Uncategorized - Indigenous Allied Health Australia https://iaha.com.au Make a difference... be an allied health professional Thu, 22 Dec 2022 01:28:11 +0000 en-AU hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.4.3 Merry Christmas from IAHA https://iaha.com.au/merry-christmas-from-iaha/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=merry-christmas-from-iaha Thu, 22 Dec 2022 01:28:11 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=38309 Indigenous Allied Health Australia would like to wish our valued members, friends and partners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 2022 has been a significant year for IAHA, achieving important outcomes and furthering the leadership of the organisation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, training, education, and employment, as well as welcoming... View Article

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Indigenous Allied Health Australia would like to wish our valued members, friends and partners a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

2022 has been a significant year for IAHA, achieving important outcomes and furthering the leadership of the organisation in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, training, education, and employment, as well as welcoming new members, staff, and supporters to the IAHA family.

We would like to thank everyone who helped to make 2022 such a productive year. We look forward to continuing to strengthen existing and building new partnerships in 2023, as we continue to work for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, families, and communities.

You can read our 2022 Wrap-up E-Newsletter here.

From the IAHA family, we wish you and your loved ones a safe, restorative, and happy holidays, and we hope you find time to connect with things to keep you well and strong.

Please note that the IAHA offices will be closed from midday (AEDT) Friday 23 December and reopen on Tuesday 3 January.

For any urgent matters during this time, you can contact 0448 299 942.

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Celebrating 2022 World Sight Day on October 13th with IAHA Member, Optometrist Lauren Hutchinson https://iaha.com.au/celebrating-2022-world-sight-day-on-october-13th-with-iaha-member-optometrist-lauren-hutchinson/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=celebrating-2022-world-sight-day-on-october-13th-with-iaha-member-optometrist-lauren-hutchinson Tue, 11 Oct 2022 04:09:23 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=37462 What does World Sight Day mean to me? For me World Sight Day is about advocating for the provision of affordable, equitable and accessible eye care for all people. Nobody in 2022 should lose their sight to avoidable blindness. It is about bringing eye health into the spotlight and encouraging people to love their eyes.... View Article

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What does World Sight Day mean to me?
For me World Sight Day is about advocating for the provision of affordable, equitable and accessible eye care for all people. Nobody in 2022 should lose their sight to avoidable blindness. It is about bringing eye health into the spotlight and encouraging people to love their eyes.
 
Why do you work in this area?
Vision is such a crucial and often under prioritised aspect of our daily lives. As eye health professionals we can make such a massive difference in people’s lives just by providing something as simple as a pair of glasses, and seeing the difference this can make to someone will never get old. That feeling you get when you are able to help someone see the world clearly again is indescribable. I may be a little biased but I think our eyes are possibly one of the most amazing parts of us.
 
Any tips and strategies?
Don’t forget about your routine eye check up. Seeing an optometrist is about so much more than just getting glasses. We are able to pick up on many systemic issues through a simple eye exam that may otherwise go undetected. The theme this year for world sight day is “love your eyes” and I would encourage everyone to embrace that and celebrate by getting your eyes checked!
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Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme – now open https://iaha.com.au/puggy-hunter-memorial-scholarship-scheme-now-open/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=puggy-hunter-memorial-scholarship-scheme-now-open Tue, 06 Oct 2020 08:32:06 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=35649 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying, or intending to study, entry-level health courses could receive life changing financial assistance to follow their passion thanks to the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS). The PHMSS is designed to encourage and assist undergraduate students in health-related disciplines to complete their studies and join the health workforce. The Australian... View Article

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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students studying, or intending to study, entry-level health courses could receive life changing financial assistance to follow their passion thanks to the Puggy Hunter Memorial Scholarship Scheme (PHMSS). The PHMSS is designed to encourage and assist undergraduate students in health-related disciplines to complete their studies and join the health workforce. The Australian Government established the Scheme as a tribute to the late Dr Arnold ‘Puggy’ Hunter’s outstanding contribution to Indigenous Australians’ health and his role and Chair of the NACCHO.

Applications for the PHMSS are now open and will close on Sunday 8 November 2020. For more information click here.

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Coalition of Peaks National Agreement https://iaha.com.au/coalition-of-peaks-national-agreement/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=coalition-of-peaks-national-agreement Thu, 30 Jul 2020 06:53:35 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=35345 The new National Agreement is a pledge from all governments to change the way they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations through four Priority Reforms. The Priority Reforms commit governments to shared decision-making on closing the gap with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country; strengthening community-controlled organisations to... View Article

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The new National Agreement is a pledge from all governments to change the way they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations through four Priority Reforms.

