March 16, 2017
The way health services at Cherbourg work together was showcased at a forum held in the town recently.
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Forum was organised by the Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service and held at The Ration Shed.
Speakers from the health, education and social services sectors shared their experiences in delivering “integrated patient, client and family-centric models of care”.
Acting Director of Nursing, Aschleigh Perring, said the Cherbourg approach was similar to leading models of care being delivered in Canada.
“There are some very exciting and progressive initiatives happening in Cherbourg at the moment,” Mr Perring said.
“External agencies who traditionally work very independently are working together to provide a comprehensive health, education and social services to achieve the best outcomes for individuals and families.
“Service providers are able to ‘metaphorically wrap their arms around individuals and families’ that need support.”
He said the initiatives at Cherbourg could potentially be duplicated in other communities.
Services highlighted at the Health Forum included the Cherbourg Hospital, Cherbourg Women and Children’s Health Service, Early Intervention and Parenting Service, Community Based Nursing, Cherbourg Alcohol and Other Drugs Service, and Deadly Ears screening and telehealth programs.
Presentations were also given on education and social services by the Cherbourg State School, Queensland University of Technology Partnerships in Learning, South Burnett CTC Youth and Family Services, and the Queensland Police Service Family Panel.
