More support is now available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people presenting to Mount Isa Hospital, with more Indigenous Liaison Officers (ILOs) on board, and increased hours for the ILOs.
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Director of Cultural Capability and Engagement, Christine Mann, said the expansion of the Indigenous Hospital Liaison Service was thanks to a successful bid for Making Tracks Investment Funding.
"We have two new staff members, who are experienced health workers, joining the ILO team to provide dedicated afterhours coverage," Ms Mann said.
Regina Mullins is no stranger to the Hospital, having worked the last 12 years as Nutritionist Assistant and Cook at Mount Isa Hospital.
"I'm enjoying the change in role and direction in my career.
"It's really important for any patient to have a voice, and I will be someone people can feel comfortable with, knowing I understand their cultural concerns," Ms Mullins said.
The second new ILO, Joice Reuben has also worked locally in health.
The new service, which is now in its third week of operation, aims to reduce discharges against medical advice, as well as cut the number of preventable hospitalisations of Indigenous patients, according to Ms Mann.
"It's fantastic to have Regina and Joice on board because it ensures we can provide this support to more people, increase staff education on the clinical relevance of cultural considerations and work hard to improve this area of health" Ms Mann said.
"In addition, the new ILOs will provide vital support to the NWHHS's strong commitment to closing the health gap."
The extended hours include up to 11:30pm Monday to Friday and Saturday and Sunday from 8am to 4:30pm.
These hours will be trialled initially for a three-month period and will be adjusted if necessary.
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