Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
Annual Report 2019 - 2020 ICN 7460
Our Vision
Our Values
Our Mission
Innovative, responsive and culturally appropriate health services are accessible to Aboriginal people living in the Coober Pedy and surrounding region.
Integrity,Commitment and Ethics
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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Contents Chairperson’s Report............................................................................................................................. 4 CEO’s Report............................................................................................................................................ 6 Administration Report..........................................................................................................................10 Practice Managers Report.................................................................................................................... 13 Drug and Alcohol Services Report...................................................................................................... 24 Counsellor’s Report.............................................................................................................................. 30 Alcohol and Other Drug Therapists Report........................................................................................32 Mental Health Services Report...........................................................................................................35 Social and Emotional Wellbeing Report............................................................................................ 38 Activities Coordinator Report............................................................................................................ 42 Organisational Chart............................................................................................................................ 46 UTHSAC Staff Academic Qualifications............................................................................................. 47
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It is my pleasure to present you the Directors Report and Audited Financial Statements of Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHS) for the 2019’/2020’ Financial Year. At the AGM of 2019, five members were elected as directors in accordance with the UTHSAC constitution and all directors remained current through the term of this Board.
Chairperson’s Report I feel most privileged to have been involved in the leadership of Umoona Tjutagku Health service for another successful year and would like to thank our board and the CEO for the continuing support.
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I feel most privileged to have been involved in the leadership of Umoona Tjutagku Health service for another successful year and would like to thank our board and the CEO for the continuing support. The organisation has continued to receive funding for all program areas as the previous year except for one program and the Board has been working closely with the CEO to give strategic direction to the organisation in terms of service delivery and the expansion of existing programs. This year, the Board devoted a good portion of our last two quarter Board meetings on reviewing the Organisational Restructure commenced in the second quarter of the financial year 2019’/2020’. The Board and the CEO assessed together:
• the demonstrable success evident in the restructured departments, and • areas where the restructure may not have met expectations, with a view to understanding why and what changes need to be applied to our strategic model to achieve a more effective result. • The Board has also been meeting regularly to discuss corporation matters and frequently obtain independent verification of the corporations’ accounts from the external Accountants and Auditors. During the past year, the Board was provided with Governance training in order to ensure that the organisation is governed and managed at required levels. The organisation has also offered the opportunity to Board Members who would like to upskill in the areas of Finance (relating to Board matters) to take up a short course to ensure that Financials presented to the Board are interpreted and decision making is based on a good understanding of the Reports provided to the Board. I take this opportunity to thank the Community and Members of the organisation, for utilising the services or the organisation
and supporting it to grow, so that the organisation could offer more services to the Community in future. I wish to request members to follow the organisations processes which are in place, if you require to make a complaint or compliment the organisation for its good work. 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, Secretary, 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 in Coober Pedy and surrounding Regions. Katrina Williams Chairperson
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Board of the directors
Katrina Williams Chairperson
Chris Warrior Deputy Chairperson
Patrick Larkins Director
Gary Crombie Director
Priscilla Larkins CEO
Saumya Silva Secretary
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Raelene Dodd Director
I am pleased to present the 2019/2020 Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Annual report, where we share some of our highlights from last financial year. In this Report, we will look at progress against our strategic objectives and demonstrate the impact of our work in our Community.
CEO’s Report In 2018’/2019’ we took responsibility for a range of reporting
In 2018’/2019’ we took responsibility for a range of reporting areas previously carried out by the Department. We alongside AHCSA put in place the foundations that will enable UTHSAC to become successful at using our previous data and compare where we can make improvements and started to map out our future direction. In the same year we also began progressing in a range of ambitious projects to fulfil our vision of a healthy community that is better informed about health services, and where health services receive the information they need to provide better, safer care. Such as our opening days, Junior sports programs, men and women’s groups and particular community events.
areas previously carried out by the Department. We Partnering for improvement alongside AHCSA put in place the foundations that will enable UTHSAC to become successful than ever before.
We have continued to shift performance reporting from a one-way delivery of information to a shared responsibility for quality
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Looking to the future Over the coming year, we will continue to develop our capacity for enhanced analytics to add value to the quality and safety information we report to the Departments. We will position ourselves to provide technical and advanced leadership in areas such as data governance and data analytics.
and safety improvement. We understand that our role is not just about providing data; it is about producing the right information, in the right format, and delivering it at the right time. For this reason, we have invested heavily in seeking feedback from other health services, agencies, local and external stakeholders, clinicians and consumers and focus on ways to improve service delivery. So far we a received positive feedback. We have been working closely with SAPOL in having a mutual understanding that there are a lot of clients that are not coping very well and just need extra support to keep them out of the justice system. This partnership has been working very well and are pleased of the outcome.
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We have also focused on incorporating this feedback to improve our measures and reports for future funding and expansion to services and capacity building. For example, we made changes to the Board Safety and Quality Report such as including upskilling Board Members in areas of Governance and Finance, to help board members to better understand the reports. We have successfully achieved our accreditation for another three years thanks to the Quality Improvement staff who continue to put the hard work to make it a success.
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service will continue to work towards being a reliable and trusted source for information on quality and safety health systems. Our foundational work to deliver on our stakeholders’ needs will remain core to our success. We continue to encourage and provide quality information around the COVID-19 virus in and around Coober Pedy to ensure the community is fully aware of what’s support is available. Even though current COVID-19 outbreak in Victoria is concerning, measures are being taken to protect South Australians from the increased risk. We all still play a pivotal role to educate our mob about the high risk we face if we are not too careful. Playing it safe is vital in protecting our mob. You would no doubt have seen some of the stories from other countries to see we cannot become complacent and must remain vigilant.
Acknowledgements I’d like to thank our stakeholders and partners from across the health sector for supporting our work and engaging with us especially SAPOL and the Coober Pedy Hospital. There has been a major turn around and together, we can drive improvement in quality and safety of health care for all our Regional areas. I would also like to thank the UTHSAC Board of Directors for their ongoing guidance and support each year round without their ongoing support we could not achieve the best outcomes for the organisation and the community. The professionalism and dedication is what drives us to continue to be successful at what we do.
Thank you to our colleagues within the ACCHO services around the state for your enthusiastic collaboration over the year. The ongoing information we all share is vital to improving the health of our mob and finally, thank you to the UTHSAC staff, whose passion and dedication drives our work forward to become more successful every year. Priscilla Larkins Chief Executive Officer
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It is with great pleasure that I take this opportunity to present the Admin Report for 2019’/2020’.
Administration Report The past year was similar to 2018’/2019 in terms of the funding received by the organisation with most programs conducted by the organisation receiving continued funding due its high levels of service delivery standards.
