Yarn'n Deadly St Vincent's leading the way in Aboriginal Health Issue 2 | 2017 - Richard Gallagher
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Deadly St Vincent’s
Yarn’n
leading the way in
Aboriginal Health
Issue 2 | 2017
INTRODUCTION
Acknowledgement
We would like to acknowledge
the Traditional Owners of the land
on which we live and work, the
MESSAGE FROM
Gadigal People of the Eora
A/PROF
Nation. We pay our respects to ANTHONY SCHEMBRI
Elders past and present as we CEO, St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney
walk and work together in the
Welcome to our second edition of Deadly Yarn’n
journey of improving Aboriginal – a celebration of our Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander staff, and the work that we do to
and Torres Strait Islander health continually build a safe space for our Aboriginal
staff and patients.
outcomes. We would also like You will see from reading this edition, that the past
to acknowledge the Aboriginal twelve months have been a watershed period for us
at St Vincent’s in terms of our work in both closing
and Torres Strait Islander and the healthcare and employment gap for Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander people.
non-Aboriginal people who Last year we launched the St Vincent’s Aboriginal
Health Plan – 2017- 2020 which includes six
contributed their stories to this areas of strategic focus: building trust and local
newsletter. Thank you for sharing partnerships, building evidence, ensuring integrated
service delivery, increasing our Aboriginal & Torres
your personal journey and how Strait Islander Workforce, building a culturally safe
environment and performance monitoring.
it brought you to St Vincent’s. One of the highlights for me last year was
addressing the second SVHA Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander Forum. Entitled Building our Culture,
Building our People, the Forum brought together
FRONT COVER ART Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and senior
leaders from across SVHA. It has been a real privilege
Lani Balzan of the Wiradjuri mob getting to know our Aboriginal staff and the amazing
work they do to care for our patients.
The centre dot represents the
I’m excited to share that this year we’ve
hospital and the dots moving away embarked on an Enrolled Nursing Traineeship
are the healing and health. The Program to further bolster our Aboriginal workforce
individual dots around the outside which we actively increased by approximately 36%
represent different people and health last year.
professionals from all walks of life, While we still have a long way to go, we are
working together to form a united working hard to make a difference in Aboriginal health
front for Indigenous health. The and employment and I hope you get this sense too
dotted circles symbolise people as you read this edition of Deadly Yarn’n.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank and
gathering, whereas the dots around
acknowledge Aunty Fay Carroll for her friendship,
the painting represent networks of
advice and commitment in working alongside our
people. The five outer groups of dots
health service to Close the Gap.
represent the five Nuns that started
the hospital in 1857 and from then
the dots move towards the hospital
symbolising its growth.
2
We had another big year here in
St Vincent’s in the Aboriginal
space. We developed and
launched our first ever Aboriginal
Health Plan in consultation with
the Aboriginal community, staff
& other local area Health districts.
A Quick Yarn
FROM
PAULINE DEWEERD
As outlined in the Aboriginal & Torres Strait Through this newsletter, you will see some of our key
Islander Health Plan 2017 – 2020, we have achievements that directly address these strategies.
committed to six strategic directions: In 2017, we increased our workforce with Aboriginal
employees across many positions including mainstream and
targeted positions. The Aboriginal Health Unit (AHU) created
1 Building trust through local partnerships its first Senior Aboriginal Health Worker position, with the
appointment of Peter Honeyman who has fitted in well within
2 Building the evidence and implementing
the organisation and AHU team.
what works
We have seen our staff undertake further studies following
3 Ensuring integrated planning & service delivery successes in Nursing Scholarships; we have travelled
across NSW visiting Aboriginal communities sharing heart
4 Ensuring culturally safe work environments
related stories and supporting health in regional NSW; and
and health services
staff attended the national NAIDOC event at the Centre of
5 Strengthening performance and monitoring Excellence for Aboriginal people in July, providing basic health
management and accountability checks to up to over 95 community members. Staff from
6 Increasing our Aboriginal & Torres Strait across St Vincent’s Health Network also attended another
Islander workforce successful Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander staff forum held
in Sydney, where we heard a positive message from our CEO
on the success of “pushing the boundaries” when it comes
to Aboriginal health and employment. Additionally, 87% of our
staff have completed the online Respecting the Difference with
almost 2000 staff completing the face to face component.
These are just a few of the stories that are featured in this
edition of Deadly Yarn’n.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are advised that the
following photographs contains images of people who have passed.
3
Yarning for
Positive Outcomes INTERVIEW WITH
JACQUI JENSEN
Clinical Nurse Consultant,
Chronic Pain Management,
St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney
How was the partnership established between clinical yarning, starting with the person before
St Vincent’s Pain Clinic and Redfern Aboriginal the symptoms, part of the 8 Aboriginal ways
Medical Centre and what was the reasoning? of learning.
Our multidisciplinary team here at St Vincent’s We’ve had the AMS Redfern exercise
Pain Clinic are committed to closing the gap physiologist also observe in the SVHS Pain Clinic
for Aboriginal people living with chronic pain. and the Reboot pain management program.
In offering care for Aboriginal people who are Each clinic is a useful learning experience for all.
referred to our pain clinic, we learned that Now culturally appropriate chronic pain education
some people would prefer to be seen at AMS resources for patients and clinicians have been
Redfern, so we connected with the practice developed within a working group of Aboriginal
manager, GPs and nurses to see how we could health managers, community workers and pain
make this happen. clinic clinicians.