The Priority Reforms commit governments to shared decision-making on closing the gap with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country; strengthening community-controlled organisations to deliver closing the gap services; addressing structural racism within government agencies and organisations; and improving the sharing of data and information with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to support shared decision making. 

Check out the National Agreement on our website https://coalitionofpeaks.org.au/new-national-agreement-on-closing-the-gap/

#signed #CoalitionofPeaks #CoP #NationalAgreement #ClosingtheGap #nationalcabinet #ALGA #priorityreforms #communityengagement

Resources can be downloaded below

New National Agreement FAQs

Highlights of new National Agreement on Closing the Gap

How outcomes of engagements were included in new National Agreement

The Coalition of Peaks came together in early 2019 because we were fed up with the way governments were working with our organisations and people. We don’t speak for everyone, but we knew we needed to do what we could to change how governments were going about Closing the Gap.  

There is a big difference in what governments alone were prepared to commit to in December 2018 and where we are now on Closing the Gap. That change has come about because of the work of the Coalition of Peaks and the support of our communities and organisations.

The negotiations were hard fought and the National Agreement needs to be implemented in full.

It doesn’t include everything that is needed for our people. The Coalition of Peaks will keep pushing governments and making them accountable!

IAHA Media Release is available for download here

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IAHA Media release -New National Agreement on Closing the Gap marks historic shift to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ life outcomes https://iaha.com.au/iaha-media-release-new-national-agreement-on-closing-the-gap-marks-historic-shift-to-improve-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-life-outcomes/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iaha-media-release-new-national-agreement-on-closing-the-gap-marks-historic-shift-to-improve-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-peoples-life-outcomes Thu, 30 Jul 2020 03:19:28 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=35339 The National Agreement signals a turning point in the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments – one that is based on shared decision making on policies and programs that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s lives. Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) came together with more than fifty other Aboriginal and... View Article

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The National Agreement signals a turning point in the relationship between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and governments – one that is based on shared decision making on policies and programs that impact Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s lives.

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) came together with more than fifty other Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community controlled peak bodies, to fight for our communities as we believe Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples need to be included in the programs, services and decisions that directly affect them. We know that governments making decisions about us, not with us, was never going to have the positive impact needed on Closing the Gap. We knew that things needed to change and that we had to do something about it.
The negotiations on the National Agreement with governments were hard fought. For the Coalition of Peaks, the National Agreement is not just words. It represents actions that can make a real difference to the lives of our people, our families and communities.

We have also had the voices of the more than 4000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who participated in our engagements on what should be included in the new National Agreement guiding us in our negotiations. We needed to collectively show Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that they have been heard.

The new National Agreement is a commitment from all governments to fundamentally change the way they work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and organisations through four Priority Reforms that were overwhelmingly supported during the community engagements led by the Coalition of Peaks late last year.

The Priority Reforms commit governments to new partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across the country; strengthen community-controlled organisations to deliver closing the gap services; address structural racism within government agencies and organisations; and improve sharing of data and information with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to support shared decision making.

IAHA is pleased to see the National Agreement include a renewed commitment to improving health and wellbeing, by taking a more holistic and culturally informed approach which considers both the social and cultural determinants of health. As with all areas under the new National Agreement, it’s success will be dependent on the commitment to the priority reforms, particularly new ways of working for government with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, under shared decision making and investment in community-control and Indigenous-led solutions.
IAHA Chief Executive Officer, Donna Murray, said of the new agreement: “IAHA are supporting the new agreement as it represents a genuine commitment to doing things differently. As a national health workforce peak, IAHA are focused on outcomes in health and beyond, as genuine progress cannot be made without sustained, cross-sectoral investment in areas such as housing, justice and education. The allied health workforce is crucial across a range of sectors and settings. IAHA are committed to working with our members.