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The past year was similar to 2018’/2019 in terms of the funding received by the organisation with most programs conducted by the organisation receiving continued funding due its high levels of service delivery standards. Wage costs of the organisation have not been fully utilised due to staff shortages which was a direct result of the COVID-19 pandemic situation which resulted in certain staff resigning or not reporting to work due to personal health concerns. All other general and program related expenses have been within the Budget except for IT costs which was higher due to the switch from face-to-face sessions with clients to Telehealth or cloud-based systems. I am also pleased to inform you that the organisation has invested a substantial amount of money in upskilling staff to ensure sustainable service delivery standards are being met on an ongoing basis. This includes Aboriginal Health Workers, Registered Nurses, Social Workers, AOD Workers and Admin staff. Upskilling staff has also assisted the organisation in terms of succession planning.
were provided training on staff management processes which enhanced their Management capabilities. We do hope that the Audited Financial Statements prepared and presented by our Auditors HLB Mann Judd would give all our stake-holders confidence in the way the organisation is governed and managed. I wish to assure you that the organisation strives to maintain its Finance, HR and Governance processes in line with statutory requirements at all times, hence conduct an Interim Audit and a General Financial Audit each year.
Umoona Health also passed its three yearly RACGP/AGPAL Accreditation in 2019’ and is due for it’s mid-cycle review of QIC-7 Accreditation in November 2020’. Meeting these Accreditation standards is clear evidence that the organisation is complying or exceeding requirements set by the funders and also results in high service delivery and compliance standards at all times.
I am also pleased to inform you that we have been able to conduct Corporate Governance training to the Board, CEO, Secretary & Business Services Manager during the past Financial Year. This has enhanced the Board and Senior Management Team’s knowledge and understanding with regard to governance in a not-for-profit setting. Senior Managers also
I wish to thank the Board, CEO, Management and staff of the organisation for all their assistance to bring this organisation to where it is today, and hope that we could continue this journey of providing wholistic care to all our clients moving to the future. Yours Sincerely, Dilshan Perera Business Services Manager
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Administration Staff
Priscilla Larkins Chief Executive Officer
Saumya Silva Senior Accountant
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Chathuranga Dias Accountant
Dilshan Perera Business Service Manager
Yasiru Fernando IT & Communicare Support Officer
Carryl Gabriel Administration Support Officer
Mercidita Laya Cleaner
I am pleased to present to you the Practice Managers report of Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHSAC) for the 2019/2020 Financial year. Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation delivers Primary Health Care Services to all the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in Coober Pedy and its surround regions. The main focus of UTHSAC is to provide a holistic care to the aboriginal community in the region focusing on proactive health initiative, which emphases on promoting good health, reducing the impact of chronic disease, and improving care for people in the community.
Practice Managers Report I am pleased to inform that Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation has been reaccredited with Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) to the RACGP standards 5th Edition in November 2019 for the period of three years.
Visiting Health Professionals UTHSAC have provided a holistic care to our clients during the past year. This was provided by the visiting General Practitioners, General Practitioner Registrars, Endocrinologists, Ophthalmologist, Hepatologist, Cardiologist, Ear Nose and Throat Specialist, Dietitian, Audiologists, Occupational Therapist, Podiatrist, Respiratory Physician and Optometrist. These services are supported by our in-house nurses and health workers who undertake the follow-op on a daily basis.
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Telehealth
Accreditation
COVID-19
In order to continue to provide health care to the clients under the new guidelines which were developed for COVID-19, UTHSAC have utilised Telehealth facilities in the past 3 months. Since most clients do not have the facilities for accessing telehealth at their own homes, we facilitated the sessions at the clinic where the clients were able to access GP and specialist services via Health Direct. This process assisted the clinic during the times where travel restrictions were imposed by the government preventing providers from interstate visiting the clinic. Also when providers were unable to visit due to limitations of the flight to Coober Pedy only operating three times a week.
I am also pleased to advise that Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation has been reaccredited with Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL) to the RACGP Standards 5th Edition in November 2019 for the period of three years. All clinic staff worked collaboratively together to reach this achievement and this process also assisted the organization in maintaining to provide high quality health care to the Aboriginal Community in Coober Pedy and its surrounding regions.
I am pleased to advise that Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation have developed several new clinical policies to support the clinic during this pandemic. With the assistance of the Aboriginal Health Council of South Australia, we have developed a first case scenario plan, first case response plan and a pandemic plan specific to COVID-19.
Medicare revenue I am pleased to advise that UTHSAC have increased the Medicare revenue by 23% compared to the previous financial year. This was undertaken by all the health staff and their excellent work towards attaching our established goals.
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Partnership Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation continue to work collaboratively with Rural Doctors Workforce Agency to ensure clients have access to health care in their Community without having to travel elsewhere. UTHSAC have also worked closely with the Coober Pedy Hospital, Coober Pedy Medical Practice and Coober Pedy Community Health to provide a complete care to clients where a weekly meeting was conducted at the Coober Pedy hospital to discuss regarding any client concerns.
UTHSAC is also undertaking COVID-19 Point of Care Testing as of June 2020. The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander COVID-19 POC Testing Program is supported by the Flinders University International Centre for Point of Care Testing and the Kirby Institute. This test is run on the GeneXpert machine using a nasopharyngeal swab and gives a result in 45 minutes and is as accurate as the laboratory test. Whereas, the test via SA pathology would take up to 3 to 4 days to get the results due to high number of tests been conducted nationally. I take this opportunity to thank the Board, Management and staff of the organisation for the continuous support provided to us to deliver a high quality healthcare services in Coober Pedy.
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It is with great pleasure I present the clinic report Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (UTHSAC) for the 2019/2020 financial year.
Clinic and Healthy for Life Report The past year was similar to 2018’/2019 in terms of the funding received by the organisation with most programs conducted by the organisation receiving continued funding due its high levels of service delivery standards.
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UTHSAC continues to offer comprehensive list of programs, ranging from different medical services such as General practitioner services, Mental Health, Cardiology, Respiratory, Endocrinology, Nutrition, Sexual and Child Health to the more environmental and social such as Counselling. Add on to that, consultation had been more innovative recently due to COVID 19 pandemic wherein we started to have telehealth consultations via Health Direct at the clinic to ensure continuity of care is maintained for the clients. In order to get along with the current trends in health, the UTHSAC staff are often having seminars and trainings under the supervision and guidance of different institutions such as Diabetes SA, Flinders University and AHCSA, In the past year UTHSAC has successfully implemented Syphillis point-of-care test and GeneXpert COVID-19 Point of Care testing.
GP Services UTHAC provides the community with visiting female and male General Practitioners from Monday afternoon to Friday morning. In the past year, we have had several new LOCUM GPs along with the regular visiting GPs. In the past year, UTHSAC have being successfully in establishing a network of regular visiting GPs who visit the clinic every month.
Episodes of care 19000
18766
18500 18000
Roving Registrar Mentor and Supervisor Program
17500
17175
17000 16500 16000
15967
16123
16302
15500 15000 14500 2015/2016
2016/2017
2017/2018
2018/2019
2019/2020
The Roving Registrar position provides the opportunity for advanced term registrars to travel to rural and remote locations across South Australia to provide outreach services to Aboriginal communities. UTHSAC supports this program via GPEx where a Roving Registrar is accompanied by Dr Nicholas Williams. In the past year there were six visits from the Roving Registrar where GP services were provided to the community.
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
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Chronic Disease Management
UTHSAC conducts the following clinics to caterer to the chronic disease clients: • Diabetes Clinic
• Women’s Clinic
• Cardiac Clinic
• Men’s Clinic
• Asthma Clinic
• Liver Clinic
These clinics are conducted by visiting specialists and allied health professionals along with UTHSAC staff who are trained in the respective area. Therefore, as a result the uptake of GP management plans have more than doubled compared to the previous years as illustrated in the below graph. As per the GP management plan, clients will be referred to appropriate internal/external providers depending on the requirement.
