Excellence and Innovation in Aboriginal Health - SA Health Awards 2020

WINNER: Aboriginal Health Team – Anangu APY Lands outreach clinics during Pandemic

Gawler Health Service, BHF LHN

The BHF LHN Gawler-based Aboriginal Health team (AHT) acted swiftly to provide first response to 86 Aṉangu Pitjantjatjara Yankunytjatjara (APY) Lands community members, displaced due to COVID-19 restrictions and border controls. The team was able to deliver culturally responsive support and primary and acute health care services under the direction of biosecurity guidelines and management, resulting in strong community feedback, valuable cultural exchange and learning, and positive health outcomes.


FINALIST: Redesign of the NALHN Aboriginal Hearing Screening Program

Allied Health and Aboriginal Health, Lyell McEwin Hospital, NALHN

Ear disease and hearing loss are highly prevalent among Aboriginal children, profoundly affecting a child’s life, compounding disadvantages already facing Aboriginal Australians. Evidence demonstrates that early detection / treatment of middle ear disease can improve hearing, communication and educational outcomes. NALHN’s Hearing Screening Program delivered transparent, fast tracked referral processes and localised service provision, reducing the number of children lost to follow up, maximising access to hearing management services.


FINALIST: Kidstuff – Indigenous Young Parents Program

Metropolitan Youth Health, WCHN

Kidstuff - Indigenous Young Parents Program is a parenting education program for vulnerable young Indigenous parents and parents-to-be under 25 years. With a youth focus and strong cultural themes, the program supports parents through increased access to parent information, health and wellbeing services and one-on-one support. The program is a partnership between Metropolitan Youth Health (MYH) , Parenting SA and Uniting SA - Communities for Children.