To read the full new National Agreement on Closing the Gap, head to the Coalition of Peaks website:

http://coalitionofpeaks.org.au/final-national-agreement-on-closing-the-gap/

Download full Media Release here

 

For more information and media enquiries
• Indigenous Allied Health Australia: Charlie Giles on (02) 6285 1010 or charlie@iaha.com.au
• Coalition of Peaks: Jo Scard on 0457 725 953 or jo@fiftyacres.com; and Julia Macerola on 0422 337 332 or julia@fiftyacres.com

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IAHA Media Release – Workforce response to mental health needed https://iaha.com.au/workforce-response-to-mental-health/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=workforce-response-to-mental-health Fri, 22 May 2020 02:27:36 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=35034 Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), the national organisation for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce, stand with our colleagues the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA) and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia in their call for Government commitments to be backed by action. On 15 May, National Cabinet endorsed the National Mental Health... View Article

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Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA), the national organisation for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander allied health workforce, stand with our colleagues the Australian Indigenous Psychologists Association (AIPA) and Gayaa Dhuwi (Proud Spirit) Australia in their call for Government commitments to be backed by action. On 15 May, National Cabinet endorsed the National Mental Health and Wellbeing Pandemic Response Plan.

The Commonwealth designated $48.1M for the Plan, adding to around $500M already committed for mental health and suicide prevention since January. The need for appropriately resourced and targeted mental health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people was stark before the COVID crisis. The evidence of the impact of longstanding economic and social disadvantage and trauma on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is overwhelming and continually noted. This is the situation COVID19 has amplified. It didn’t come on us suddenly. Nor has the evidence of this need been hidden.

On 18 May, AIPA and the Centre for Best Practice in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Suicide Prevention (CBPATSISP) called for an Indigenous phone help-line, operated under Indigenous leadership and with Indigenous counsellors and mental health practitioners available 24/7. AIPA has been advocating for such a service since 2016. An Indigenous specific phone help-line must be a priority and should not need to be continually argued when the evidence is clear. Nor should we have to call again for urgent, sustained investment to build the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health and social and emotional wellbeing workforce. So many reports and plans have already identified the need to do so, with little to no implementation or investment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander led solutions developed by the experts themselves.

“The Indigenous help-line is a necessary and obvious investment. We have a strong, skilled and qualified existing workforce in mental health and social and emotional wellbeing, and IAHA is working hard in continuing to grow the next generation of the mental health workforce”. said Donna Murray, IAHA CEO.

Read full media release

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Celebrating Mothers in the Month of May- Penny Hill and Steph https://iaha.com.au/penny-hill/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=penny-hill Tue, 12 May 2020 00:39:11 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=35009 Q & A with IAHA Full Members, Mother and Daughter – Penny and Steph Where are you from? Born in Darwin to a large local family (Cubillo’s). A Larrakia woman on my father’s side and Wadijan on my mother’s side. I am the youngest child from a family of seven and from a family who... View Article

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Q & A with IAHA Full Members, Mother and Daughter – Penny and Steph

Where are you from?

Born in Darwin to a large local family (Cubillo’s). A Larrakia woman on my father’s side and Wadijan on my mother’s side. I am the youngest child from a family of seven and from a family who loves to play sports. I have lived in Darwin all my life, went to school up here and furthered my career in doing a degree in social work. I had the opportunity to study at Deakin University in Geelong, Victoria.  

What motivated you to become a Social Worker?

I saw a lot of vulnerable people in the community that needed some guidance and someone to advocate for them, especially our people. These people were socially disadvantaged, I felt the urge to improve their quality of life, address social justice issues, reduce barriers, to improve their wellbeing. Raising awareness and empowering them to achieve the best possible outcomes available to them.      

How has IAHA supported you through this journey?

IAHA is like my second family, they have so much to offer.  I joined in 2012 attending my first conference in Brisbane and never looked back.  IAHA offers support and assistance to students and Allied Health Professionals. They have a variety of programs and workshops on offer and promote careers in Allied Health.  IAHA is committed to improving health and wellbeing of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples.  I love attending their conferences, they always have so much to offer including International guest speaker and other inspiring speakers, workshops and a variety of sessions to attend.  The gala dinner and entertainment provided is always a hit.  I can’t forget to mention the lovely board members/staff and general members, a great bunch of people.

What were some of the challenges you faced while studying and in your career as a graduate?

It was a very hard and challenging time for me studying, trying to juggle a full time job, raising my teenage daughter and caring for my frail aged mother. Not to mention working on the afterhours roster, which included weekend work. I was very lucky to have a supportive husband. It was always difficult trying to arrange care for my mother so I could go to Deakin University in Geelong, Victoria, in the end most of the time my husband had to care for my mother and the boys while I was away. Working as a graduate in my career as a counsellor in ‘sexual assault’, had its moments.  A very challenging line of work at times I felt like I was working in two worlds.  I experienced lots of heart aches and lots of racism.  My present job at the hospital can be challenging as well.  I get much satisfaction knowing I’ve helped my patients/families in achieving their goals.     

