements of clients.

Maintaining Client information confidentiality at all times Assisting patients with completing necessary forms and documentation.

Liaising with other medical departments Coordinating GP/ Specialist/ Allied Health visits

03

Changing of Supervisor GP In June 2023, UTHS has had to say goodbye to our lon-standing Supevisor GP, Dr Nicholas Williams as he has decided to pursue other interests in his life. “Dr Nick”as he has been affectionately called has decided to retire from his position as a Supervisor for the Roving Registrars effective June 30, 2023. Thank you, Dr Nick for all your contribution, guidance, and expertise. We will certainly miss your knowledge and smile!

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On a happy note, we have asked another outstanding GP to become our Supevisor GP. Dr Michael Nugent is a very well versed medical practitioner who has come to us with many, many years experience as a general practitioner and a varied experience in Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service having worked in Yalata (Tullawon), Wilcannia, Menindee (Maari Ma), Nepabunna and Copley (Pika Wiya). He has also been working with us here at Umoona Tjutagku Health Service for the past two years. Michael, loves the country and enjoys the outdoor activities from the bush such as bushwalking. Michael has a keen interest in Chronic Disease, particularly diabetes and has worked with male members of our Community for almost all our Pit Stop (male health check) events.

Welcome Michael and we look forward to working with you more closely!

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NDIS (National Disability Insurance Scheme) The National Disability Insurance Scheme known as the (NDIS) is a scheme of the Australian Government that funds costs associated with disability. The scheme was legislated in 2013 and went into full operation in 2020.The scheme is administered by the National Disability Insurance Agency known as the (NDIA) and overseen by the NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission (NDIS Commission).

The scheme entitles people with a "permanent and significant" disability (under the age of 65) to full funding for any "reasonable and necessary" support needs related to their disability (subject to certain restrictions). Funding is allocated to the individual. The individual or their guardian chooses which providers supply the funded goods and services (subject to certain restrictions).

The NDIS Early Childhood Approach Our early childhood approach is how we support children younger than 9 and their families.

The early childhood approach helps children younger than 6 with developmental delay or children younger than 9 with disability and their families to access the right support when they need it.

The early childhood approach was developed based on evidence-based research with the help of leading experts in early childhood intervention.

The approach supports best practice in Early Childhood intervention because it helps the child and family to build their capacity and supports greater inclusion in community and every day settings, meaning each child will be provided with opportunities to grow and learn. It is about giving children and their families the right supports to enable them to have the best possible start in life.

Children younger than 6 do not need a diagnosis to get support through the early childhood approach where there are concerns about their development.

The early childhood approach was developed based on evidence- based research with the help of leading experts in early childhood intervention.

The approach supports best practice in early childhood intervention because it helps the child and family to build their capacity and supports greater inclusion in community and every day settings, meaning each child will be provided with opportunities to grow and learn.

It is about giving children and their families the right supports to enable them to have the best possible start in life. A child’s early years are very important as they set up how they will learn and develop later in life.

Our early childhood approach focusses on being both family-centred and strengths-based.

We do this by acknowledging that as parents and carers you know your child best. Families are at the centre of all services and supports.

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The NDIS Early Childhood approach aims to: 

provide timely support to ensure that families are able to access the supports they need 

Give families information about best-practice early childhood intervention supports and how you can help your child. 

increase your confidence and capacity to manage and respond to your child’s support needs increase your child’s ability to do activities they need or want to do throughout their day increase your child’s inclusion and participation in mainstream and community settings like childcare or recreation.

Give you information about, and referrals to, other support services if needed, like parent support groups.

The NDIS is entirely publicly funded: recipients do not purchase or contribute to an insurance policy.

The NDIS funding is independent of the Disability Support Pension and Medicare, Australia's universal health care insurance scheme.

The NDIS provides funding to eligible people with disability to gain more time with family and friends, greater independence, access to new skills, jobs, or volunteering in their community, and an improved quality of life.

The NDIS also connects anyone with disability to services in their community.

This includes connections to doctors, community groups, sporting events, support groups, libraries and schools, as well as providing information about what support is provided by each state and community.

The NDIS provides funding to participants for supports and services aimed at increasing their independence, inclusion, social and economic participation.

