Last month Maggie and Tom from the ACS Clinical Team travelled to the APY Lands, accompanied by Community Engagement Officer Richard. The team completed Clinical Assessments in Mimili and Pipalyatjara, and visited Fregon, Amata, Indulkana, and Oodnadatta. This was a very successful trip that made us proud of our Clinical Team and Community Engagement team for working together and creating a culturally appropriate care environment for Elders.
During the trip their objectives included identifying and rectifying any clinical risks, and providing general clinical oversight. Assessments were provided for all Elders who were currently in the communities, the only pending assessments being for people who were not in town at the time of the visit. Elders in Pipalyatjara were happy to meet the team, and the Clinical Team felt confident in APY staff as they collaborated closely. Education was provided to the Home Care Advisors in relation to HCP management and clinical documentation.
Maggie shared that,
“Meeting the Elders and the staff was the highlight for me, such a memorable experience. I am forever grateful for the opportunity.”
Tom echoes these sentiments,
“Meeting the local Elders and staff was a true pleasure – their kindness, experience, and dedication were inspiring. Their stories and laughter as we worked together was an unforgettable time of professional growth and personal connection, and it left me deeply appreciative of the beauty and strength of the APY Lands and its people.”
Upon her visit, Maggie was pleased to find the location of the centres within each community were very central. In Pipyaltjara we are based in the Nganampa Health building which is walking distance for most Elders.
This trip reaffirmed the benefits of an internal Clinical Team rather than outsourcing. The team that was formed last year, has meant those providing clinical services have a deeper understanding of the community we support, and more positive outcomes such as the completion of all clinical assessments in Pipyaltjara and Mimili with relative ease.