As a result since 2015, we have been offering Have a look at ‘OUR MOB’ https://www.aci.
clinic sessions and case conferencing for patients health.nsw.gov.au/chronic-pain/our-mob.
at Redfern as well as Darlinghurst. As Clinical You can see beautiful artwork using symbols for
Nurse Consultant, I triage and coordinate referrals short and long term pain and also for healthy
to the clinics. The St Vincent’s pain specialist team living. There are also videos featuring Aboriginal
includes doctors, myself, physiotherapist and people from around NSW sharing their inspiring
psychologist. We provide patient assessment, stories. We have all learned together through this
education and management plans and the GPs process, sponsored by the ACI pain network.
can link people with local providers, such as
How would you take/deliver this service within
exercise physiologist, psychiatrist, psychologist,
other communities?
and dieticians.
AMS Redfern provides transport for people to It will be useful to further community links
attend their pain clinic appointments whether at developed with Aboriginal Elders and community
Redfern or Darlinghurst. This helps everyone and health centres. Technology is assisting where
has also included people attending our Reboot there is network. To reach rural patients we have
pain management program. pioneered telehealth outreach pain clinic, including
to South Eastern NSW Katungal AMS. This has
Our multidisciplinary team here at required developing the ACI guide for Telehealth
St Vincent’s Pain Clinic are committed consultations with Aboriginal people.
to closing the gap for Aboriginal people Also, we’d like to continue to provide pain
living with chronic pain. specialist input into education such as a new
culturally appropriate pain management program,
What work has been done since the partnership facilitated by community Aboriginal Health
has been established and what training has been workers. This is being piloted in Northern NSW
provided?
and is sponsored by the ACI Pain Management
We also need up-skilling. Recently, through Network. In time this program will become more
the ACI Pain Network, I had the opportunity to widely available. I feel proud to be part of these
experience education with Aboriginal teachers effective and innovative collaborations.
for NSW pain clinic clinicians. This included
4
No Sugar Coating
Diabetes
Interview with Jo Taylor,
Nurse Manager, Diabetes Services
What services are you providing to assist
Aboriginal people?
An Endocrinologist and Diabetes Clinical Nurse
Consultant attend the Matthew Talbot Clinic
every 6 weeks where we provide clinical support,
advice and education to the Clinic GP, nursing
staff and homeless men with diabetes. We know
Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islanders
are over-represented in homeless populations.
In NSW alone, Aboriginal and Torres Strait things. Modern lifestyles encroaching on
Islander peoples make up 25% of the homeless traditional lifestyles, causing an explosion in the
population. rates of chronic diseases diagnosed amongst
Rather than expecting these men to attend communities. This included with reduced
our specialist Clinics at the Hospital, we decided amounts of exercise and high calorie diets
to take our specialist Clinics to Aboriginal men (causing people to get unfit and fatter) in a
instead. The outreach clinics have resulted in relatively short space of time.
improved cholesterol levels, blood pressure and So the good news is – diabetes can be
diabetes control amongst those men seen. delayed if not prevented, by staying lean and
fit, eating a healthy diet rich in fruits, vegetables
Aboriginal people are three times more likely & legumes, bush tucker, lean meats and
to develop type 2 diabetes than non-indigenous fish and unflavored natural yogurts and milk,
Australians and are six times more likely to die
whilst avoiding sugary drinks and high calorie
from diabetes complications.
packaged and takeaway foods. To reduce your
risk of developing diabetes, don’t smoke, eat
Why is it important to be educated on Diabetes well, move, work and play with your Aboriginal
within Aboriginal communities?
ancestors in mind, aiming to stay lean, fit,
Diabetes is the world’s fastest growing chronic connected and healthy.
disease affecting 420 million people worldwide
and Indigenous peoples are at the highest risk How can we provide better education within
Aboriginal communities to prevent Diabetes
of developing the condition. Aboriginal people
within Aboriginal people?
are three times more likely to develop type 2
diabetes than non-indigenous Australians and By resourcing and developing specific diabetes
are six times more likely to die from diabetes prevention education programs, through
complications. If insulin stops working properly, community collaboration that meets the needs
blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels. of Aboriginal communities. By supporting and
High blood glucose levels ruin blood vessels growing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
leading to all sorts of problems such as heart health workforce, encouraging specialisation
attack, stroke, blindness and kidney failure. in the areas of Health Promotion and Diabetes
Education. By strengthening community
Why is Diabetes so prevalent in Aboriginal expertise by implementing successful peer
communities?
support models, where peers deliver health
The cause of high rates of diabetes amongst education messages and provide change
Aboriginal communities is likely due to many support within their own communities.
5
“Prioritising my health
has kept me alive”
Jonathan Rekunow, a proud Aboriginal man from the
Wiradjuri Nation was first diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes
in 1965. Aged just four and a half, doctors predicted that
he would not live to 21 years of age. However, in 2016
Jonathan was the recipient of a Diabetes Australia
RECEIVING
Silver Kellion Victory Medal – presented to those who THE MEDAL
have lived with Type 1 or 2 diabetes for 50 years or more. A/Prof Jerry Greenfield,
Jonathan Rekunow &
Prof Don Chisolm.
It is due to Jonathan’s focus and hard work “Managing my diabetes was hard work.
that he has been able to manage his diabetes Now, I carry a finger prick blood tester and quick
and maintain his health, although he has faced acting insulin with me. However, when I was
many obstacles along the way. One of the young, I had to do two urine tests each day which
issues faced by Jonathan is that he has lived involved adding five drops of urine into a tube,
much of his life in rural and regional Australia. followed by ten drops of water and an acid test
“Things have certainly improved, but when tablet. It was a complicated process, and in the
I was young, managing how my diabetes was end, there were so many variables that the results
treated was a real effort, considering that I lived in weren’t always accurate,” recalls Jonathan. “I kept
Armidale and my specialists were in Sydney. Every meticulous records, even in the early days, and
six months, mum and I would jump on a train and I think that focus on keeping track of everything is
travel 14 hours to Sydney where they’d do blood partly why I’m doing so well – 53 years, and more
tests. Then, they would send my mum a telegram than 60,000 insulin injections later!”
with the results and any recommended changes Jonathan still travels to Sydney regularly where
MEDAL to my insulin doses. he is currently under the care of Endocrinologist
Diabetes Australia Associate Professor Jerry Greenfield, and for
Silver Kellion decades prior, Professor Don Chisholm at the
Victory Medal St Vincent’s Hospital Diabetes Clinic. Associate
Professor Greenfield has a great interest in
improving outcomes for diabetes patients, and
is also the co-head of the Clinical Diabetes and
Metabolism Laboratory at Sydney’s Garvan
Institute of Medical Research.