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2019/2020 2018/2019
Years
UTHSAC provides multidisciplinary and team-based approach for health care services being rendered to its clients with chronic conditions. This is where a team of health care providers work in collaboration with other allied health services in order to create a management plan to treat different kinds of chronic conditions and its complications.
GP Management Plans
2017/2018 2016/2017 2015/2016
0
20
40
60
80
Programs for Chronic Disease Management have been conducted in the past year and one on one sessions have been used in the past couple of months due to COVID-19 to support the needs of clients having chronic diseases which includes yearly ATSI Health checks and GP Management plans. Health Education about the relevance of recent blood tests, urinalysis, HBAIC, ACR and even STI checks have been rendered in the past year to all clients diagnosed with a chronic condition. Through these, the health care providers will be able to deliver quality and holistic care that suits the each and every individual.
100
120
140
160
180
ATSI Health Checks 350 300 250 200 150 100 50 0 2016/2017
2016/2017
2017/2018
2018/2019
2019/2020
Integrated Team Care (ITC) Program Integrated Team Care (ITC) program is a health program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are at risk of or living with chronic disease. A team of health care providers are able to work with clients to help achieve better access to the medical care and equipment needed for management of chronic conditions. This year, the management of clients under ITC at UTHSAC continued and expanded through the help of Telehealth consultations which made a huge difference in terms of health care approach. Although being conducted through electronic and telecommunication technology, it still provides assessment, intervention, planning and evaluation of care rendered to the clients.
Dental Services UTHSAC provides dental services to the Aboriginal Community in Coober Pedy working in collaboration with Central Adelaide Local Heath Network (SA Dental Services). Each year ten week-long visits are provided, however this year due to COVID-19 restrictions there was only 7 visits conducted where services were halted from March 2020 onwards.
Services provided under this program are general and emergency dental care including restorations, extractions, preventive care and oral hygiene instructions. The program aims at improving the oral health status of Aboriginal adults and non-Aboriginal adults who are immediate family members of Aboriginal clients, who are also holders of Health Care or Pensioner Concession cards, and Aboriginal Children.
Immunisation Program UTHSAC Immunisation Program became broader this year wherein a lot of the clients participated and have been immunised. The relevance of being up to date with vaccinations are greatly understood by these individuals especially this unprecedented time through the health education provided to them by the health care providers through the means of posters, leaflets and health catalogues. Through the updated Immunisation Schedule provided by the SA Department of Health, a series of immunisation have being given to individuals according to their ages effectively. On March 2020, a number of programs were conducted to provide Influenza and Pneumonia Vaccinations in school and in the
community. The Outreach team, along with AHCSA conducted home visits to administer vaccinations to families living in Coober Pedy. A back to back immunisation is also being done to clients who attends the consultation with the Child Health Nurse Catherine McKenzie. The Flu, Pneumonia and other vaccinations are still being promoted especially during this pandemic to minimize vaccine preventable diseases thus, reduce mortality and morbidity rate among people.
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Sexually Transmitted Infection Prevention Program
Outreach Services
Late last year, there was a surge in number of people who contracted Sexually Transmitted Diseases particularly Syphilis in and around Coober Pedy and APY Lands. Through the Australian STI management training conducted by AHCSA, the Aboriginal Community was educated about the relevance of STI screening during their clinic visits.
Outreach services are provided for those clients who requires close monitoring of their conditions on a regular basis. Staff conducts home visits every morning to ensure clients are maintaining their health and to see who requires follow-up care. Some of the services provided under Outreach Services but not limited to be blood sugar tests, blood pressure tests, HbA1c, wound dressing, Immunisations, health education, etc. In addition, clients will be provided with medication management if required.
UTHSAC continues to conduct comprehensive Sexual Health Screening and Management despite the occurrence of COVID 19. The GeneXpert is still being used as POC testing machine for Chlamydia, Gonorrhea and Trichomonas. The clients are being offered to have a POC STI check through the use of TTANGO2 machine and this year, the new POC test for Syphilis was successfully launched and is been used by the health providers at UTHSAC which has been an excellent assistance to management of Syphilis. The test uses SYPHILLIS SCREENING SEROLOGY a single prick in a finger and the result is available around 15 minutes.
STI Screening 109 39 13 148
HIV ANTIBODIES 1/2
103 60 163
GONORRHOEA, CHLAMYDIA AND TRICHOMONAS NAAT, URINE
GONORRHOEA, CHLAMYDIA AND TRICHOMONAS NAAT - SOLVS
100 84 22 5
2019/2020
20
20
Annual Report 2019/2020
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2018/2019
2017/2018
Genexpert Covid 19 Point Of Care Testing On Site This year could be the most challenging time for the healthcare industry however, the support and guidance being received by the clinic had been enormous and overwhelming. The pandemic, COVID 19 occurred late last year causing a fluctuating number of mortality and morbidity rate all around the world. COVID-19 is an infectious disease caused by a newly discovered coronavirus called SARS-CoV-2. Most people with COVID-19 will experience mild to moderate symptoms and recover without special treatment. The SARS-CoV-2 virus that
causes COVID-19 is mainly transmitted through droplets generated when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or exhales. These droplets are too heavy to hang in the air, and quickly fall on floors or surfaces. The individual can be infected by breathing in the virus if one is within close proximity of someone who has COVID-19, or by touching a contaminated surface and then your eyes, nose or mouth. Umoona Tjutagku Health Service have been very proactive in providing health education to the community for its prevention. Early this year, UTHSAC along with AHCSA created protocols as a guide for community members and each
individual working in the clinic to promote awareness and prevent the spread of the virus and a Pandemic Plan was put into place. There are a number of modifications done in the clinic in order to provide a planned and easier access of service primarily for suspected COVID 19 clients. A screening area was set up and a questionnaire is being filled out before the clients could have a consultation or treatment at the clinic. There are also barriers placed inside the vehicles to ensure that there is a distance between the clients and the staff for protection. At the same time, there is a back to back immunisation done for the Aboriginal community to help boost the immunity of the people. The medical staff are trained for donning and doffing of PPEs on May 2020 and last June, the GeneXpert COVID 19 Point of Care Testing training was conducted for a couple of health workers and nurses through the guidance and support of AHCSA and Kirby Institute in New South Wales. The testing criteria was determined for the COVID 19 Point of Care Testing with consultation with AHCSA, Coober Pedy hospital and Coober Pedy medical practice. Currently, UTHSAC is having a weekly and fortnightly meetings with AHCSA and the clinic staff started to conduct swab tests for whoever presents at the clinic with suspected COVID 19 symptoms.
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Child Health Our services include: • Health services for infants and children 0 to 5 years, with a focus on 0 to 3 years • Feeding, settling, child development support and development checks • Parenting support and information to parents and caregivers
Who can get tested? People who have any of the symptoms below, even if symptoms are very mild, should get tested for COVID-19:
• Up to date health information for parents and their children.
