Abstract E-Posters
1
Committing to Aboriginal Health through the Enhanced Child Health Schedule (ECHS)
Leonie Hellwig and Cassandra Dempsey
WA Country Health Service
Kaartdijin
12.35pm - 12.45pm
The Enhanced Child Health Schedule (ECHS) forms part of the WACHS Healthy Country Kids Program based on a model of progressive universalism, offering different levels of service according to child and family needs. It provides vulnerable Aboriginal families with additional support to optimise their child’s physical health, development, and wellbeing.
ECHS is a structured Universal Plus schedule developed for families requiring additional support over a prolonged period. It starts at the antenatal stage of a child’s life until they are of school age. Families are provided with up to 16 child health scheduled contacts where over half occur during the first 2 critical years of a child’s development.
The primary outcome of ECHS is for children to be ready to commence and engage with school. This is done through a partnership between community health staff and the parent/ carers to develop a plan outlining the frequency of visits, mode of visits and any referral needs. Families are supported and empowered to achieve optimal outcomes through family-centred and strength-based parenting.
The extensive use of this service is depicted through the data from the first quarter of 2023/24 shows there was a combined number of 979 checks which averages to 75 contacts per week from child health staff. The service delivery is reported to be culturally secure, ensuring cultural diversity. Rights, views, values, and expectations of Aboriginal people and those of other cultures are honoured.
A review of the schedule has highlighted the need to build staff confidence in promoting the program to mothers and families
2
Breakfast in the Park
Amity Health
Shannen Gray and Kaye McGlew
Amity Health
Kaartdijin
3.05pm - 3.15pm
In late 2022, the Moora community experienced much grief. One local Elder shared with us that he had been to 13 funerals in 3 months. As a healthcare agency in Moora, we felt compelled to support our local Aboriginal community.
A funding opportunity presented itself and ‘Breakfast in the Park’ was born. We squeezed in two Breakfast in the Park events with the funding. It was after the first successful event that we decided to hold a second breakfast and planned the events together with the Aboriginal Health Team from Moora Hospital.
A flyer was designed and shared with the community. We met as a team the day before and again after each event to evaluate and check in. Flyer 1 depicts Breakfast in the Park No 1 – Tuesday 8th November 2022 Flyer 2 depicts Breakfast in the Park No 2 – Wednesday 30th November 2022.
The aim was to create a space where people could come together and connect over food, tea, or coffee, while finding out about available allied health, mental health and other support services in Moora. The park provided a neutral and positive location. The Yued community use the Park as a meeting place for whole of life events as well as family and social events. The tall strong trees and green grass are welcoming and cool, with a few tables and stools, and a barbecue.
The goal of bringing Elders, community and agencies together was a success - the event was well planned, with a structure that invited attendees to yarn and connect. Both events were positively received and fun for all. We had Elders, community members and health agencies expressing gratitude for the events. We heard “We need more happy times like this to connect” - so with sponsorship we have held 4 more events.