Despite managing his diabetes, Jonathan
faces many of the serious health issues related
to diabetes, including depression, hypos (short
for hypoglycaemia, meaning low glucose in the
blood), stroke and mini-strokes or Transient
6
Ischaemic Attacks, damaged eyesight (diabetic Australia. Fairly recently, I had to travel 130
retinopathy) and even heart blockages. kilometres to see a GP, because at that time,
Jonathan explains, “I know I seem well – I fool none of my closer and trusted GPs were available.
everybody. Yet, last night I was up at midnight with So, if the doctor you trust is 130 kilometres away,
a really bad hypo, and again at 4am with severe then that’s where you go.
pain. That’s a typical night for me, but I just have When Jonathan was diagnosed 53 years
to keep going and get on with life.” ago, he was told a cure would be available within
Jonathan firmly believes that, if you live in three years. Jonathan is still hopeful and believes
regional Australia and are dealing with diabetes, medical research is key. He says, “Until a cure,
it is worth going to a major city to see a specialist or even better, a way to prevent diabetes is
at least once a year. He explains, “My local doctor, discovered, medical research that aims to make
Dr Ayden Areta in Tamworth, does a great job it more manageable is vital and worth every cent!”
looking after all the other aspects of my health, Finally, Jonathan has this advice for others
but the specialists in Sydney run my diabetes living with diabetes. “Treat diabetes with respect.
Don’t let it run your life, but don’t ignore it.
Live your life as best you can, but never forget
Also, I can’t stress how important
the impact that diabetes has on you.
family support is. I rely on my family a
lot, and I couldn’t do it without them.
management. The support and care from the
diabetes team at St Vincent’s Hospital makes life
easier, and in my experience, my local doctors
aren’t offended. They are happy to know that
a team of specialists are reviewing my situation
regularly, and they just want to be kept in the loop.
“In fact, a good GP that you trust is key when
you have diabetes and live in rural or regional
7
Healing Connections Indigenous Women’s
Art Therapy Group is an art therapy
Arts
group catering to Indigenous women
with a history of mental illness, or who are
supporting a loved one with mental illness.
ABORIGINAL
MENTAL
HEALTH
WORKER
Kaylene Simon
Aboriginal Mental Health Worker, Kaylene In 2006 South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Area
Simon was awarded a Certificate of Mental Health Service and St Vincent’s Hospital
Appreciation from the Connections took over the program and The City of Sydney
Indigenous Women’s Art Therapy Group for provided a safe place for group members to
her dedication and time in supporting and express their feelings and Aboriginal identity
mentoring our people in the Brothers and through creative art. Its main focus is to
Sisters Program (MOBS). This certificate was connect female family members that are
presented by The University of Sydney Student otherwise estranged or isolated due to their
Support Services and the Mana Yura Team in own, or a loved one’s illness.
late 2017.
Connections were founded in 2001 by
the Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service. The Community Centre in Chippendale
Connections was heavily researched from
is where the Connections group meet
January 1998 – 2002 by health care workers
every Monday from 10.00am to 3.00pm
who asked community members of the
to share their experiences. If you’d like
Redfern, Waterloo and Surry Hills areas what
they wanted in terms of the creation of ongoing more information, please contact the
family support networks for people affected St Vincent’s O’Brien Centre reception
with mental health illness and/or drug and 02 8382 1300 to speak with Kaylene.
alcohol dependency.
8Interview with
Peter
Honeyman
A proud Barkindji man from far west, NSW.
After spending the majority Since the completion between Aboriginal patients
of his life growing up in of his studies, Peter has and other health professionals
a small town and being worked in a variety of roles and to represent Aboriginal
exposed to various health including Aboriginal Health Health on a variety of committees
concerns and challenges Worker, Aboriginal Outreach – providing input into projects
within his community, Worker, Care Coordinator across the campus.
Peter found an interest to Supplementary Services Officer, Peter’s advice to people
undertake a certificate IV an Indigenous Health Project considering a career within
in Aboriginal and/or Torres Officer and to more recently, Aboriginal Health is to believe
Strait Islander Primary Health Senior Aboriginal Health Worker in yourself, saying “anything
Care to provide him with within the Aboriginal Health Unit is achievable if you put your
the knowledge to assist here at St Vincent’s Hospital. mind to it”.
and provide education to Peter says what he enjoys He believes his own lived
Aboriginal people within his most about his current experience and studies
community. role is being able to work has provided him with the
collaboratively within a opportunity to work closely
multidisciplinary healthcare with individuals from diverse
team to achieve better health backgrounds – something he
outcomes for Aboriginal is passionate about.
