Ms Wendy Thiele1, Ms Dianne Squire2, Ms Nadene Barnes-Brown3, Ms Mell Garrett4
1Rural Support Service – BHFLHN, Adelaide, Australia, 2Yorke and Northern Local Health Network, Pt Pirie, Australia, 3Flinders and Upper North Local Health Network, Pt Augusta, Australia, 4Barossa Hills Fleurieu Local Health Network, Gawler, Australia
Biography:
Wendy is the Advanced Clinical Lead Early Childhood, with the Rural Support Service, SA Health. Wendy, as an allied health professional, is passionate about rural health and addressing the historical inequities for Aboriginal children, families and communities. Wendy has had a long-standing commitment and strong track record in co-developing and implementing innovative models of care to improve the outcomes for Aboriginal children, women and families in rural and remote South Australia.
Abstract:
There is consistent research evidence which indicates that Aboriginal children in rural and remote Australia have poorer health outcomes compared to both their metropolitan counterparts and non-Aboriginal children. They also face additional challenges in accessing and engaging with health services.
The Rural Support Service in close collaboration with Aboriginal Health Services and Child Health and Development (CHAD) teams in regional Local Health Networks, have trialled a new approach for supporting Aboriginal children and families to engage and receive timely allied health services. Aboriginal Children’s Health and Development (ACHAD) roles, established within multidisciplinary allied health CHAD teams, work with community and clinicians to co-design culturally responsive services. ACHAD practitioners are supported to complete the Certificate 4 in Primary Health Care to enable them to identify the health needs of children. They receive upskilling in child development from CHAD clinicians to undertake initial assessments and implement delegated clinical programs carrying a dedicated case load. Reciprocally ACHAD practitioners provide cultural knowledge, support and input to allied health staff for more culturally responsive therapy services and are a valued member of the team. Findings to date indicate that access to timely and culturally responsive services have resulted in early identification and engagement of Aboriginal children and families including increased referrals and engagement in therapy services, development of partnerships with Aboriginal Health teams, earlier identification and referrals for health needs.