Health worker support

Sitting under a mango tree in the Djarindjin Aboriginal Community, Naomi Ougham, 25, placed a hand on elder Aubrey Tigan’s arm.

“Are you all right … you taking your medicine?,” she said.

Mr Tigan, who has type two diabetes, nodded, telling Ms Ougham he was also watching his diet and had been taking daily walks to improve his health.

A simple conversation – but it is part of a new program former State politician Ernie Bridge believes will bridge the gap between health services that visit remote communities and the people that need their help.

The Unity of First People of Australia’s “Roadmap to Better Health” program is being trialled in Djarindji-Lombadina, Looma and Noonkanbah.

With funding from the Federal Government, nine local carers undertook intensive training in communication and general health promotion, including diabetes education.

They will help people understand their medication regime, counsel them to improve their diet and exercise habits and liaise with visiting health specialists on their behalf.

Mr Bridge said the program would significantly improve communication between health workers and patients, and help reduce the billions of taxpayer dollars being wasted when government services fail to hit their targets.

“They’re not nurses, they’re not health workers, they’re not doctors – they’re go-betweens,” he said.

“To me, it is one of the most significant initiatives that have come about in our attempt to help communities with their health problems.”

Mr Bridge said 1000 doctors could be sent to remote Australia and not solve its problems as they “never develop trust”.

“We expect to see people taking increased responsibility for their own recovery and prevention, resulting in fewer longterm complications,” he said.

WA Country Health Service spokesman Brian Wilson said the program presented an “incredible opportunity” to improve communication and immediately offered the carers a place on the Kimberley district health advisory committee.

Federal Minister for Indigenous Health Warren Snowdon announced four new healthservice outreach workers and staff for Beagle Bay, Wiluna, South Hedland and Broome.