people, being able to play a key
role in facilitating relationships
9Aboriginal
& Torres Strait
Islander Forum
AT THE
FORUM
Toby Hall, SVHA
Group CEO, Sol
Bellear, Redfern
Aboriginal Medical
Service Chair and
Dr Mark Wenitong,
Apunipima Cape
York Health Council
Senior Medical
Advisor
St Vincent’s Health Australia (SVHA) held its Our dinner speaker was Dr Mark Wenitong,
second Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Senior Medical Advisor, Apunipima Cape
forum in October, 2017. York Health Council, a community-controlled
This two-day event in Sydney included 58 Aboriginal health organisation responsible for
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and delivering high quality, culturally appropriate,
35 senior executives along with two of our comprehensive primary health care to eleven
NSW Elders attending the event. The first day Cape York communities. We also had a
was inspirational because it gave everyone segment called ‘On the Couch’ involving Toby
the opportunity to meet and greet Aboriginal Hall – Group CEO, SVHA, Sol Bellear – Chair,
and Torres Strait Islander staff who work Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service and Bart
within SVHA over a dinner which included a Moye – General Manager, National Partnerships,
Welcome to Country by Aunty Fay Carroll and HESTA (Health Employees Superannuation Trust
a performance by Transcendence Dancers. Australia). This highlighted the diversity between
10the organisations in how they approach Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
reconciliation but also that how they address As two participants stated:
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health can “Overall the conference allows all Indigenous
be similar. staff to connect, come together and celebrate
The second day involved speakers sharing what we do. It also allows us to comment and
their stories, knowledge and insights about improve our (SVHA) vision.”
reconciliation activities across SVHA but also “Excellent forum – inspiring stories and
provided the opportunity for everyone to recognition of the work being accomplished
share their thoughts and reflect on what has and the vision for the future.”
happened over the last year. St Vincent’s Health Australia acknowledges
A/Prof Anthony Schembri, CEO, the loss of one of our key stakeholders, Mr Sol
St Vincent’s Health Network Sydney, spoke Bellear from Redfern Aboriginal Medical Service.
passionately about some of the achievements
of the Aboriginal Health Unit and across the
public hospital. Also, Karen Mundine, CEO,
Reconciliation Australia, spoke highly of what
SVHA is doing and how we are achieving many
of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) targets.
I think hosting the Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander forum was a great success because
it allowed us as a group to showcase our
achievements, accomplishments, successes,
triumphs, stories and most importantly our
journeys in engagement and employment of
112017 Events
National Sorry Day & The 26th May is
Reconciliation Week National Sorry Day
During last year’s The week’s events included themed Mass, and to conclude
Reconciliation Week, a presentation by Dr Justin the week, we officially launched
St Vincent’s paused to Hunter who spoke about what our Reconciliation Artwork and
reflect on what Reconciliation being and Aboriginal man heard a powerful speech from
means & what we can all do means to him, particularly as Cameron French, Manager
to help Australia become a leader in the medical field. of Tierney House, on what
a reconciled nation. There was a Reconciliation Reconciliation means to him.
Close the Gap Day
Additionally, we were
so lucky to have a patient,
Mr Ray Woods, a Wiradjuri
man who went through his
cancer treatment here at
St Vincent’s, speak openly to
our staff and guests about his
personal experiences. It was
During our Close the Gap The plan outlines our an opportunity for everyone
Day celebrations, we were commitment to Aboriginal Health to better understand what our
joined by Aunty Ali Golding and provides clear and practical Aboriginal & Torres Strait
and many other special guests pathways to help us achieve our Islander patients face while
to launch the St Vincent’s goals in addressing the disparity they’re going through a major
Health Network’s Aboriginal in health outcomes for our First illness, and how we can better
Health Plan 2017 – 2020. Australians. serve our community.
12PERFORMANCE
Uncle Max
performing
the smoking
ceremony
NAIDOC WEEK
‘OUR LANGUAGES MATTER’
specifically for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Island
NAIDOC Week was once again patients and family members and friends who
have been touched by heart disease. Found at
jam-packed with a variety of
www.stvincentshearthealth/aboriginal, the
events, both inspirational and site includes easy to understand information on
educational. treatment, medication and recovery, as well as
how to get and stay healthy.
Wednesday saw a NAIDOC inspired Mass,
Kicking off the week was our annual Flag where Fr Dominic gave his last ever sermon on
Raising event, where Kaylene Anne Simon, the St Vincent’s Campus.
Aboriginal Mental Health Worker, led us through On the final day of celebrations, St Vincent’s
the raising of the Aboriginal Flag, and spoke of was privileged to host some very special
why connection to language, culture and spirit guests – Uncle Max who performed a traditional
is so important for our Nation’s First People Smoking Ceremony, cleansing our Hospital
The following day, we hosted a special making it a safe place for all of our community.
NAIDOC themed Medical Grand Rounds, We were also proud to host special guests
presented by Clinical Nurse Consultant, Tamra Aunty Fay Carol & Aunty Donna Ingram from
Langley. Tamra gave a full demonstration of Tribal Warrior Association who Welcomed us to
the resources she and her team have worked Country and spoke on the 2017 theme, ‘Our
so hard to produce – an educational website Languages Matter’.
13St Joseph’s Events National Centre
of Indigenous
Excellence Family
Sports Day
Reconciliation Week and National Sorry Day were
commemorated at St Joseph’s Hospital again this
year with a display in the main foyer with information
and handouts on the 1967 Referendum and The Mabo
Decision. The campus mass was a time for residents,
patients and staff to acknowledge, reflect and offer prayers
for ongoing reconciliation.
