Community action planning group working in collaboration to help individuals receive the right care at the right time

The Suicide Prevention Community Action Planning Group (SPCAP) held a forum on Tuesday 4 June to better connect mental health services for the Mackay community.

The Mental Health and Related Services Forum involved local service providers working in collaboration to:

• clarify what each service in the sector does in terms of eligibility for individuals and referral processes
• develop a map of mental health and related services
• identify strategies to help individuals navigate between services
• prepare for a Community Open Day being held on Thursday 25 July 2019.

SPCAP, led by North Queensland wellbeing service selectability and initiated by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), is comprised of 14 local representatives with the purpose of developing a Suicide Prevention Plan for the Whitsunday, Isaac, and Mackay regions.

The Suicide Prevention Plan is centred on an evidence-based model developed by the Black Dog Institute which stipulates suicide prevention strategies are most effective when they are implemented by community members as a collaborative group, localised for a specific region, and informed by people with a lived experience of suicide.

Community development expert Deb Rae is the lead facilitator for this project, which commenced in February 2017, and said mental health service providers working together in collaboration is key to providing better connected mental health care and support for the Mackay community.

“Some of the key points raised by service providers in mental health and related services in the region is that they can see the most benefits for service users and providers when they collaborate, keep up to date with changes in other related programs and personnel, and improve referral pathways,” said Ms Rae.

“During the Mental Health and Related Services Forum, providers had the opportunity to connect and work with other related and complimentary services and clarify the details of the services they provide such as eligibility criteria and referral processes.

“Providers also contributed their key program information to a national database called HealthPathways and updated this information to My Community Directory.

“This will support both service providers and community members to access current, accurate, and relevant information about the services they need.”

The forum included a panel discussion with representatives from NQPHN and Mackay Hospital and Health Service’s Mental Health team, as well as a Q&A session with individuals with lived experience of suicide.

NQPHN Executive Director Clinical Governance and Performance Gillian Yearsley said mental health is a key priority area for NQPHN and this forum will offer the opportunity to discuss ways in which the community can more easily navigate between available mental health services.

“It is great to see providers in the region coming together to plan how they can collectively improve coordination of care and access to services for individuals so they can receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time,” Ms Yearsley said.

“NQPHN is committed to working together with these dedicated mental health providers to improve the wellbeing of individuals in the region, helping them to live happier, healthier, and longer lives.”

SPCAP also used this forum as a chance to plan an upcoming Community Open Day, being held on Thursday 25 July, to provide the most relevant information about mental health services available to individuals living in Mackay.

More information about the Community Open Day will be shared shortly.

FREE fitness classes will be rolled out to suburban parks in a joint project to improve community wellbeing.

The popular Active Living program, which currently offers 11 group fitness activities a week on the Cairns Esplanade, will be expanded into four suburban parks.

Thanks to funding from the North Queensland Sports Foundation (NQSF) and the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), regular classes will be held from April at Edmonton’s Ravizza Park, the Marlin Coast Sport Precinct at Smithfield, Mooroobool’s Shang Park, and Coastwatcher Park Trinity Beach.

Division 8 Councillor Jessie Richardson – who is the Chair of NQSF – said the expansion would make free group fitness classes more accessible to the community.

“We know that not everyone can get into the Cairns Esplanade to take part in these classes,” she said. “So, it’s a positive move to take the classes to where the residents are.

“We want as many people as possible to have the opportunity to join in the free classes and take steps towards a healthier lifestyle, regardless of their current fitness levels.

“The great thing about the Active Living program is that it’s as much about being social as it is about being active,” Cr Richardson said.

“It’s a friendly, supportive environment where everyone is welcome. Getting out and being part of a group activity does just as much for your overall health and wellbeing as the exercise itself.”

NQPHN Area Manager Vivian Mook said the partnership had been created in an effort to combat obesity and associated chronic disease in North Queensland communities.

“By working together to provide more opportunities for people to engage in an active lifestyle, we can break down some of the barriers to good health that might exist in our communities,” she said.

The full program will be finalised in the next few weeks and will include Zumba, Mums and Bubs classes, yoga, high-intensity circuit training, and classes utilising outdoor green gyms.

The expanded program will initially be presented as a three-month trial, with the potential for more locations to be added in the future.

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is working in collaboration with primary healthcare providers to establish an immediate response to assist with recovery efforts of flood-affected Townsville residents.

