West Moreton Health is working to improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people because there is still a large and unacceptable gap in health conditions and life expectancy.

The question: Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin? is one of the routine questions that we ask of everybody using the service.

It isn’t right for staff to try and guess. The only way to this information right is for people to answer for themselves.

If you are not asked the questions, please let staff know.

What about privacy?

All information collected by West Moreton Health is subject to privacy laws to ensure that your information is protected and used appropriately.

How and when will I be asked?

You will be asked verbally or on a form every time you come to West Moreton Health, unless you are coming in for a regular course of treatment.

The question is:

Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?

On forms, the options for answering are:

	No
	Yes, Aboriginal	Note: Mark both boxes if you are Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
	Yes, Torres Strait Islander

Some forms have an extra box:

Yes, both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

What happens if I say “yes”?

If we know that you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin, staff will be able to:

• Give consideration to cultural needs.

• Offer you access to the hospital liaison officer or health worker.

• Provide information on Closing the Gap services and programs specifically available to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people ie. early health checks, vaccines, chronic disease programs.

• Improve transition care through links to local services including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community support organisations, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical services and Medicare Local to improve patient care and discharge planning.

• Provide information and support to help you with making decisions and choices about your health care.

What if I can’t say “yes”?

If under 15 years old or too sick to answer, a parent, guardian, carer or a responsible adult with you will be asked.

Do you need to know if my baby is?

Yes, this will help us to provide the best possible care for you and your baby.

The Indigenous Hospital Liaison Service provides support and assistance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families and communities across the five hospital facilities of the organisation.

The team provides direct support and assistance to both clinicians and to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander in-patients, families and Communities across the West Moreton region. They are also responsible for the delivery of culturally appropriate healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, including supporting accessible and equitable health outcomes, in the context of meeting individual needs.

The team supports the transition between service providers, on behalf of and in consultation with, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. They also provide information and resources that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to make appropriate healthcare choices and navigate the healthcare system.

The Deadly Steps Together Program is a tailored exercise and lifestyle program for Indigenous consumers living with, or who are at risk of, a chronic condition.

The program includes exercise sessions and yarning with an exercise physiologist and Indigenous health workers. The program was designed in collaboration with elders and aims to improve health outcomes for consumers through culturally appropriate exercise and health education.

Services

Deadly Steps Together provides individual and group exercise and health education sessions at the Jaghu Gym in Ipswich.

Home visits and telehealth services are also available for participants requiring care closer to home.

Contact

• Email: WM_DSTP@health.qld.gov.au
• Phone: (07) 3447 2798
• Location: Jaghu Gym, Ground floor, Hayden Centre, 37 South Street, Ipswich
• Hours: 8 am-4 pm, Monday-Friday
  The program offers flexible services please contact the program team for an appointment.

The Jaghu Maternal and Infant Program provides a culturally safe and responsive model of care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women, their families and the community. The program provides continuity of care from conception until baby is around 2 years of age and includes care by a Midwife, Child Health Nurse, Aboriginal health Worker, Social and Emotional Wellbeing Officer and Social Worker, depending on the individual needs of the woman and her family.  

Services

The Jaghu team can see you at our community clinic at Bremer Medical Centre, in your home or in a space where you feel comfortable and safe.

The Jaghu team can also support you to attend any appointments needed at Ipswich Hospital.

The Jaghu Dads group meets on the first Friday of the month to yarn about all things children and life. The group is open to all dads linked to the Jaghu service whose children identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. Dads do not need to identify. Contact the group co-ordinator via the Jaghu email.

Contact

• Email: wm-jaghu@health.qld.gov.au
• Phone: 0458 449 990.
• Location: Bremer Medical Centre, Building F, 11 Salisbury Road, Ipswich
• Hours: 8.30 am-4 pm, Monday-Friday

How do I know if I could potentially have COVID-19?

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Shortness of breath

What should I do if I have these symptoms?

If you meet the criteria for testing, you should contact a doctor or 13HEALTH (13 43 25 84) immediately.

Before your appointment please call ahead and advise that you identify as Aboriginal or/and Torres Strait Islander, and have symptoms. This way they can prepare for your appointment.

Will I be tested for COVID-19?

Testing is possible for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have a history of a fever and acute respiratory symptoms. On arrival at health service or hospital, you will be asked if you are of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin. We need to ask everyone and we need you to tell us to ensure we provide the best possible care for you.