What drives you in your role and your achievements in the field?

I am determine to assist many vulnerable families to fight for their rights to achieve a better lifestyle. Health care is a major issue with a lot of families and not knowing what resources are available to them or their rights and entitlements. Advocating on their behalf, fighting the system and getting results makes my day. My achievements is knowing that I had a win for my patients and that the family is happy and getting the care they need.

What does it mean to you to be supported by your daughter and how do you work together in your careers?

My daughter and I are very close, she is not only my daughter but my very close friend. We have been very close since her growing up and always been there for each other. We both have the same careers ‘social workers’ but work in different hospitals. Working together is a blessing although not side by side, but we can reflect on our practices share our views, experiences and support each other. 

What inspires you most about your daughter?

My daughter is very quick in learning new roles, she is able to handle difficult situations with a very calm and soothing manner. She goes about her business in a professional way and always ensures the patient is well looked after. She is a very loving and caring person, who adores her son and husband, she always has time for her nephews and nieces and the rest of the family.

What does the future look like for you?

I haven’t really given this question much thought I will continue my journey helping others until that day comes and the mind can’t think anymore. I would like to see more of our people in jobs where they can assist our people and have a voice. Then I’ll retire and sit back and enjoy my grandchildren. 

 

Q & A with IAHA Member Steph Pavy

Tell us a bit about your background and where you are from? 

I was born in Darwin and come from a large Darwin family. My maternal grandfather was a Larrakia man and my maternal grandmother was a Wadijan woman, both from the Northern Territory. My father’s side of the family are farmers from rural South Australia.  

I completed my schooling in Darwin before commencing my Bachelor of Social Work in Victoria; I also spent 2 years working within the Disability sector in Perth before coming home to Darwin.

What motivated you to become a Social Worker?

I was initially motivated by my mother to become a Social Worker.  I spent some time with her in Geelong while she was studying at university. During this time, I had the opportunity to attend some of her classes and had the privilege of spending time with her lecturers who further sparked my interest in Social Work.

Share a bit about your experiences with IAHA?

I recently joined IAHA last year, as my mum always spoke highly of the yearly conferences and attended my first IAHA conference last year in Darwin. I enjoyed the experience of listening to a variety of speakers from a range of disciplines. It is a great way to connect and network with other allied health professionals in Darwin and across Australia.  

What were the struggles you faced while studying and also in your career as a graduate?

I commenced my university studies after leaving high school so I was very young and struggled to balance my time between full-time study, full-time work, family and friends. I was lucky enough to be accepted into the NT Department of Health’s Indigenous Cadetship program, where I was provided with a mentor and support throughout my studies and my first couple of years as a new graduate.

The biggest struggle of being a new graduate was learning to be confident in my knowledge and myself.

Tell us about what drives you in your role and your achievements in the field.

I am currently working as an Acute Social Worker within the hospital and work in the emergency department and on the medical ward. I work with the most vulnerable people in our society and have the privilege to listen to their stories and assist them to make positive changes within their lives. Social Work can be very challenging and heart breaking at times but it is also a rewarding and fulfilling profession.

What does it mean to you to be supported by your mum and how do you work together in your careers?

I feel very grateful to have my mother support me throughout my studies and career development. We both work within in the hospital setting but in different areas, we are very lucky to be able to share our knowledge and experiences with each other to further develop and enhance our knowledge within our professions.  

What inspires you most about your mum? 

My mum is the most amazing mother and grandmother. She’s selfless, has such a kind heart and would do anything for her children and grandchildren.

What does the future look like for you? What are your goals and what would you like to achieve?

I enjoy working within the health sector and see myself continuing to work within this area, either in the hospital setting or in the community. In the future, I would like to complete further studies and would like to work with victims of domestic and family violence in the community setting, as this is unfortunately the main presenting issue that social workers provide support to patients within the emergency department. 

 

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Role of Telehealth in curbing COVID-19 Epidemic https://iaha.com.au/role-of-telehealth-in-curbing-covid-19-epidemic/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=role-of-telehealth-in-curbing-covid-19-epidemic Mon, 20 Apr 2020 04:27:44 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=34940 When:  Thursday 23rd April 2020 12noon – 1:00pm AEST Register here: The emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has catapulted telehealth into the spotlight, as it becomes one of the key solutions Governments and health authorities around the world are deploying to help contain and combat COVID-19 risks. In Australia, the recent $1.1. billion funding... View Article

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When:  Thursday 23rd April 2020 12noon – 1:00pm AEST

Register here:

The emergence of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic has catapulted telehealth into the spotlight, as it becomes one of the key solutions Governments and health authorities around the world are deploying to help contain and combat COVID-19 risks.