NQPHN is working with Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) to identify other measures to ensure the ongoing wellbeing of residents in Townsville and to ensure they achieve the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

“If you’re feeling unwell, residents can go to the emergency department (ED), however they need to realise there is currently an increase on ED demand at Townsville HHS,” said NQPHN Chief Executive Officer John Gregg.

“Other avenues for primary healthcare are to consult with your local GP or pharmacist. Residents can search for their closest service provider by visiting www.nqphn.com.au, clicking on ‘general public information’, and using the National Health Service Directory. This will tell you who is open and contact details to call and make an appointment.”

NQPHN is also working closely with House Call Doctor to build capacity and additional support for the immediate response period of increased demand for physical health care in Townsville.

“House Call Doctor has expanded its service in Townsville by two registered general practitioners, doubling its capacity to provide after-hours services during the next few months in support of flood recovery efforts,” said Mr Gregg.

“Confidential phone service 13 HEALTH (13 43 25 84) is also available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week where people can seek advice from a registered nurse.

“Dialling Triple Zero or visiting the ED is still the best option in a medical emergency.”

NQ Connect, run by service provider On the Line and funded by NQPHN, has been expanded in the region to address the mental health needs of residents following the major flood event.

NQ Connect is a free 24/7 phone and online counselling service providing a safe pathway to connect people to mental health services that are best suited to their needs; from counselling people who are worried, stressed, and affected by the floods, to more complex cases requiring multiple health service providers and referrals for ongoing care.

Mr Gregg said weather events like the record-breaking floods have a dramatic impact on people’s lives and bring about a range of intense emotions and long-term effects.

“Natural disasters such as major flooding impact entire communities and can significantly disrupt daily life, so it is common for people to experience a range of intense and confusing emotions,” said Mr Gregg.

“The expansion of NQ Connect provides residents with a single-entry point to access counselling support and guidance as communities recover from the devastating floods that have affected the region.”

Mr Gregg also urges the community to check in with their health during flood recovery and take extra precautions.

“At this time, it is really important to do some fundamental self-care and practice correct hygiene and basic first-aid especially when cleaning wounds,” Mr Gregg said.

“When treating cuts and scratches it’s imperative to take extra care given bacteria currently present in soil.

“Treat it with some good quality antiseptic, cover the wound, and if you’re worried about it seek medical advice from your GP, pharmacist, or the emergency department. If it’s life threatening, call Triple Zero.”

A range of public health factsheets are available on the NQPHN Townsville floods recovery page here.

James Tapau is passionate about making a difference in Indigenous health—and sees education as a vehicle to help his people.

James, an Indigenous Liaison Officer at Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service, is a shining light in Indigenous health.

Having worked in disability and community services for seven years, James has taken advantage of a unique TAFE Queensland North education opportunity, developed in partnership with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN).

The Murray Island man recently completed a Certificate III in Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care, and has now started his Certificate IV.

“I was very hesitant at first to enrol, because it’s been so long since I last studied that I thought I would find the training too difficult,” said James.

“But I managed my studies really well, and always submitted assignments and completed assessments before the due dates.

“I definitely found my life skills valuable for relating to the subjects, and I’m very proud of completing my Certificate III.

“I know I’ll always get the support I need with my training, and that’s given me the confidence to progress into a Cert IV.”

It was James’ experience that provided a sound foundation for him to transfer into a role with Cooktown Multi-Purpose Health Service (MPHS) as a Hospital Liaison Officer when the opportunity arose.

James provides support for inpatients at Cooktown MPHS during doctors rounds at handovers.

“I help ensure the patient understands medications, dosages, and the need to take medication to get better, as well as what to do on discharge,” he said.

“I also check in with Community Nurses who conduct follow ups.”

As part of his role, James travels to surrounding communities in Hopevale, Wujal Wujal, and Laura to conduct training for staff in cultural practice, and has contributed to the development of community protocols with Generalist Medical Training at James Cook University.

This includes a profile on each community’s background culture, traditional owners, visiting services, and other Indigenous organisations in the community. “I’ve found my background in disability services helpful when dealing with patients’ medical conditions, and I also identify cultural considerations, and factor in how a patient was raised,” he said.

“I truly love what I do and want to go further. I definitely see this as my job for life. My education is helping me to help my people.”