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, St Joseph’s Hospital
was honoured with some very special guests. Uncle St Vincent’s participated for the first time in
Wes started with a Welcome to Country and performed the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence
a smoking ceremony to cleanse our hospital and bring NAIDOC Family Sports Day in 2017, and it
forth new beginnings. He then shared some dreamtime was a blast! With representatives from both
stories to a captivated audience including Sr Clare Nolan, St Vincent’s public and private hospitals, our
Congregational Leader of the Sisters of Charity, before teams performed approximately 100 blood
Social Worker, Jillian Freeman spoke about the 2017 pressure & waist measurement checks and
theme, ‘Our Languages Matter’. community members were given expert advice
We were joined at morning tea by Aboriginal Health from our cardiac rehab team, dietetics, physio,
Worker, Victoria Kennedy and Pauline Deweerd who alcohol and drug counsellors and breast cancer
shared her experience as Director of Aboriginal Health care specialist. There was also information about
across St Vincent’s Health Network, including details of the St Vincent’s Private internship programs on
the SVHNS Aboriginal Health Plan which aims to support offer. It was a lot of fun and wonderful to be a
both Aboriginal patients and Aboriginal staff.” part of such a vibrant community spirit.
women’s health issues, Pauline spoke on the
current challenges faced by Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander women, stating “We know that
the disparity between Aboriginal people and
non-Aboriginal people is greater today than in the
Women in NSW
past”. Highlighting the need for Aboriginal patients
to feel safe when seeking health care, Pauline
Health & Wellbeing
described the historical trauma Aboriginal people
faced when engaging with hospitals. “Hospitals
were a place of dying for Aboriginal people in the
Director of Aboriginal Health, Pauline Deweerd was past. They said goodbyes at the hospital doors”.
asked to participate in the recent launch of the While at St Vincent’s, 87% of staff have
Women in NSW Health and Well-being Report, a NSW undertaken Aboriginal cultural awareness training,
Government initiative aiming to improve the lives Pauline said “there’s a long way to go in training
of women in NSW through justice and equality for Australia’s doctors to provide a culturally safe
women. Speaking on an expert health panel discussing service to Aboriginal patients”.
14Darryl: All of our RAP Events speak to
a different audience, be it our Grand
Rounds yarning with clinicians to
NAIDOC Day with smoking ceremony,
Welcome to Country and great
speakers. As always, the Committee
always attracts some great speakers
from within and outside of the campus
community which humbles me that we
are making a difference in our own way
and continuing the tradition that started
St Vincent’s RAP with the early Sisters of Charity.
What would you like improved for the
Events Committee
2018 cultural events?
Nikki: I’d like to see a bit more fun
injected into our events. A Jessica
What is the purpose/aim for the RAP Mauboy concert in the Mezzanine
Darryl Mackie, Mission committee? perhaps?! You never know... I would
also like to see more staff attending
Integration Manager, The function of the RAP Events
the events.
SVPHS and Nikki Committee is to promote reconciliation
Darryl: As always would love to see
and equity between Aboriginal and
Potent, Public Affairs & Torres Strait Islander peoples and the
even more people want to become
involved in events and most importantly
Communications, SVHS wider community, through dedicated
being there, being that person that
were the 2017 co-chairs Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
makes a difference!!!! Yeah and like
events that are both educational and
of the Darlinghurst RAP celebratory. We aim to ensure that each
Nikki... more fun is always a plus!
Events Committee. event both celebrates the cultures and Have you enjoyed chairing this
beliefs of our Indigenous communities committee?
as well as promoting a culturally safe, We’ve been privileged to lead a
supporting and welcoming environment dedicated team of people from across
for our Aboriginal staff, patients and both St Vincent’s public and private
guests. We believe it is hard to be hospitals who share our hope for
racially discriminatory when you equality for our Nation’s First Peoples.
have an understanding of a person’s We’ll readily admit that being on this
background and culture, and we committee is a lot of fun, and we
want to create a mutually respectful genuinely enjoy bringing these events
environment across the Darlinghurst to our Campus. Please indulge us while
Campus. we acknowledge our current team –
What were the highlights during the Pauline Deweerd, Victoria Kennedy,
2017 events? Nathan Taylor, Christopher Hastings,
Cameron French, Margaret Bramwell,
Nikki: We hosted many wonderful
Julie Greathouse, Jeanette Cudmore,
events during 2017, including Close
Flavia Ojeda, Jeremy Gowing, Thelma
the Gap, Reconciliation Week, Sorry
de Lisser-Howarth, Kaylene Anne
Day and NAIDOC Week events. For
Simon and Matthew Kearney. And,
me, the highlight was the Reconciliation
while it’s been a privilege and an
Week Speech delivered by Cameron
honour, in 2018 Nikki will be handing
French, Manager of Tierney House. It
over the reins to Margaret Bramwell
was incredibly thought provoking and
who will fulfil the role of co-chair
inspirational. I admit to shedding a quiet
alongside Darryl.
tear or two. You can read the speech in
full on the SVH website.
15‘Reaching Out’
Improving access to HIV & Hepatitis C testing
– Dried Blood Spot (DBS)
BY
ASSOC PROF PHILIP CUNNINGHAM
NSW State Reference Laboratory for HIV at St Vincent’s Centre
for Applied Medical Research in Sydney
For many years, our research laboratories at be posted out to participants or made available
St Vincent’s Hospital have been developing tests through various settings such as healthcare
that could be used to detect HIV and Hepatitis workers, community clinics or outreach services,
C antibodies in samples known as dried blood and it’s offered at no cost to the patient.
spots (DBS). DBS are alternative samples to We think this DBS test will improve access to
regular blood samples. This means that DBS can people who may not test for HIV as frequently as
collected in rural and remote settings by using a they should, or perhaps at all. In particular, the
COO
ST VINCENT’S ‘finger-prick’ blood collection. DBS testing for HIV DBS test for HIV is beneficial for patients who may
CENTRE FOR is a self-collection method (rather than a self-test be feel embarrassed, or are worried about cost,
APPLIED
MEDICAL
– so no results at home) that enables people to transport or other logistical issues.