Supports funded by the NDIS need to: 

be related to the participant's disability



Not include day-to-day living costs that are not related to a participant's disability support needs 

Represent value for money

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be likely to be effective and beneficial to the participant, and

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Take into account informal supports given to participants by families, carers, networks, and the community.

For more information on how to gain access to the NDIS and how to use your NDIS plan and access to the NDIS Commission Portal, our organisation has paired up with the National Disability Agency in implementing the role of Remote Community Connector.

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Remote Community Connectors are community-based members employed under Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation to connect and support the community as well as an NDIA representative which supports the culturally appropriate delivery of the NDIS in remote and very remote communities.

They recognise that people with disability in remote communities including First Nations people, may need additional support to access the NDIS, build their NDIS plan and use their funded supports.

The Remote Community Connector will be able to Support and assist the community Become a cultural broker between the NDIS and the community Assist people to access the NDIS Assist to identify your current support and any other supports you may require.

Assist to develop an NDIS plan and how to use it.

Connect participants with the NDIS providers community based and visiting as well as, Assist people with disability who are not eligible for the NDIS to connect to local mainstream supports and services.

If you require any further information on how to gain supports for yourself or a family member who has a permanent or a significant impairment that affects their day to day quality of life, please come over and have a friendly yarn with our staff or feel free to contact the following Connectors.

Josie Warrior (NDIS Remote Community Connector) Diluja Wijayathilaka (NDIS Remote Community Connector) Yusharni Perera (NDIS Remote Community Coordinator) Phone (08) 86725255 Mobile: 0456 000 433

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Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) AOD issues are recognised widely as a major public health concern, directly affecting millions of Australians each year. UTHS Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) services offer a range of benefits for individuals, families, and communities dealing with substance abuse and addiction issues. AOD social workers work on the overall development of their clients, not only considering the drug and alcohol reduction strategies but also their physical, mental and social well-being to enhance their life experiences.

Some of the key benefits Treatment and Recovery Support: UTHS AOD services provide specialized treatment programs and interventions designed to help individuals overcome addiction. They offer evidence-based therapies, counselling, and medical assistance that can improve the chances of successful recovery.

Certain psychological therapies, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), mindfulnessbased relapse prevention, motivational interviewing, and counselling, 12 week plan, educational programmes, and group/family programmes, are some of the most successful for AOD results.

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Overall Health:

Substance abuse can have negative and serious impact on the physical, psychological, emotional, mental, social, financial, and legal health of the user, their family, friends, coworkers, and the larger community. Family, domestic, and sexual violence, homicide, victimisation, risky behaviour, and criminal activity are some of the significant social effects of alcohol and other drug use.UTHS AOD services help individuals address these health issues, promoting overall well-being and reducing the risk of long-term health complications.

Safety and Harm Reduction: AOD services provide a safe environment for individuals to seek help without any judgment or legal repercussions. AOD team also promote harm reduction strategies, educating individuals about safer ways to use substances and reducing the risk of overdose and other health risks. Motivation and prevention of initial drug use, early intervention, and treatment of the negative health and social effects of dependency through treatment, rehabilitation, and aftercare programmes are all necessary to reduce the use for drugs and other substances. AOD team apply a strategy known as "harm minimisation" focuses to reduce the harmful or negative effects that alcohol and other drug use have on health, relationships, social and economic life of both individuals and the community as a whole.

Enhanced Quality of Life:

Overcoming addiction can lead to significant improvements in a person's quality of life. It can positively impact relationships, career opportunities, financial stability, and overall life satisfaction. AOD team at UTHS, listens with interest and understanding while promoting the idea that giving up drugs is possible and a drug-free life can lead to a healthier and

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Family and Social Support: AOD services often involve family therapy and support programs. These services help families understand addiction, improve communication, and rebuild relationships strained by substance abuse. The aim is to recognise and deal with family issues. These problems could be behavioural, psychological, or emotional in nature. AOD services can help individuals develop life skills, find employment, and establish healthy social connections.

Educational Programs: AOD services play a crucial role in educating individuals, families, and communities about the risks associated with substance abuse. Prevention efforts can help reduce the incidence of addiction and related issues. AOD team conduct programs that provides fact based information about alcohol and other drugs and educate people about the potential consequences of drug use and explore strategies to minimize harm.