In Australia, the recent $1.1. billion funding boost to telehealth solutions by the Federal Government highlights the critical role telehealth is set to play in primary and secondary care responses to curbing the spread of COVID-19.

Join our expert panelists who will share practical strategies for health professionals when it comes to implementing telehealth solutions, including lessons from their own journeys and insights to how COVID-19 might change the way we use technology to deliver healthcare in the long-term.

In this free webinar, learn more about:

  • The benefits of telehealth in a COVID-19 context for patients, health practioners and clinicians
  • How to identify, adopt and roll out successful telehealth models in a sustainable fashion
  • Preparing and up-skilling the healthcare workforce to confidently and effectively use new telehealth technology
  • Choosing the right systems: how can we best utilise existing online consultation platforms, as well as roll out new systems?
  • The major inhibitors stopping hospitals, facilities and medical practices from rolling out telehealth?
  • Specific examples from our panellists on how they are rolling out telehealth services in their own organisations.

Speakers

Nilmini Wickramasinghe
Professor Digital Health Deputy Director Iverson Health Innovation Institute
Swinburne University of Technology

Dr Amandeep Hansra
Clinician & Medical Executive
Creative Careers in Medicine

Kean Seng Lim
President
Australian Medical Association NSW

Jackie Plunkett
President
Australasian Telehealth Society

Nick Cantwell
Manager, Practice Support & Development
Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network

This webinar is organised by Australian Healthcare Week Digital.

Providing Virtual care in Allied Health: The possibilities & potential of telehealth during the pandemic and beyond

When: Tuesday 21st April 6:00pm – 7:30pm(AEST)

Register here:

The arrival of COVID-19 has pushed the fast forward button on the rollout of telehealth in Australia. In this webinar, the panel will offer their perspectives on telehealth and discuss their personal experiences of providing virtual care in allied health and interprofessional settings.

The panelists will discuss the following in both pre and post COVID-19 contexts:

  • How they have leveraged technology to advantage their profession and patients
  • What was involved in the transition to telehealth (or how they have scaled up or down as a result of the pandemic)
  • When telehealth is (or is not) appropriate and the practical aspects of implementation
  • Where they source advice on platforms, technology and digital capabilities
  • How they communicate with patients, manage consent and address concerns about data safety and security
  • Recent telehealth developments within and across allied health professions and between disciplines
  • The current legislative environment, evolving best practices, future possibilities and unresolved issues.

Panelists:
Dr Aaron Frost, Clinical Psychologist
Mr Peter Edwards, Clinical Exercise Physiologist
Dr Rebecca Sutherland, Senior Speech Pathologist
Dr Michelle Gibb, Nurse Practitioner

This webinar is proudly bought to you by the Digital Health CRC in collaboration with Curtin University and La Trobe University.

 

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AHPRA Response to Covid-19 https://iaha.com.au/ahpra-response-to-covid-19/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=ahpra-response-to-covid-19 Wed, 15 Apr 2020 04:46:05 +0000 https://iaha.com.au/?p=34901 The Secretariat will be providing weekly updates about how AHPRA is responding to COVID-19 and what is happening in the health sector broadly. Helping to share information and advice from governments to practitioners It is vital that during this evolving pandemic everyone follows national public health directions and guidance. Ahpra and the National Boards are... View Article

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The Secretariat will be providing weekly updates about how AHPRA is responding to COVID-19 and what is happening in the health sector broadly.

Helping to share information and advice from governments to practitioners

It is vital that during this evolving pandemic everyone follows national public health directions and guidance.