RESEARCH collect samples at a place of their choice, post So far the project has attracted 730
Associate Professor back and receive results without having to attend participants with 5% of participants identified
Philip Cunningham a health service. as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,
Last year, the NSW Ministry of Health in 76% as men who have sex with men, 27% of
partnership with St Vincent’s Hospital Sydney people from Asia or Africa, 32% as partners
and the NSW Sexual Health InfoLink developed of people from Asia or Africa and 5% of people
a program to offer DBS testing to improve the who inject drugs.
access and uptake of HIV and HCV testing in For more information about this project or
people who may not otherwise get tested. There to order a test kit, or find out more information
is a dedicated website where people can register www.hivtest.health.nsw.gov.au or to the Sexual
and receive a self-sampling kit. The kits can wither Health Infolink on 1800 451 624.
• A DBS test is a free, easy and private HIV test you can do at home.
Quick
Info
• HIV is now a treatable health condition. The first step to living a healthy life with HIV is to get tested.
• The DBS HIV test is a painless finger prick you can do yourself. It only requires 5 drops of blood.
It’s good if you don’t like needles, don’t have time to get to the doctor or you feel embarrassed about
getting a test.
• You order the DBS HIV test online and it arrives by post so you can do it where and when you like.
• Once you post the test back to us, we will analyse it and give the results to you over the phone or
via text message.
• If the DBS test result suggests you might have HIV, a nurse will contact you to organise the next steps
to confirm this. You will be supported.
16Working in A step towards
partnership Closing the Gap
with Pius X
St Vincent’s Clinic Sydney maintain a working
partnership with Aboriginal Medical Service
Pius X in Moree to provide Ear, Nose and
Throat (ENT) services to the Aboriginal
community, with a primary focus on children.
Cancer is a word that none of us like to hear.
How did you establish the What is the importance of It means something different to each of us and
relationship with Pius X building relationships and we all fear it. Cancer will become the major
Aboriginal Medical Service partnerships within Aboriginal
and how were you aware of the communities?
killer of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
needs of the service within the people over the next few years. That’s why
Moree community? I feel the service works well St Vincent’s is committed to addressing this
as there is great enthusiasm issue. It is so important to us that we have
We initially established the from the staff at Pius X to have made it one of our main priorities in the
relationships with Pius X specialist services come to the hospital’s cancer plan.
through the Sisters of Charity area. It is a great area of need
St Vincent’s has a long tradition of providing
outreach. A/Prof Richard and saves locals travelling
Outreach services such as the ENT Clinic run
Gallagher initially made contact long distances for specialist
and the department became at Moree out of the Pius X AMS. Cancer of
appointments.
involved with Pius X around the head and neck is now the most common
How was the service accepted cancer that occurs in Aboriginal people. The
2003. within the Aboriginal
increased incidence may be related to lifestyle
How is the journey travelling community?
factors such as smoking and consuming
so far?
It takes time to build a good alcohol which can be modified by education
It was set up with the relationship with the Indigenous and support for Aboriginal people who need it.
Aboriginal Medical Service at community and I feel we have The higher mortality rate may be partly due to
Pius X which has significantly developed a good trust with the fact that Aboriginal people generally have
evolved over the last 15 years. the local community. We are poorer access to health-care services and are
continually asked if we could more likely to have cancers that are diagnosed
What is it that’s working and
why do you think its working? do more clinics and provide at a later stage than non-Aboriginal people.
more services at Moree and
The facilities have expanded We need Aboriginal people to come forward
we certainly get the feedback
at Pius X with new clinical earlier when they develop symptoms so that
that our services are greatly
buildings and equipment. we can help cure them. If you develop a lump
appreciated in the area. It
Instruments have been in the neck, a hoarse voice or a sore throat on
is a service that we hope to
acquired to allow examination swallowing which does not go away you need
continue providing and we
of ears with a microscope certainly enjoy working with to be seen by a doctor.
and noses and sinuses with the Pius X AMS. If you think there is something that we can
telescopes. We have also do to help get the word out about adopting
expanded our service to a healthy lifestyle to help prevent cancer in
operating on minor cases Aboriginal people or enable us to see people
at Moree Base Hospital. with cancer more quickly we would love to hear
from you.
17Dianne’s Story Dianne Butler shares her journey of getting
new lungs and the recovery since transplant.
What is your background? What advice would you give
to other Aboriginal and/or
I was born in Cobar NSW on Torres Strait Islander patients
18th December 1959. My father coming from rural communities
was Indigenous, and my mother to St Vincent’s Hospital for a
Indian. I am the second eldest major illness?
of 8 kids. We moved to Hay, Have a good support network,
NSW when I was in my early surround yourself with positive
teens. I am married to Donald people, believe in yourself
and we have a 26 year old son. and put faith in your medical
I had my first cigarette at 12 and team. Ask questions, research
was hooked by the time I was the operation, make notes...
15. I was diagnosed with the Knowledge is empowering. Be
lung disease emphysema at 42. prepared for the long haul and
How long were you suffering you will get the rewards in the
with signs and symptoms before end. Being away from home,
you got to the point of needing a family, friends and pets is hard
lung transplant? but if you have good support
From being diagnosed there and a plan in place it makes
was a period of 6 years suffering things easier.
with the debilitating symptoms, Follow-up appointments are
and following a consultation regular and go on for the rest of
The staff at St Vincent’s are
with a lung specialist it was your life. Check with your health
AMAZING I could not fault a
recommended I have a lung worker/ community health team
single person. The care
transplant otherwise I would and find out about services
I received (and continue to
only have about 2 years to live. available to help you get to and
receive) is second to none.
