Trio offer extra support for Aboriginal community

With one of the largest urban Aboriginal populations in NSW, Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) is working closely with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities to help stop the spread of COVID-19.

Many Aboriginal people have co-morbidities which put them at a higher risk of being diagnosed with COVID-19 than the rest of the population.

Bundjalung woman Karinya Bellear, and her colleagues Kalkadoon/Kuku Yalanji woman Dee McNamara, and Gamilaroi man Walter Towney, are helping the District’s Public Health Unit contact tracing team, when a COVID-19 case is confirmed in the Aboriginal community.

The team’s community connections and advice help ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are offered culturally-appropriate support and care.

SLHD Population Health Unit Business Manager Walter Towney, said, we’re able to act as a bridge to connect the Aboriginal community with the District and that’s so important during COVID-19.

‘The team acts as a single point of contact to help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples navigate the different services and support available to them during their 14-day self-isolation period.

Aboriginal Immunisation Liaison Health Worker Dee McNamara, said, it makes the mob feel more comfortable when we have a yarn to them about their welfare. Not only does it helps to build trust and respect and it also re-assures them and makes them feel safe.

‘It also gives us an insight into how being in isolation may affect them and the wellbeing of their family’.

SLHD Public Health Unit Operations Lead and Clinical Nurse Consultant Andrew Ingleton, said, the longstanding relationships the team has developed, have proven very beneficial during the pandemic.

‘Their connections have ensured the timely follow-up of confirmed COVID-19 cases, and close contacts, within the District’s Aboriginal community,’ Mr Ingleton said.

‘They’ve also been able to chat on the phone with Aboriginal families and provide additional information, support and reassurance if needed. Their input has been invaluable.’

SLHD, in collaboration with Aboriginal Medical Service Redfern, has also set up a COVID-19 clinic at Redfern Health Centre which has since been expanded to include the testing of Aboriginal children.

The District has also contributed to the development of culturally-appropriate resources to communicate key health messages about COVID-19 to Aboriginal communities.

Bundjalung woman Karinya Bellear said, knowing there are resources and networks that will benefit and strengthen our community, makes me proud that I work with SLHD.

‘It’s valuable knowing my role during these times, is contributing to the overall health and well-being of my people,’ Ms Bellear said.

‘I am incredibly humbled to be able to assist our mob through these unusual and challenging times’.