The huge success of a Saturday ENT clinic held for the first time at Logan Hospital has ensured dozens of First Nations children have received the care they need and that more, similar clinics will be held later this year.
Logan Hospital Director ENT Prof Bernard Whitfield said a team of doctors, nurses, audiologists and administration officers joined with staff from the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health to identify patients requiring hearing tests and other services to attend the dedicated clinic on 23 May.
Prof Whitfield said a similar clinic was held at Queensland Children’s Hospital twice a year but that this was a first for Logan Hospital.
“I’ve long hoped to be able to hold a clinic like this, so to have so many of our ENT team here at Logan Hospital eager to be involved and such a great response from the First Nations community has been fantastic.”
Metro South Health Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Directorate Denise Hookey said the initiative was a great example of health equity in action.
“By following our ways of Knowing, Being and Doing, and addressing some of the things that often get in the way of accessing care, this extraordinary multidisciplinary team has done an outstanding job of engaging with more than 60 local families and providing them with the care they needed,” she said.
“It’s also a wonderful demonstration of what is possible when teams collaborate with a clear, shared commitment to improving care.
“This clinic has made a real difference for these children and their families and it’s an example of what we can achieve when we focus on our strengths as a community.”
Senior Health Liaison Officer Tania Unterrheiner said some important work was undertaken prior to the clinic, including addressing issues around accessibility to transport.
“We know First Nations children are overrepresented when it comes to needing ENT care, so by providing support with transport and addressing other barriers, we were able to make sure families could reach us for the clinic,” she said.
“Not only was it a busy and productive day, but it was also a great chance to interact with local families and play games with the children to make it a fun, less intimidating experience.”
Another dedicated Saturday clinic targeting the First Nations community is planned for the second half of the year.