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Clinic Calendar JULY 2023 SUN 2

MON 3

9 16

23

30

TUE

WED

THU

4

5

6

Psychologist

Psychologist

Psychologist

10

11

12

GP

GP

17

FRI

SAT

7

8

13

14

15

GP

GP

GP

18

19

20

21

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

GP

GP

GP

GP

GP

24

25

26

27

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Dental Team, Dental Team,

GP

GP,

GP,

GP

Optometrist

Optometrist

22

28

29

GP

31

AUGUST 2023 SUN

6

13

12

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

1

2

3

4

5

7

8

9

10

11

12

RDWA

RDWA

RDWA,

RDWA,

RDWA,

Registrar

Registrar

Registrar

14

15

16

17

18

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

Psychiatrist,

GP

GP,

GP,

GP,

GP

Podiatrist

Podiatrist

Podiatrist

19

SUN 20

27

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

21

22

23

24

25

GP

GP

GP

GP

GP

28

29

30

31

GP,

GP,

Psychologist,

Psychologist,

GP

GP

SAT 26

SEPTEMBER 2023 SUN

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI 1

SAT 2

Psychologist, GP

3

4

5

6

7

8

RDWA,

RDWA

RDWA,

RDWA,

RDWA,

Registrar

Registrar

Registrar

RDWA

9

Hearing

10

17 24

11

12

13

14

15

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Dental Team,

Dental Team

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

Psychiatrist

18

19

20

21

22

GP

GP

GP

GP

GP

25

26

27

28

29

GP

GP,

GP,

GP,

GP

16

23 30

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) and our website: www.uths.com.au .

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National Ice Action Strategy (NIAS) Why NIAS services are unique in the community.

Our Drug and Alcohol Day centre is located in one of the most outer regional areas of South Australia in which approximately two thirds of the population is of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Most of which our community is having methamphetamine and other drugs issues because of which they have deteriorating mental health, social and emotional wellbeing, and physical health, illegitimate charges, dealing with police and other offenses charges as well.

Clients residing in these remote areas need to have access to NIAS social worker in order to deal with difficulties and challenges they are facing in their day to day lives because of methamphetamine and other substance issues. In addition to that few clients referred by their family in Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta and some of Aboriginal clients came back to their community from cities to get the assistance and support from NIAS social Worker as the evidence of successful story in the community and their personal experience from family members in the community.

As there are no other specialised treatment facilities for NIAS particularly, methamphetamine provided by other organisations except our organization in Coober Pedy and Oodnadatta. Limited access to the services will result into negative impact on client’s wellbeing, community, family of the client as there will be more chances of an individual to get involved into methamphetamine and drugs results into increased incarceration rate in Coober Pedy and individual will get no chance to improve them. Additionally, if we cannot find their level of dependence on alcohol and other drugs specifically, methamphetamine how social workers can able to support our community into closing the gap whose overarching aim to reduce marginalisation among First nation Australians with respect to employment, health, education, and other areas.

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What strategies applying for NIAS service delivery method?

NIAS social worker is an AASW Accredited social worker often apply person-centred approach when engage with clients in the community to reduce drug-related harms for Indigenous people including individuals, families, and communities. Moreover, NIAS social worker uses different social work strategies to reduce level of stress, grief, and anxiety as well. This strategy assists to strengthen and support the social work profession to deliver high quality, effective and safe service in a challenging environment.

NIAS program consists brief interventions, counselling sessions, crisis intervention, case management, community organisation, advocacy, and active listening, and advice and education sessions to get the success outcome from methamphetamine and other drug treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Moreover, motivational interviewing, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, and System Theory applying as other social work strategies during the service delivery.

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Why 12 weeks plan sessions important for NIAS clients?

NIAS Social Worker created the twelve weeks plan counselling sessions as a treatment plan which is based on client-centred approach. This treatment plan focussed on the person receiving treatment and their needs, protect their human rights, and should be responsive to their own unique situation, context and circumstances.

The 12 weeks treatment plan consists with identifying the problem statements, creating goals, defining objectives to reach those goals, and establishing interventions. 12 weeks plan sessions focused to work with complex clients as a trial during the last fiscal year (July2022-June2023). When the treatment is finished, NIAS worker check with the clients for comments so that we can make sure they are happy with the service they received, and if they aren't, NIAS worker can take their opinion into account as part of our continuous improvement process. If the client requires additional assistance, NIAS worker will assist them throughout their rehabilitation process. NIAS social worker received positive feedbacks from the clients as well as observed clients change such as how to divert their minds to avoid cravings of substance.