• shortness of breath
UTHSAC provides health care to all aboriginal children in the community. Services provided range from immunisation, child development checks and child health checks. This program is also supported by a monthly visit from Kathryn McKenzie, a Registered Nurse/Midwife from CaFHS (child and family health service), Women’s and Children’s Health Network. In the past year, all the children who are of current clients have being fully immunised.
• Loss of taste and smell.
Parent Helpline - Telephone: 1300 364 100
Call 000 (Triple Zero) in an emergency, such as difficulty breathing or chest pain.
Josie Warrior Clinic & Healthy for Life Coordinator
• Fever OR chills (with no alternative illness that explains these symptoms) • Cough • Sore throat • Runny nose
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Clinic Staff
Melani Jayasinghe Practice Manager
Carmel Agrazada Clinic Team Leader
Josie Warrior Clinic & Healthy for life Coordinator
Satinder Kaur Registered Nurse
Therasa Joseph Registered Nurse
Piumi Wijesinghe Medical Receptionist
Vindya Perera Medical Receptionist
Chintha Sinhapura Asst. Medical Receptionist
Dhammanthi Munasinghe Asst. Medical Receptionist (untill June 2020)
Damien Riessen Health Promotions Officer
Thomas Parrot Male Hygiene Worker (Untill Oct 2019)
Glenys Dodd Senior Aboriginal Health Worker
Donna Bailes Aboriginal Health Worker
Elaine O’toole Aboriginal Health Worker
Joshua Smith Aboriginal Health Worker
Timothy Milera Aboriginal Health Worker (Untill March 2020
Peter Avakian Transport Officer
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This year has been another busy and productive year at Robin Walker Drug and Alcohol Centre. The programmes continue to include; • Breakfast • Hygiene program • Music program • Art and craft group • Structured bush trips • Bush camps, Women’s and Men’s healthy cooking • Gym sessions, gardening
Drug and Alcohol Services Report This year has been another busy and productive year at Drug and Alcohol Centre.Drug and Alcohol Service and Coober Pedy Police are working together to improve the standards of living of the community members in Coober Pedy.
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• Youth sports program. Due to Covid 19 restrictions, last quarter of the year was challenging. New protocols been implemented for a safe service delivery and we managed to deliver most of our services without any interruptions. Group programs and gym programs are the only services we had to pause due to government restrictions but our team delivered one on one sessions for those who need regular follow-ups.
DAS promotes a holistic, and innovative approach in collaboration with other front line professional services to provide a culturally appropriate rehabilitation service in a nonresidential setting. We focus on a three tiered approaches; 1. Harm minimisation 2. Supply reduction 3. Demand reduction Key methodologies utilised include individual case management, group therapies and educational sessions.
During the Pandemic period DAS team and SAPOL worked collaboratively to help the vulnerable people in the community. Mandatory isolation was implemented for clients from the APY Lands and other surrounding areas. Therefore, there was a concern of food and hygiene among those clients. SAPOL and DAS team worked together to distribute food and hygiene products in order to help the vulnerable clients in Coober Pedy.
• Melika Williams Receptionists • Dion Bromley/Joyleen Pollard Activities Coordinator • Gary Crombie Substance misuse worker • Robert Hele Male Aboriginal health worker • Hayley O’ Toole Female Aboriginal Health worker • Don Hettiarachchi - Social worker Drug & Alcohol Therapist
Our staff includes the below people acknowledging those that
• Shane Athukorala Social Worker - Afterhours mental health
• Nava Rathugamage Assistant Manager Drug a nd Alcohol Services.
• Dylan Warren Afterhours Aboriginal Mental health worker
• Shana Kumarasiri/Sarah Lindsay Drug and Alcohol Counsellor • Geevar Paul Mental health Nurse
• Michael Liptsey Hygiene Workers • Natasha Lennon Hygiene worker
• Phyllis Lindsay Drug & Alcohol Therapist • Precella Sumner Social and Emotional Wellbeing worker
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Highlights of the year included; Custody management program – Drug and Alcohol Service and Coober Pedy Police are working together to improve the standards of living of the community members in Coober Pedy. We call it the Custody Management Program. When a client is in custody and the police thinks that the client behaviour is not normal and that person needs mental health support, they informs us and we have the opportunity to see the client and provide the support while they are in the police custody. At the same time, when someone is released from custody with AOD related issues, they will be dropped off to meet the professionals in DAS to avoid clients getting deteriorated and get arrested again and again for the same issue. This will allow clients to get Mental Health support, AOD relapse prevention support, counselling and other health care support in one place. Furthermore, clients can also benefit from been able to utilize the showering facilities, availability of fresh clothes, breakfast and access to other ongoing programs for men and women in DAS day centre. Drug and Alcohol Forum – We had around 12 agencies attended the Forum and lots
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of useful information was discussed around Drug and Alcohol Issues. There were around 40 participants including community members that were present. SAPOL, AHCSA, DASSA, DCP, DCS and office of Commissioner for youth and young people did presentations regarding their contribution to prevent AOD issues among the community. Mental Health Week 2019 - We have hosted ‘Mental health Week 2019 Coober Pedy Community event’ in October 2019 at Umoona Drug and Alcohol Day centre while celebrating Mental Health Week of the year, along with ‘Mental Health Coalition of South Australia’. The theme for the year was “Your mental health is just as important as your physical health”. The event was very inclusive and successful with the participation of 25 people from various service providers and general population. Mental health and physical health awareness were delivered in the form of handouts to make a resilient community. Self-help measures of tackling mental health crisis tips were conveyed. The event was closed with a take home message of ‘even small amounts of regular
exercise/activity make a huge difference to physical and emotional well-being’. Breakfast Program – The Breakfast Program is offered every weekday morning in the Drug and Alcohol Centre activities room from 9:00 am – 10.00 am. It is available to any client. We serve a simple nutritious menu. Feeding a nutritious breakfast increases their nutrition intake, and overall health while decreasing obesity, discipline problems, decreased daily intake of fat as a percentage of calories, Decreased obesity and blood cholesterol levels, decreases the risk for cardiovascular disease. Arts & Craft – DAS arts and crafts program has been running well for the past year. This program focuses to build social capital by boosting individuals ‘ability and motivation to be engaged, as well as building organisational capacity for effective action. This is specifically accomplished by creating a venue that draws people together who would otherwise not be engaged in constructive social activity, Fostering trust between participants and thereby increasing their generalised trust of others. Youth Program – DAS team works collaboratively with Aboriginal Family Support services and the school in this program. This
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gives an opportunity for the young ones to play basketball talk about their issues with our teams. It has a very positive influence on the community in terms of their overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Being involved in soccer deters the kids from alcohol and drug misuse, harmful choices and criminal behaviour. GYM Session – The Gym Program is designed to help clients get fit and become healthier. Clients are also educated on healthy eating and nutrition diets during and after these programs as healthy living is mostly healthy dieting than training. The program is conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for men and Tuesdays and Thursdays for women. The gym facility is well equipped both weight gain and weight loss. Clients with diabetes can especially benefit from these programs as they are assisted by the clinic doctor who then refers them to the gym for further assessments and exercises. There has been an increasing number of aboriginal clients participating in the program in their preparation for footy carnivals and other sporting events. Activities Coordinator has been the key player who coordinated these programs with the team. In the past year, over 2000 clients
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attended for above mentioned activities and programs in DAS day centre. Our team take this programs in the day centre as an opportunity to promote our other services to the clients. DAS uses creative, flexible and innovative ways to engage with clients. Highlighted by Men’s and Women’s Bush Trips where clients and staff camp around billabongs, and whilst engaged in eating and discussion. We developed effective strategies to reduce the harm of drugs and alcohol, whilst giving the body a rest in tranquil surroundings and finding ways to live purposefully without the dominance of alcohol and drugs. We work closely with UTHSAC Clinic and UTHSAC Healthy for Life. And we have a collaborative approach in regard to programmes and has worked closely with Red Cross, Uniting Country SA, AFSS, SAPOL, Correctional services, DCP, Housing SA, GP’s, Psychiatrists, Health SA, Youth workers, SA Education Department, Umoona Community Council (especially MAPS and Sobering Up Unit), Coober Pedy Hospital and Umoona Aged Care.