How long were you on the from Sydney. I use Angel Flight
waiting list before the How has this changed your life? which is a free service for all
transplant, and when did remote patients. There is also
The transplant has given me
you have it? help with accommodation, so
my life back, I have more
I waited exactly 2 weeks, so not check it all out as it makes life
energy now than I did in my
long compared to some. I was so much easier. Be organised,
20’s! I have seen my son
transplanted on the 11th April keep a notebook and jot down
graduate year 12 and move
2009, which happened to be appointments and reminders
into the workforce and become
Easter Saturday. to book things in advance.
an independent young man.
Life after transplant is very busy
I have returned to work as a
What has your experience been and to get a good outcome
teacher’s aide at our local high
pre and post-surgery? you need to do exactly as your
school. I went on my very first
Doctors tell you as they are
Pre surgery it was very busy overseas trip and a second!
the experts.
with a whole series of tests, There are so many things
some were done close to home, I can do now that were not
others at St Vincent’s. It was a possible when I was sick. The
very tiring time. Post-surgery simple things like housework,
was a lot easier than I expected, cooking, washing the car.
pain was manageable and once Before transplant I struggled
I was up and moving around to walk to my letter box, I now
there was no stopping me! walk 5 km EVERY day.
18Home away from home
Accommodation assistance to Paula Hodgson, the accommodation officer
works closely with the Aboriginal Health Unit to
Aboriginal Patients and Relatives assist with accommodation at a minimal cost for
coming into our Hospital. Aboriginal families when their loved ones are in
hospital, as well as arrange accommodation for
St Vincent’s Hospital offers follow up outpatient’s appointments. Paula can also
ACCOMMODATION accommodation for Isolated help patients with their IPTAAS claims.
OFFICER
and Interstate patients and If no accommodation is available at St Vincent’s
Paula Hodgson their relatives. This service Hospital, an alternative list of accommodation
provides clean and comfortable services is provided.
accommodation for short term For all accommodation enquiries please call
and long term stays. 02 8382 2114.
Overview of 2017
We caught up with Aunty Fay, What really stood out for you in 2017
at St Vincent’s?
Co-Chair of the Dalarinji Committee
Well I’ve noticed there’s been a lot more
for an overview of 2017. involvement with our culture in the hospital.
We have had a young man provide cultural
What have you seen change at St Vincent’s
awareness training to staff and doctors to
during 2017?
AUNTY provide a greater understanding of what we
FAY Since I became involved with St Vincent’s are about as Aboriginal people which I think
Co-Chair of the Hospital, I’ve seen a great amount of people is fantastic for the hospital.
Dalarinji Committee wanting to improve their cultural competence,
seeing staff taking time to talk with Aboriginal What would you like St Vincent’s to focus
on during 2018?
people, staff going out into regional areas to
offer and provide services and to talk with our I would like to see St Vincent’s to be able to get
people in the AMS. I have also noticed a lot more younger Aboriginal people employed in variety
bringing awareness of Aboriginal Culture into the of positions across campus. I think it would be
hospital for all staff including doctors. great to have more Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander medical staff employed, I think that
What would you like to see changed?
would be great for St Vincent’s Hospital.
For me, I would like to see St Vincent’s employ
Is there anything else you’d like to add?
more volunteers because at the moment, a lot
of our people are signing themselves out of I am very happy to be a part of the Dalarinji
hospital because they want to go home. I feel if committee. I think what St Vincent’s is doing
we had more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander at the hospital is great, especially for our
volunteers to walk around and talk to our people people and our younger generation. I hope they
to ensure they stay in hospital longer to receive continue the great work and continue improving
full medical treatment there wouldn’t be as many the service delivered to our people in a culturally
self-discharges. sensitive way.
19
15Staff Insight
DURAN
TANIKA
COX
PARKER
Aboriginal Counselor
Registered Nurse
“Hi my name is Tanika Parker, originally from Duran’s family are the Ngiyampaa Tribe,
a small Indigenous community in Far North one of three traditional owners of Lake Mungo.
Queensland by the name of Hopevale (330km
North of Cairns). Duran began his role as the Aboriginal
Counsellor for St Vincent’s Stimulant Treatment
I completed my Bachelor of Nursing Science, Program and the Gorman Unit Detox Program
majoring in Mental Health in 2013 at James in November, 2017.
Cook University and completed my first three As part of Duran’s role he provides social,
and a half years of Nursing at the Townsville cultural and emotional support to our Aboriginal
General Hospital. and Torres Strait Islander patients of Gorman Unit
Now, I’m currently working on 7 North at to ensure they feel welcome and safe.
St Vincent Hospital in Sydney while finishing Duran also provides counselling services to
off my Master’s in Public Health. I also have a patients within our Stimulant Treatment Program
passion for Indigenous Health. Moving here at assisting them on their recovery journeys.
the end of 2016 was a bigger change than
I would’ve thought, there is a lot of things I’ve Duran’s dream is to continue to
had to adapt to, except of course the State help Aboriginal people to break
of Origin Winners! However, the transition has
the cycle of addiction and provide
been an eye opener. The staff on 7 North and
in other departments were so welcoming and
support to help his people to
accommodating, which has made the move overcome or better manage
a lot easier in settling in. ongoing Mental Health issues.
I have had A LOT of exciting moments so far,
and I am sure there’s more to come. I’m looking “The thing I enjoy most about the role is the
forward to what 2018 brings and all the exciting ability to help my people. Helping people is my
new experiences”. passion in life and to be able to do it every day
is a dream come true”, he said.
20ANNA LUKE
ROBERTS DOYLE
Administration Aboriginal Wardsman
Officer A helping hand on Xavier 7 North
What is your current role? What is your current role? to me. Having now worked in
I am currently working within I am a Ward Service Assistant health, I have become more
the Anatomical Medicine as an on level 7 North. aware of the growing number of
administration officer. opportunities out there, particularly
How long have you been employed in support of me pursuing studies
How long have you been with St Vincent’s?
in health. In my personal life,
employed in St Vincent’s hospital? I have been working at I have taken a more proactive role
I have been working here at the St Vincent’s for over 2 years now. in my own health and knowing
hospital for over 2 years. each day I can set an example for
What do you enjoy most about
working for St Vincent’s? others in my conduct and how
What do you enjoy most about
working at St Vincent’s? I perform at work.