Success story - NIAS Rosie (33), a single mother, was referred to the Drug & Alcohol Services (DAS) Centre by staff at

Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation due to her methamphetamine addiction form two years. Rosie became addicted to drugs after her 21 year old nephew committed suicide 2 years ago ( threw himself in front of car). She has two year history of polysubstance abuse. Rosie is from Adelaide, who has moved back to Oodnadatta with her mother after living in Adelaide. She has been separated for two years from her partner and has three children who live with him.

Rosie lost her social connections, began to isolate herself from her own family and community, and eventually became addicted to drugs with new friends who used methamphetamine.

Rosie lost her house and job; she did not consider her physical and mental health during this period, even did not consider her hygiene and sanitation.

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Because the methamphetamine addiction client couldn't sleep well, and she developed an

eating disorder as well as a mental imbalance. Her addiction turned her entire life and which negatively impacted for her physical, mental, and emotional well-being. She struggled with both addiction and sadness. The client came to us after being referred by her mother. Rosie agreed to NIAS treatment on the advice of our NIAS social worker, and the experience was transformative. NIAS employees took the time to explain the internal and external programs to her. She'd been in DAS NIAS programs such as Ice workshops and counselling sessions for six months, and she'd also kept all of her psychiatrist and psychologist appointments on time. Also, NIAS social worker followed up the client regular basis through the phone contact, during the Oodnadatta visits, once she came to Coober Pedy for psychiatrists’ appointments and family visits. This was extremely beneficial to her understanding of how NIAS workers assist clients in overcoming their methamphetamine problems.

NIAS staff primarily used Motivation Intervention, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, and Narrative Therapy during their counselling sessions. Brief interventions, methamphetamine advice and education, and daily client follow-ups all played important roles in Rosie’s success journey. This includes not only the approaches used by NIAS worker, but also how optimistic they are about their clients and their lives, how they look forwards, and how they encourage their clients to enjoy each day as it comes. These were some of the positive key factors that influenced Rosie's later life. Rosie has been away from methamphetamine for a while now, and she understands why it is critical to avoid injecting methamphetamine. To pass the time, the client no longer requires methamphetamine.

Rosie is currently working with housing SA to get a house and also her family court lawyer on her children custody and is hoping to get her children back. Rosie has looking for a job, and it is encouraging to see that she is doing so. This is one of the most recent examples of how NIAS social worker helped our clients overcome their methamphetamine issues.

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Farewell to Drug and Alcohol Manager Patrick It is with mixed emotions that we bid Patrick farewell as he embarks on his journey back to the Police Force. While we are sad to see him leave his role as the Drug and Alcohol Manager, we are also excited for the opportunities that lie ahead for him. Patrick’s dedication and expertise have been invaluable to our team, and his contributions will be greatly missed.

Over the two years, Patrick has demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep commitment to his work. His passion for helping those struggling with drug and alcohol issues has not only made a significant impact on our organization but also on the lives of the individuals he’s helped. Patricks unwavering support, empathy, and dedication have left an indelible mark on everyone fortunate enough to work alongside him.

Patricks transition back to the Police Force is a testament to his determination and desire to make a positive difference in the community from a different angle. We have no doubt that Patrik will continue to excel in his old role and bring the same level of professionalism and care that he’s shown here.

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Patrick as you take this next step in your career, please remember that you are not just

leaving behind colleagues, but you are taking with you the well-wishes and admiration of an entire team that holds you in the highest regard. You have been a mentor, a friend, and a source of inspiration to many of us, and your departure leaves a void that won't easily be filled.

Though we'll miss your daily presence, we are excited to hear about your future achievements within the Police Force. Please keep in touch and let us know about your experiences and accomplishments in your new role.

In parting, we want to express our heartfelt gratitude for your time with us and the impact you've made. Your legacy here will be remembered and cherished.

Wishing you all the success and fulfillment in your new position within the Police Force.

May your journey be safe, rewarding, and as remarkable as your time here with us.

Continue the great work

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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

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 16