Referrals are made to Footsteps Road to Recovery and following discharge planning, clients are better equipped to live an alcohol and drug free life. This has been a great year and gratitude goes to the staff of UTHSAC Drug and Alcohol Service for their hard work and commitment for our programs. I would like to take this opportunity to thank our stakeholders and partnered agencies for their support. And special thanks to our Funders, our CEO and the Board for giving staff of the Robin Walker Drug and Alcohol Centre the opportunity to make a difference in this community and people’s lives. Nava Rathugamage Assistant Manager Drug and Alcohol Services.
Drug and Alcohol Services Staff
Navanjana Rathugamage Assistant DAS Manager
Phyllis Lindsay Drug & Alcohol Therapist
Geevar Paul Registered Nurse (Mental Health)
Don Hettiarachilage Drug & Alcohol Therapist (Untill June 2020)
Sarah Lindsay Counsellor (Untill Nov 2019)
Dion Bromley Activities Coordinator (Untill Nov 2019)
Shana Kumarasiri Counsellor
Robert Hele Senior Aboriginal Health Worker
Dylan Warren Afterhours Aboriginal Mental health worker
Joyleen Pollard Activities Coordinator
Melika Williams DAS Receptionist
Shane Athukorala After Hours Mental Health (Social Worker)
Gary Crombie Aboriginal Health Worker (Untill May 2020)
Hayley O’toole Aboriginal Health Worker
Precella Sumner Social and Emotional Wellbeing worker
Annette Gilbey Female Hygiene Worker
Micheal Lipsey Hygiene Worker
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The primary purpose of the UTHS Counselling Service is to provide the clients with the opportunity to work in self defined ways. We assist Aboriginal people in dealing with different issues such as grief and loss, alcohol and other drug use, gambling, financial hardships, family violence, sexual abuse, self-harm and other comorbidity issues. The program offers a range of support through counselling including providing home visits, case management, Link clients to treatment programs, assist people to enter residential rehabilitation, withdrawal centres and counselling to manage their drug and alcohol issues.
Counsellor Report We assist Aboriginal people in dealing with different issues such as grief and loss, alcohol and other drug use, gambling, financial hardships, family violence, sexual abuse, self-harm and other comorbidity issues.
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Most challenging period of the year was the peak of Corona virus. But we were able to follow the protocols to support the clients who are in our region. Furthermore, we introduced tele-Counselling for the clients, so that they could participate in their counselling sessions while been at their premises. The type of counselling we offer to our clients varies in location and Approach. The services are tailored according to the individual. Our normal process includes an interview and assess clients in regards to the issues they come across as it abet to develop appropriate ways in achieving optimal outcomes and
self-determination for people. UTHSAC counselling program also accepts and provides referrals to other communities and health organizations for the benefits of our clients. Our common referral sources for counselling are department of Correctional Services, General practitioner, family members, Aboriginal legal right movement, and complete personal and other local agencies. Some of the clients are self-referred to the Counselling services. The most common referrals reviewed are drug and alcohol issues, financial hardships, emotional support, Comorbidity issues and health issues. Ongoing counselling support was provided to support the clients to obtain positive outcomes on a client- based and strength based perspective. Counsellor has been given extinctive trainings and specialized to help the Aboriginal clients. Clients are supported after careful consideration of the issues that they come across on their day today lives. Clients will be supported with effective management strategies achievable in the short term as well as in the long term. Support provided to clients will always be focusing on strengthening the capacity of the Aboriginal clients.
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The main scope of UTHS Drug and Alcohol Therapeutic program is to minimize Drug and Alcohol related issues in the community. We focus on increasing early prevention to at risk clients through access to Drug and Alcohol counselling with in the Coober Pedy Region with outreach service to Oodnadatta Aboriginal community.
Alcohol and Other Drug Therapists We focus on increasing early prevention to at risk clients through access to Drug and Alcohol counselling with in the Coober Pedy Region with outreach service to Oodnadatta Aboriginal community.
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UTHS Drug and Alcohol Therapeutic program provides extensive case management support by working along with other pertinent agencies in Cooper Pedy and Oodnadatta to achieve better outcomes to clients’ treatment. AOD therapists will ensure to attend for weekly case management meeting with internal worker including; Drug and Alcohol Manager, Mental Health RN, DAS counsellors, SEWB team, Aboriginal Health Workers and after hours mental health team to coordinate Case Management plans to the clients. We coordinate with in the team to get referrals and focus on getting the best service for the clients. Drug and Alcohol therapists Engage with the existing UTHS Drug and Alcohol day centre programs which includes gender specific harm minimisation programs, specialist counselling support for people affected by alcohol and other drugs.
• Yarning circles • Group activities • Bush trips and camps • Men’s and women’s Program • Changing tracks • Music therapy Art therapy and other client based therapeutic programs. These programs will assist the clients to overcome the AOD issues and will guide them to get the service in nonresidential rehabilitation setting. Referrals are made for the clients who require residential rehabilitation facilities In addition, this program designed for those who are not yet ready for residential rehabilitation, are currently waiting on admission to a residential service, have other work and family commitments, exiting correctional services or may have existing legal issues in relation to Drug or Alcohol misuse (such as probation and parole). AOD team worked closely with the Substance misuse worker in Oodnadatta to identify clients who require support for their drug and alcohol issues. We liaise with Oodnadatta clinic, Aged
care, School and the Police in order to provide effective services and programs to the community. We are building up strategies for the future by redesigning our programs as required to ensure decline in AOD misuse. Focused meetings with the participation of the relevant agencies in Coober Pedy are considered contemplatively when redesigning the programs. As a latest modification from the last year drug and alcohol therapeutic program uses the Stay Strong App with the clients in Coober Pedy. This app is designed to focus on wellbeing and is for use with Indigenous clients. The App gives a visual representation of the areas in the person’s life where they are strong and the areas in their life where they are not as strong and assists clients in their plans for making change. Our Current Therapeutic programs now target to tackle more ice episodes in the community. These programs extensively assist clients with their hierarchal needs Individual attention is critical, so every client is assigned to a primary caseworker on intake, ensuring that they receive valuable one-on-one time and that an individual treatment plan is developed that meets their unique needs.