  • Ahpra and the National Boards are working with governments, peak bodies and others to ensure registered health practitioners have access to authoritative public health guidance and are distributing advice where we can
  • We have a COVID-19 portal on the Ahpra website with updates and other relevant information, including FAQs (www.ahpra.gov.au/News/COVID-19/COVID-19-queries.aspx)
  • You may have seen that the Australian Government launched a new COVID-19 app, which is available on both iPhones (via the App store) and Android devices (via Google play). It provides a central, trusted, up-to-date source of information for all COVID-19 related information in Australia, covering all states and territories.
  • The Australian Government Department of Health released the Management Plan for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations (the Management Plan) on Monday 30 March. The Management Plan has an operation plan embedded into it that has four phases: Preparedness, Suspected cases or initial cases detected, Outbreak situations and Stand down and evaluation. You can download a copy of the Management Plan here.
  • NACCHO have release a communications package targeted for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities with information about COVID-19 and how to #KeepOurMobSafe
  • Follow the hashtag #KeepourMobSafe on social media – Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook for information and media releases on how COVID-19 is impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities

Fast tracking a new pandemic sub-register to increase the health professional workforce

On Wednesday 1 April, we announced a new pandemic sub-register to fast track the return to the workforce of experienced and qualified health practitioners.

The sub-register will enable doctors, nurses, midwives and pharmacists who previously held general or specialist registration and left the Register of practitioners or moved to non-practising registration in the past three years to return to practice. Only those who are properly qualified, competent and suitable will be returned to the register.

From Thursday 2 April, we started to contact over 40,000 practitioners who meet these criteria to alert them that they will be added to this new sub-register. There is no obligation for anyone added to the sub-register to practise or remain on it. They can opt out at any time, for any reason.

The sub-register is expected to be in place by next Monday 6 April and will be in place for up to 12 months. More information on the sub-register will be available on the COVID-19 update section of the website shortly.

AHPRA remote workforce

As of Wednesday 1 April, we will be a ‘remote workforce’, with our two remaining offices Brisbane and Adelaide closing to the public. The Sydney office closed on Monday 30 March. This is a significant step, not only in our contribution to flatten the curve, but also to ensure we can continue our important work with minimal disruption to the community.

New government app

You may have seen that the Australian Government launched a new COVID-19 app, which is available on both iPhones (via the App store) and Android devices (via Google play). It provides a central, trusted, up-to-date source of information for all COVID-19 related information in Australia, covering all states and territories.

Strategy Group update

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Project Group – responding to COVID-19

Ahpra has established an internal project group to plan with specific guidance relevant for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities on how the National Scheme can support communities and the health sector in best responding in an effective and clinically and culturally safe way. It is comprised of State and Territory Managers, the secretariat, and the National Director of Strategy and Policy and meets twice a week to feed back to the Agency Management Committee. A key principle of it’s operation is that it must take direction and guidance from the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategy Group Chairs, Caucus, Group and community.

It met for the first time this week and we have raised a number of issues of concern from community upon advice from the Chairs:

  • COVID-19 cases in the Kimberley

There have been 5 confirmed cases of health workers testing positive for COVID-19 in the Kimberley, a remote region of Western Australia. There has been 12 cases in the region to date. Contact tracing has commenced – however the professions of all the clinicians have not been identified or publicly released, although we can confirm one was a doctor. We as a regulation agency, are looking at our levers of influence to see how we can help reduce the spread of COVID-19 to Indigenous communities but would love to hear from you if you have heard of innovative ways community are protecting themselves.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over 50 should stay home – need for clarity around this messaging from the PM

The Prime Minister advised this week that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people over the age of 50 should stay home and this has caused great concern from mob who are still working, particularly those within our registered health workforces. Clarity was sought from NITV around what this means in practice and on 2 April, Ahpra shared this informative article on social media and to stakeholders within Ahpra to help answer the questions many clinicians and community members had around this ‘strong advice.’ Please share this article with your networks.

  • Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations limited supply to PPE

In accordance to the Commonwealth Government’s COVID-19 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Management Plan the PHN’s are identified as the primary distributor of PPE for Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, which has raised concern given not all PHN’s have positive working relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations and some clinics may miss out on supply.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prison populations particularly vulnerable

There is growing concern that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander prison populations are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 given the proximity of individuals and the often limited access to healthcare prisoners receive in incarceration. I’ve attached an email with links to articles on the issue, thank you Hannah for this.

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners – full scope of practice

Need to bolster the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner workforce and to influence a national position to practice at full scope to supply and administer medication consistently across all state and territories in the country (would require influencing state & territory Governments) – the main contributor being the shutdown of communities from visiting health specialists and acknowledging that tele-health infrastructure is not always available or reliable.

We will identify a communication mechanism/process between the Caucus and Group from next week to ensure that any action we take is being led by and informed by you all. At any time, if there’s anything you’d like to raise that’s been concerning to community which you think we could assist with, please let us know.

