Jacqui Hawgood is dedicated to better health for people and communities who need it most. It is through her role at not-for-profit CheckUP as Senior Business Coordinator, managing the Commonwealth-funded Eye and Ear Surgical Support Services (EESSS) program across Queensland, where Jacqui is making the biggest difference.
The EESSS program aims to improve access to surgical services and support culturally appropriate pathways into surgery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, prioritising those living in rural and remote communities, for the treatment of their eye and hearing health conditions.
As part of the program, 16 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children from Yarrabah in Cairns had life-changing hearing health surgery thanks to a collaboration between CheckUP, Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), and Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service Aboriginal Corporation.
The day surgery took place in Cairns in January 2018 after CheckUP identified the Yarrabah region as being in need of appropriate healthcare pathways.
“The ear health service gaps and issues with the current public specialist referral pathway were identified and flagged through CheckUP’s annual needs assessment process and the strong established links with local and other relevant stakeholders,” Jacqui said.
“From here, Gurriny and CheckUP worked closely to plan a fast-tracked and culturally-appropriate surgical pathway for patients that required specialist attention and who had been waiting a significant amount of time for their treatment.
“To be eligible under the EESSS program, patients must be Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, prioritising those who reside in rural and remote communities, and who require surgical intervention for the treatment of their hearing health condition.”
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children experience some of the highest rates of otitis media (middle ear disease) in the world. In some communities, up to 91 per cent of children are affected.
Jacqui said the impact of hearing impairment or loss in young children is considerable, with their speech, ability to learn, and social interactions all affected, which can lead to a lifetime of disadvantage if left untreated.
“Hearing loss is associated with poor physical, social, and psychological outcomes, with strong links to low educational attainment, which can later impact on employment opportunities and increased risk of incarceration,” she said.
“The early identification of children with middle ear disease, and access to timely surgery where required, is critical to ensure children have better social, educational, and employment opportunities during childhood and into adulthood.”
The ear surgery was a game changer for the children of Yarrabah with most experiencing almost immediate improvement with their hearing, speaking, and their subsequent learning, giving them the power to live happier, healthier, and longer lives.
“It was an honour to meet the children and their families, and to know this collaborative process and the EESSS program has helped to make a positive impact on their health service experience and their overall wellbeing,” said Jacqui.
For Jacqui, there are many fulfilling aspects to working on the EESSS program.
“Working on the EESSS program gives me the opportunity to partner with knowledgeable local organisations, understand the challenges of accessing health services, and brainstorm solutions that address unique local barriers to receiving that vital treatment,” she said.
“Implementing solutions in collaboration with local stakeholders and the EESSS program, and seeing first-hand the barriers being overcome and the positive impact of the surgical experience, is very rewarding.”
By working collaboratively with partner organisations and health providers, CheckUP is helping to create healthier communities and reduce health inequities throughout northern Queensland.