During the period of 1st of July 2019 to 30th June 2020 Drug and Alcohol services conducted. 1400
1200 1000
800 600 400 200
0
AOD Individual Clients
Actual
Completed Episodes Of Care
Target
Even though due to Corona virus it was difficult for us to provide services to the cliental as we used to, we managed to follow government Protocols to ensure that the clients are been served. Therefore we managed to achieve the KPI’s above the expectation. We wish to extend our services by generating constructive report in the community. Upcoming programs for the UTHS Drug and Alcohol will be the Drug forum, Focus meetings and AOD therapeutic educational sessions. We are determined to empower the clients to take control of their lives with self-confidence and deal with complications though self-management.
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Where to go for help
Emergencies Dial 000
(For ambulance, fire or police)
Mental Health Crisis Dial 13 14 65 Poisons Information Centre Dial 13 11 26 Alcohol and Drug Information Service 1300 13 1340 Confidential telephone counselling, information and referral from 8.30 am to 10.00 pm every day.
Family Drug Support Australia phone 1300 368 186 MAP transports people under the influence of alcohol or other drugs to places of safety and support. Service available seven days a week. National Alcohol and Other Drug Hotline phone 1800 250 015 Open arms for past and present members of the ADF and their families phone 1800 011 046 Crisis counselling Lifeline Australia chat online or phone 13 11 14
Alcohol and Drugs Alcohol and Drug Information Service phone 1300 131 340 Alcoholics Anonymous Helpline phone 1300 222 222 Counselling Online chat online, phone - 1300 131 340, email, SMS services, self-help
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Domestic violence Domestic Violence Crisis Line phone 1800 800 098 1800 RESPECT phone 1800 737 732 Family violence 1800 RESPECT phone 1800 737 732
Lifeline Australia chat online or phone 13 11 14 Relationships Australia South Australia phone 1300 364 277 or 1800 182 325 (country callers) Gambling Gambling help online chat online or phone 1800 858 858 Problem gambling phone 1800 858 858 Lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and intersex (LGBTI) people QLife - chat online or phone 1800 184 527 Mensline Australia chat online or phone 1300 789 978 1800 RESPECT phone 1800 737 732 Relationships Australia South Australia phone 1300 364 277 or 1800 182 325 (country callers)
Alcohol abuse and substance misuse has been a major cause of mental illness in our community and are much more likely to develop mental illnesses than those who don’t. Mental illness remains a significant contributor to disability, reduced productivity and suffering in our community as in everywhere.
Mental Health Services Report
Umoona Tjutagku Health Services (UTHS) has incorporated ‘Mental Health Support and After Hours Mental Health services’ through Drug and Alcohol Day Centre. We aimed to ensure the well-being of every individual who are directly or indirectly affected by mental health problems. We follow a stepped care model of service with a GP Mental health care planning which helps people to move easily between programs as their support needs change. Stepped care is an evidence-based, staged approach to the delivery of mental health services, comprising a hierarchy of interventions—from the least to the most intensive—matched to the individual’s needs. Often our clients can reflect on their services in order to step up and step down to different levels of care as they move along their recovery journey.
worker. We provide a client centred, culturally appropriate and holistic mental health services to the people of Coober Pedy and its surrounding places.
We cater our services to 1. Improve accessiblity to the primary mental health services. Self referral or a referral from any other agencies will make the access to the intake assessment.A comprehensive assessment and triaging will helps to identify a suitable services required.A GP mental health careplan and further referrals would easy the recovery.A competent team of staff would ensure regular follow ups and reviews done.The clients who require Psychiatry assessment and management are usally referred by GP and we will organise everything needed for that inorder to close the GAP.Early crisis intervention and relapse prevention would be focussed throught the journey. A dedicated tele-follow up has ensured client follow ups in some extent in the midst of Covid19 pandemic.
Mental health Team consists of Mental Health RN, Social worker and Aboriginal Health
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2. Referral services
4. Health promotion
The in/out referral pathways ensure the continuity of care.We send internal,extrernal and specialist referrals to various agencies to achieve the optimum of recovery. The psychiatry clinics are often conducted once in every 3 months.Counselling sessions and brief interventions are performed by a counsellor and AOD Therapist along with other members of mental health Team.We do refer clients to other local and regional regional for follow ups and rehabilitation such as housing SA, NDIS, Community mental health services, foot steps,DASSA inpatient services,etc.The Rural and Remote Mental health services and its video link up Telepsychiatry consultations will help as to overcome the remoteness.We will receive referrals from other Mental health facilities upon client transfer .
Group programmes and bush trips are the main platform to get engaged with clients and their families to evoke wellbeing and harmony.We do educate them through our goal oriented activities to seek help in times of need by overcoming social stigma.We utilise ‘healthy for life’ programmes to educate them on living skills and healthy cooking.Regular health checkups have been performed to monitor mentabolic disorders.Our clients have given access to Gym Programme to make them active and occupied.We promted harm reduction strategies through breakfast programme.
3. Therapeutic services and relapse prevention We perform home visits to administer medications such Depots,deliver webster packs,welfare checks,client education and counselling. We do monitor high risk clients regularly for mood ,suicidality and self harm tendencies to ensure client safety.
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5. Liaisoning We work hand in hand with other primary health care providers of Coober Pedy such as UTHS Clinic and Coober Pedy hospital and community health centre with the aim of closing the GAP.Our clients have benefited from liaison with welfare and justice systems such as Centacare,Red Cross,DCS,SAPOL. 6. Awareness programme-Mental Health Week 2019 We have hosted ‘Mental health Week 2019 Coober Pedy Community event’ in October
2019 at Umoona Drug and Alcohol Day centre while celebrating Mental Health Week of the year, along with ‘Mental Health Coalition of South Australia’. The theme for the year was “Your mental health is just as important as your physical health”. The event was very inclusive and successful with the participation of 25 people from various service providers and general population. Mental health and physical health awareness were delivered in the form of handouts to make a resilient community. Self-help measures of tackling mental health crisis tips were conveyed. The event was closed with a take home message of ‘even small amounts of regular exercise/activity make a huge difference to physical and emotional well-being ‘.
After hours mental health program The After-hours mental health program had its most eventful year since its commencement. At the beginning of the reporting period, Dylan Warren joined the team as an Aboriginal health worker which was a great addition to the team. The last two weeks of 2019 were busier as expected and the after-hours team was available throughout this period to support our community. In order to provide an effective
service, the After-hours Mental Health program was working in collaboration with the Coober Pedy Police targeting to control the offences committed by mental health clients. Care coordination with health organizations both within and out of Coober Pedy was one of the important tasks. Depo injections were administered to the clients even while they were in the Police custody, by Mental Health Registered Nurse. After the initiation during the Christmas period this arrangement was
continued with some improvements which were suggested by both UTHS and SAPOL. After-hours mental health program continued its operations throughout the pandemic to support people who were in crisis. The team was geared up to support people with mental health issues due to the COVID-19 and precautions were taken to avoid an outbreak in our community. Community members were made vigilant regarding the virus and educated to avoid trepidation.
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Social and Emotional Wellbeing Report 38
Social and Emotional Well-being (SEWB) program is set up to promote holistic approaches to the wellbeing for Aboriginal people in and around Coober Pedy.