Cultural safety training

The Cultural Safety training will continue will commence the pilot phase of the training on 27 April. It has been confirmed that due to COVID-19, the pilot phase will be completely online with a mixture of online reading, learnings and online classes with a facilitator and an interactive whiteboard. This is a solution for the pilot phase of the training only and the logistics of the full delivery is still being finalised.

Support sessions for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctors and allied health professionals

If you’re an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander doctor (and member of AIDA) or an Indigenous allied health professional (and member of IAHA) we highly recommend you participate in their support workshops or circulate to those who may be interested. It’s a challenging time for our health professionals and these are great initiatives to help connect with your peers.

Highly recommended reading

 

 

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IAHA Northern Territory High School to Health Careers Program https://iaha.com.au/iaha-northern-territory-high-school-to-health-careers-program/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=iaha-northern-territory-high-school-to-health-careers-program Tue, 17 Dec 2019 03:40:11 +0000 http://iaha.com.au/?p=32920 Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Student studying at University or Vocational Education and Training (VET)? Applications NOW OPEN for the IAHA Northern Territory High School to Health Careers Program. Would you like to know more about health care in the Northern Territory and an opportunity to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait... View Article

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Are you an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Student studying at University or Vocational Education and Training (VET)?

Applications NOW OPEN for the IAHA Northern Territory High School to Health Careers Program.

Would you like to know more about health care in the Northern Territory and an opportunity to inspire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander high school students to pursue a career in Health?

Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) are hosting a unique experience to enable University and eligible VET Health Students to travel to the NT and visit local schools and communities to inspire the next generation of students to take up a career pathway into health.

IAHA are strongly committed to contributing to closing the gap. This experience will be part of a transformative and enduring learning opportunity. Students will be offered the opportunity to visit health clinics and meet local health professionals in the NT as part of the High School to Health Careers Program. 

Keen to find out what the IAHA High School to Health Careers Program is all about?  To view a snapshot of the IAHA High School to Health Careers Program, Central Australia Experience (2019) – please check out some of our IAHA student members talking about their visit to Yirara College, Alice Springs.

Expressions of Interest are now open to IAHA student members to attend this fantastic opportunity. To be part of it you need to act soon.

Watch this brief video from last years participants.

IAHA 2020 Top End Experience

(Including visits to Katherine and Darwin communities)
Dates: Friday 6th March to Saturday 14th March 2020

Top End Experience will include an opportunity to participate in the Remote Health Experience Weekend (7th-9th March) in Katherine, hosted by Flinders University, NT. Follow this link for more information.

Travel expenses will be covered by IAHA. This includes flights, accommodation and most meals. You don’t need to have experience with remote high school visits but you will need to: 

  • be able to speak confidently about your studies and promote health careers to groups and in one-on-one situations,
  • be able to conduct a workshop with several high school students at a time demonstrating ‘hands-on’ activities related to your health discipline,
  • target and adapt information to different student groups and ensure content is age appropriate and relevant,
  • be a strong team player and adhere to the IAHA Code of Conduct,
  • be willing to undertake a clinical observation experience, 
  • be willing to travel to local high schools and small remote communities (with the support of IAHA staff) and talk about your journey into your chosen health career pathway.

Students are strongly encouraged to seek permissions from their course coordinators/lecturers prior to applying for the program. IAHA can assist by providing a letter of support to your university or workplace if you succeed in being selected for this experience. 

Contact:

Kylie Stothers, Director, Workforce Development for further information on the program – kylie@iaha.com.au or Cailah Welch, Executive Assistant – cailah@iaha.com.au 

Apply Here with your expression of interest

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IDAA and IAHA – Joint Media release https://iaha.com.au/idaa-and-iaha-joint-release/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=idaa-and-iaha-joint-release Thu, 12 Dec 2019 04:53:58 +0000 http://iaha.com.au/?p=32787 Indigenous health professionals welcome three new Aboriginal dentists graduating in Western Australia today Available for Immediate Release Three Aboriginal women will today graduate as dentists from the University of Western Australia. Indigenous Dentists’ Association of Australia (IDAA) and Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) join in congratulating them on their achievement and welcome them in joining... View Article

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Indigenous health professionals welcome three new Aboriginal dentists graduating in Western Australia today

Available for Immediate Release

Three Aboriginal women will today graduate as dentists from the University of Western Australia. Indigenous Dentists’ Association of Australia (IDAA) and Indigenous Allied Health Australia (IAHA) join in congratulating them on their achievement and welcome them in joining a growing number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are succeeding to become and practice as highly skilled practitioners.
“This is a really significant day”, said Gari Watson, President of IDAA. “We absolutely need more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people becoming dental and other health professionals.