I get to work in a role that
Meeting with new patients each allows for, and with people that What do you wish to achieve
day and working and meeting demonstrate, leadership, problem in your role within the next
new staff members. solving, and role modelling. It 12 months?
also feels like there are many Working in health – liaising with
What have some of the high lights
colleagues that are altruistic in my colleagues day-in and day-
been working at St Vincent’s?
their values, and that means a lot out, has inspired me to pursue
• Attending the Aboriginal
to me. further study in health. I have yet
Staff Forum’s as you get to
to decide what aspect of health I
meet other staff members What have been some of your
wish to pursue, and I will continue
that you wouldn’t otherwise highlights been working at
St Vincent’s? to develop this goal through my
get to meet.
work experiences, however this
• Cultural awareness training For the past two years there has
is definitely the right space for me
respecting the difference. been a St Vincent’s Aboriginal and
to be in.
• Christmas lunches with CEO Torres Strait Islander Workforce
Anthony Schembri. Forum. This has enabled me to What advice would you give to
meet other Aboriginal staff from Aboriginal and Torres Strait
What is your biggest the various public and private Islander people considering a
achievement to date, personal career in health?
hospitals in St Vincent’s Group
or professional?
across Australia. Additionally, When I was looking for work
Learning more about Medical initially, I sought assistance from
I really enjoy working within my
terminology and to getting the Yarn’n Aboriginal Employment
team on the ward and I feel as
opportunity to work in different Services. This was really helpful
though my role within the care
departments which help me build for me, as I wasn’t sure where to
of the patient is valued. I enjoy
on my skills. look at first, or how to get a job
it particularly when I get to liaise
What do you wish to achieve with all members of the multi- in health. Now that I am in this
in your role within the next disciplinary team in support of the space, I really value everything
12 months? patients’ health journey. that I have been learning on the
To keep building on my existing job. With the experience and
What is your biggest achievement working with different disciplines
skills and taking what I learn from to date, personal or professional?
working in different departments and the support from my ward
Initially when I was looking for team I am inspired to pursue a
within the hospital so I can take
work, I wasn’t aware of the career in health.
them back to my job when my
opportunities that were available
previous ward re-opens.
21Congratulations to
Dr Justin Hunter
JUSTIN WITH “I am a Wiradjuri man. I grew up What inspires you within the
MIRIAM CAVANAGH on Gumbaynggirr country in Coffs medical profession?
Senior Lecturer, Harbour. In 1997 I underwent the The GPs and Aboriginal health
University of Notre Dame Patrol Medic course through the workers who work in Aboriginal
Australian Army – this set the path and Torres Strait Islander Health.
towards where I am today. At the I did my placement at St Vincent’s
Dr Justin Hunter, time I could not jump straight into in 2017, working in Palliative Care;
graduated in December medicine, so the road has been Intensive Care; ENT Surgery;
quite long for me from medic to
2017 as a Doctor from registered nurse, to physician
Infectious Diseases and the Stroke
Unit. I had a lot of support and
University of Notre Dame assistant and now doctor. That is mentoring through both Pauline
Sydney Campus, he is the 20 years! At this point I am still very Deweerd (Director of Aboriginal
new to the ward routine and have Health at St Vincent’s) and Miriam
first Aboriginal doctor in seen that it is quite stressful as any Cavanagh Senior Lecturer at
the Royal Australian Navy job can be when you first start. the University of Notre Dame in
to graduate as a Doctor. I love getting home and spending Sydney, who both pushed me
some quality time with my family. for the better. I would particularly
My five year old son and I love like to thank associate lecturer
going to the beach or pool when Miriam Cavanagh (pictured with
we can.” me in this story). She is such an
Who or what was your biggest amazing asset to the University.
inspiration in becoming a doctor? She offers support that I must
say, I have never had before at the
I always wanted to help people
other universities I have attended.
from a young age. People can’t
She ensures that all Indigenous
often imagine this as I have had
students feel fully supported.
such a long career in the military.
I am the first Aboriginal Doctor
Some people fail to see the
in the Australian Navy. This is one
connection between soldier and
of my proudest achievements and
healer. How can one person be
I hope this inspires other Aboriginal
both? I too struggled with this until
and Torres Strait Islander people to
I underwent the Patrol Medic
follow their dreams no matter how
course through the Australian Army
hard the challenges may be.
in 1997 – the path was then clear.
I want to start my GP Fellowship
Through my training I have had
next year, then I hope to move
some great mentors and looked
home to Coffs Harbour after my
up to many doctors and always
time in the Australian Navy and
thought I could become one.
work for the local Aboriginal
Medical Service (Galambila).
22Thank
you
And that’s a
wrap for 2017!
We hope you have enjoyed the 2nd edition
of Deadly Yarn’n. Thank you to all those who
contributed stories to the newsletter. May your
journey through life continue to inspire others.
23If you have any questions
please feel free to contact the
Director of Aboriginal Health
on 02 8382 111.
2017
If you would like to find out
more on our key achievements,
St Vincent’s is committed to
please visit: providing a culturally safe &
http://svhs.org.au/home/ respectful environment for
our-services/list-of-services/
aboriginal-health/aboriginal-
all of our Aboriginal & Torres
health-unit Straight Islander patients,
families and visitors.
We continue to engage Mirri
Mirri to deliver face-to-face
cultural awareness training
and to date, 87% of our staff
have completed training.You can also read