• Individual counselling, SEWB support and group therapy
The key aims of the SEWB program is to establish strong referral processes to all agencies across the country and to provide ongoing services to the community. Support groups where conducted throughout the year before the restrictions came into effect putting group programs in in popularity and this model will be implemented in other communities in the next six months. These group consist of ‘yarning circle’ and ‘arts and craft’, bush cooking groups and breaking down some of the barriers that prevent clients attending counselling. After establishing good rapport with these groups the SEWB program is able to develop structured programs for ongoing counselling.
• Community engagement, outreach
SEWB and AOD play an important role to supporting referrals from the Courts supporting clients going through anger management, require ongoing counselling programs are strong with the assistance of the local magistrate in Coober Pedy with commitment to see offenders offered better support with counselling and psychology services and referrals to other agencies as needed.
• Case management and referral • Cultural healing, including healing camps • Promotion, advocacy and partnerships • Family tracing, research and reunions • SEWB support and/or counselling • Outreach support, referral and liaison • AOD residential and non-residential rehabilitation services
During last year, SEWB team attended number of workshops, forums and training programs and we had the privilege to meet SEWB teams from all around SA as well as from Northern Territory. These programs were great opportunity for us share our knowledge with others and learn how other teams deliver their programs. One of the forums organised by Nunkuwarrin Yunti was noteworthy. This forum was held in Tauondi Aboriginal College in Port Adelaide. Number of educational sessions been delivered by professionals and highlight of the forum was the presentation from The Apmwerre Aboriginal Corporation. Three traditional aboriginal women facilitated this and the cultural knowledge we gained from them about their culture was remarkable. The SEWB program is committed and is constantly growing and learning new ways to reach their clients and fulfilling their client’s potential. If you would like to make an appointment please contact the reception staff at the Robin Walker Drug and Alcohol Centre.
Services provided by the SEWB/BTH program includes, • 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 and other local service providers in Coober Pedy. • Assist and organise Bringing Them Home link up projects. • Liaise with mental health clinicians: Coordinate 3 monthly Psychiatrist clinics and organise face to face appointments or by Tele psychiatry. • Facilitate women’s programs. • Organize cultural activities, Yarning circles and programs. • Support and Resilience • Provide case management and coordination support. • Psychiatrist clinic. • Advocating on behalf of individuals, families or groups.
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Psychiatrist Service The psychiatry service provides mental health care within a culturally safe environment. We provided mental health consultations sessions to our clients through visiting Psychiatrists Dr Michael Edwards and Dr Adriana Lattanzio throughout the year. 28 clients have been referred to Psychiatrist.
Stolen Generation Project The project aims to provide an opportunity to heal the impacts of intergenerational trauma. This project will be producing an exceptional outcomes for the community, including : overcome social isolation and building social cohesiveness, provided a good foundation and strengthen the relationship between and
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members and their lost culture, Demonstrate a viable way of living and dealing with trauma, overcome social isolation and building social cohesiveness, through yarning sessions with stolen generation members, sharing stories and ventilation of feelings will be healing the future generation. Healing camps/workshops and healing gatherings also will be providing additional support successfully complete the project. We offer the clients flexible opportunities for discovering and celebrating their Cultural awareness, transformative relationships that involve mentoring, peer connection and role and leadership and a space that is safe for healing, creativity, enjoyment and goal setting. These programs provide a passage for many clients/family’s from social and emotional
turmoil and a feeling of failure into a very different and positive way of seeing themselves and their potential as they engage more effectively with various opportunities in their lives. It’s so positive and encouraging seeing the changes within the client’s life and the effects those positive changes have on their family as well. We are determined to empower clients to take control of their lives and gain greater confidence and self-determination. The chief role we have is to encourage, strengthen and assist Aboriginal clients in the coming years ahead to overcome their Social and Emotional wellbeing issues. Thank you to our funders, CEO and Board for giving us the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives.
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Activities coordinator works with Drug and Alcohol Services team, coordinating all the activities in DAS. Past year we have delivered number of activities including Harm Minimization, Arts and Crafts, Youth sports program, Healthy cooking, Gardening, Men’s and Women’s bush trips, gym sessions and number of community events. Due to Covid-19, we had to pause our group activities last quarter of the year. But our social workers had one on one sessions with those who come regularly to our programs.
Activities Coordinator Report Social and Emotional Wellbeing/Bring them home program aims 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.
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Summary of some activities Harm Minimization/Music Program Activities Coordinator have organized a music program, attend the school and interact with the youth in attempt to keep them off the streets, teach them about drugs and alcohol, keeping them motivated in school and with their sports programs. The Music Program would happen once or twice a week depending on attendances and client behaviors. Arts & Craft
I continue to build trust among participants and thereby increasing their generalized trust of others.
increasing their sense of connection to that community and there culture. I have been talking to the clients about making some artifacts from the local wood, we are also providing an experience for participants to learn music Programs for people of all ages. (I was expecting mostly men and interpersonal skills important for collective organising, increasing the scope of individuals’ social networks.
Arts and crafts events may be a source of pride for clients in the community by
We deliver this program every Wednesday for men and women, young and old. Clients say
The DAS Arts and Crafts Program mainly focus on the Social and emotional wellbeing of the clients. Boosting individual’s ability and motivation to be engaged, this is specifically accomplished by creating a venue that draws people together.
that this is a very good opportunity for them show their talents. Bush trips For the past 12 months we have had a quite a few bush trips at Lake Phillipson, The Breakaways and continue planning trips for the future with our local men in the Coober Pedy and surrounding areas. These trips are culturally driven program which provides a safe way for Aboriginal men to come together to support each other.
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Gym Program The Gym Program is designed to help clients get fit and become healthier. Clients are also educated on healthy eating and nutrition diets during and after these programs as healthy living is mostly healthy dieting than training. The program is conducted on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays for men and Tuesdays and Thursdays for women. The gym facility is well equipped both weight gain and weight loss. Clients with diabetes can especially benefit from these programs as they are assisted by the clinic doctor who then refers them to the gym instructor for further assessments and exercises. There has been an increasing number of aboriginal clients participating in the program in their preparation for footy carnivals and other sporting events. Youth Program The Youth Program has gained huge momentum over the last year with numerous programs and events. We design a range of different programs and events where the kids can improve their sports skills while also learning the important values of teamwork, sportsmanship and fair play. Our goal is to advance the players athletic skills and to help them build important lifelong skills such as
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discipline, strategic thinking, goal setting and leadership. Soccer is a wonderful way to engage kids in productive play. It has a very positive influence on the community in terms of their overall physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. Being involved in soccer deters the kids from alcohol and drug misuse, harmful choices and criminal behaviour. Movie Night Program Drug and Alcohol service started a new program for young kids to promote education around Alcohol and other Drugs. This program focus on kids developing resilience and good decision making skills. We provide 10 to 15 minutes educational session before the movie and some simple and healthy cooking lessons as well. This aims to increase confidence, knowledge and skills about healthy cooking and eating in a fun and social way.