It makes a big difference in how people interact with and access care if Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are involved in delivering it. In September 2018 there were 48 Indigenous dentists across the whole of Australia: about 0.3 per cent of dentists, whereas Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up about 3 per cent of the population. Having three Aboriginal women graduate as dentists on one day from one university is something we’d like to see a lot more of.”

IAHA CEO, Donna Murray said “We are delighted for the graduates themselves and their achievement. We’re also excited about what it means in terms of increasing our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workforce. There is a huge need for accessible, affordable, culturally safe and holistic health care services, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who often face major challenges getting the comprehensive care they need.”
Dr Tony Bartone, President of the AMA described the situation on the AMAs 2019 Report Card on Indigenous Health “Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adults have much higher rates of dental disease than their non-Indigenous counterparts across Australia, which can be largely attributed to the social determinants of health. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are also less likely to receive the dental care that they need”.
We expect this is also good news for the Western Australian Government, as improving the oral health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait people is a priority in the Western Australian Government’s State Oral Health Plan 2016-2020. The Plan notes and seeks to address the situation where Aboriginal people are less likely to receive treatment they need.
The WA Health Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2014-24 also recognises the importance of addressing service capacity and workforce, stating “More Aboriginal staff are needed to help
address the significant health issues faced by Aboriginal people”.

As with the dental graduates today, we hope to be congratulating many more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioners in the future. Aboriginal and Torres strait islander
communities need better access to comprehensive healthcare. Good oral health is anessential element of health and well being.

Enquiries:
Donna Murray, CEO IAHA
P: 02 6285 1010
E: donna@iaha.com.au

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DIABETES across the LIFECOURSE: Northern Australia Partnership https://iaha.com.au/diabetes-across-the-lifecourse-northern-australia-partnership/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=diabetes-across-the-lifecourse-northern-australia-partnership Mon, 18 Nov 2019 02:39:23 +0000 http://iaha.com.au/?p=32174 The Diabetes across the Lifecourse: Northern Australia Partnership (previously Northern Territory and Far North Queensland Diabetes in Pregnancy Partnership) between researchers, healthcare providers and policy organisations [Menzies, NT Health, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of NT, Healthy Living NT and Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute] was established to address the significant risks that diabetes in pregnancy... View Article

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The Diabetes across the Lifecourse: Northern Australia Partnership (previously Northern Territory and Far North Queensland Diabetes in Pregnancy Partnership) between researchers, healthcare providers and policy organisations [Menzies, NT Health, Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance of NT, Healthy Living NT and Baker Heart & Diabetes Institute] was established to address the significant risks that diabetes in pregnancy carries for women and their children.

 

The Partnership is delivering a suite of interventions across the life-course for prevention of childhood and intergenerational obesity and diabetes. They are currently implementing a complex health systems intervention to improve maternal health post-partum and preconception.

 

The postpartum period is an opportune time to improve health for women and families and ensure optimal health prior to a future pregnancy. The Partnership has identified the following key 5 priorities for women’s health after a pregnancy complicated by hyperglycaemia: Glucose checks, Healthy weight, Breastfeeding, Smoke free, Contraception.

 

A key current aspect of this Partnership is work with health professionals and health services to improve maternal health after a pregnancy with diabetes with the focus on 5 key clinical aspects of maternal health postpartum developed from results from the clinical register and the longitudinal cohort study PANDORA and Wave 1.

 

Therefore, we are sharing some resources from our initiatives. Some of these resources are to provide you with additional context of the project including a clinical audit of remote NT Health primary health centres and the most recent newsletter. Also included ARE resources that may be helpful for service providers including materials on the Key 5 (targeted towards women who have experienced diabetes in pregnancy) and a clarifying statement about diabetes in pregnancy. Additionally, we are attaching a PowerPoint presentation that is available for health professionals to use in training their peers or community members. 

 

Please do not hesitate to contact Martil Zachariah, Translational Senior Research Officer on martil.zachariah@menzies.edu.au or on (08) 8946 8634 if you would like further information regarding any of the information.

  1. Key 5 PowerPoint  presentation
  2. Remembering the Key 5 (poster and brochure)
  3. NT Clinical Register brochure
  4. Clinical Register Key findings annual & cumulative report
  5. Hyperglycaemia in pregnancy statement
  6. DIABETES across the LIFECOURSE newsletter 2019

 

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