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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
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Organisational Chart
UTHSAC BOARD CEO
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT
BUSINESS SERVICE MANAGER
CLINIC COORDINATOR
PRACTICE MANAGER
ASST. DAS MANAGER
SENIOR ACCOUNTANT
ACCOUNTANT
MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
REGISTERED NURSE
REGISTERED NURSE
MENTAL HEALTH REGISTERED NURSE
COUNSELLOR
IT AND COMMUNICARE SUPPORT OFFICER
ADMIN SUPPORT OFFICER
ASST. MEDICAL RECEPTIONIST
REGISTERED NURSE
CHILD AND MATERNAL HEALTH WORKER
DRUG & ALCOHOL THERAPIST
DRUG & ALCOHOL THERAPIST
FACILITIES OFFICER
CLEANER
HEALTH PROMOTION OFFICER
REGISTERED NURSE
SNR. ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
SUBSTANCE MISSED USE WORKER
TRAINEE ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
SNR. ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
SEWB/BTH COORDINATOR
ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
TRANSPORT OFFICER
ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
TRAINEE ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
SUBSTANCE MISSED USE WORKER (DUNJIBA)
ACTIVITES COORDINATOR
ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER (CASUAL)
AFTER HOURS MENTAL HEALTH WORKER
DAS RECEPTIONIST
AFTER HOURS MENTAL HEALTH WORKER
HYGEINE WORKER
HYGEINE WORKER
ABORIGINAL HEALTH WORKER
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UTHSAC Staff Academic Qualifications Administration Staff Priscilla Larkins Chief Executive Officer Academic Qualifications • Post Graduate certificate in Remote Health Management • Post Grad certificate in Health (Diabetes Management and education)
Dilshan Perera Business Services Manager / Accreditation Support Officer
Saumya Silva Senior Accountant
Academic Qualifications
• Master of Practicing Accounting
•
Master of Business Administration
• BA Statistics special (Honors)
•
Master of Arts / International Relations (Human Rights and International Law)
•
PRINCE 11 Practitioner (Diploma Equivalent): Project Management
Chathuranga Dias Accountant / Accreditation Support Officer
•
Diploma of Practice Management
Academic Qualifications
•
Diploma of Human Resources Management
•
Diploma of Business (Governance)
•
Advanced Diploma: Management
•
Post Grad Cert. in Human Resources Management (Currently Studying)
• Bachelor of Nursing • Certificate in Finance for the non-financial manager • Management Systems Auditing • Diploma of Business (Governance) • Diploma of Leadership Managment • Demystifying ISO 9001:2008
Academic Qualifications
• Associate Member (ASA) CPA Australia
• Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting) • Diploma in Accounting & Finance • Diploma of Leadership and Management
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Clinic Staff Yasiru Fernando IT & Communicare Support Officer
Melani Jayasinghe Practice Manager
Carmel Agrazada Clinic Team Leader
Academic Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
• Master of Business Administration-Specialising in HR Management
• International Qualified Nurse Program Graduate (Monash University)
• Bachelor of Business Double Major Marketing & Business Management
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing
• Bachelor of Information Technology Major in System Analyst • Diploma of Computer Studies • Certificate IV in Computer and Foundation studies • Microsoft Certified Solutions Expert (MCSE) Certification (Currently Studying) Carryl Gabriel Admin Support Officer
• Diploma of Practice Management (Currently Studying) Josie Warrior Healthy for life Coordinator Academic Qualifications • Certificate II in Hospitality • Certificate IV in Aboriginal Primary Health Care • Certificate IV in Aged Care
Mercy Laya Cleaner
• Certificate IV in Home and Community Care • Diploma of Management
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Satinder Kaur Registered Nurse Academic Qualifications • Master of Science in Nursing • Bachelor of Science in Nursing • Graduate Certificate in Diabetes education and Management Therasa Joseph Registered Nurse Academic Qualifications • Master of Science in Medical Surgical Nursing • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
Piumi Wijesinghe Medical Receptionist
Dhammanthi Munasinghe Assistant Medical Receptionist
Glenys Dodd Senior Aboriginal Health Worker
Academic Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
• Diploma of Human Resource Management
• Diploma of General Nursing
• Certificate III ATSI Primary Health Care
• Diploma of Health Administration (Currently Studying)
• Certificate IV in Aged Care
Vindya Perera Medical Receptionist (From June 2020) Academic Qualifications • Diploma of Early Childhood Education Care and leadership management
• Diploma of Hospitality
Chintha Sinhapura Assistant Medical Receptionist (From June 2020)
• Certificate III Indigenous Research Capacity Building • Certificate IV ATSI Primary Health Care (Currently Studying) Donna Bailes Aboriginal Health Worker
Academic Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
• Bachelor of Information Technology
• Certificate IV Practice Aboriginal & or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care
• Diploma of Management
• Diploma in Pre School Teacher Training
Damien Riesse Health Promotions Officer
• Advance Diploma of Community Sector Management (Currently Studying)
Academic Qualifications • Certificate III in Business Administration
• Certificate IV In Indigenous research capacity building • Certificate III in Community Services Work Elaine O’Toole Aboriginal Health Worker Academic Qualifications • Certificate III in Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
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Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation
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Drug & Alcohol Services Staff Joshua Smith Aboriginal Health Worker
Navanjana Rathugamage Assistant DAS Manager
Don Hettiarachilage Drug & Alcohol Therapist
Academic Qualifications –
Academic Qualifications
Academic Qualifications
• Certificate III in Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
• Advance Diploma in Business Services
• Diploma of Community Service Work
• Diploma in Project Management
• Certificate IV in Alcohol, and Other Drugs
• Certificate IV in Community Services Peter Avakian Transport Officer
• Certificate IV in Alcohol, and Other Drugs (Currently Studying)
Shana Kumarasiri Drug & Alcohol Therapist Academic Qualifications • Bachelor of Social Work
Phyllis Lindsay SEWB/BTH Worker Academic Qualifications
• MSC In applied psychology • Certificate IV in Alcohol, and Other Drugs
• Diploma in Teaching • Diploma in Childcare
Geevar Paul Registered Nurse (Mental Health) Academic Qualifications • Bachelor of Science in Nursing
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Precella Sumner Aboriginal Health Worker Academic Qualifications • Certificate IV in counselling
Joyleen Pollard SEWB Worker / Receptionist
Robert Hele Senior Aboriginal Health Worker Academic Qualifications • Certificate III ATSI Primary Health Care • Certificate IV ATSI Primary Health Care
Shane Athukorala After Hours Mental Health (Social Worker)
Hayley O’Toole Aboriginal Health Worker
Academic Qualifications • Bachelor of Social Work
• Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
Dylan Warren After Hours Mental Health
Annette Gilbey Female Hygiene Worker
Academic Qualifications
Academic Qualifications • Certificate IV in Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice • Certificate III in Aboriginal and/ or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice
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Our Lives Matter! Let’s BE COVIDSAFE together We need to all keep making COVIDSafe choices to help stop the spread. • Keep physical distancing in public spaces. • Practise good hygiene. • Protect others and stay at home if you’re unwell. If you’re experiencingcold or flu-like symptoms speak to your doctor about getting tested. • If you haven’t already, download the COVIDSafe app. Together, let’s BE COVIDSAFE. Visit health.gov.au for more information.
1.5m
cover your cough
regularly sanitise door handles
wash your with soap & water for atleast 20 seconds
Umoona Tjutagku Health Service Aboriginal Corporation ICN 7460 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
keep your social distancing 1.5m apart