Aboriginal Health Checks

Health checks are provided to both adults and children and are commenced by staff with the G.P. completing this assessment. Health Checks are conducted not only in the centre but as an outreach service for schools, preschools and outreach clinics.

Maternal and Child Health Service

This position provides direct patient contact and clinical support in the area of Maternal and Child Health two days a week. The service provides immunisation, developmental and maternal screening, and advice on parenting, settling, and behavioural management.

Dietitian

The dietitian provides initial consultation, dietary assessments, education, planning and review for clients. Health promotional activities for schools, pre schools and community groups including Feed the Family and currently the Wellingtonne Challenge weight loss program are also conducted.

Exercise Physiologist

WACHS provides assessments by the exercise physiologist to support Aboriginal Clients identified with Chronic Illnesses or health related problems and provide services such as the design and implementation of  fitness, exercise and rehabilitation programs, conduct agility, cardiovascular, strength and body composition assessments, lecturing at school and in the workplace on health and disease risk factors, growth & development, OH&S, and general health and fitness, and conducting nutritinal analysis using foodworks program.  A womens exercise group is also conducted weekly in conjunction with an area health physiotherapist.

Indigenous Parenting Support Service

This program aims to identify and address barriers to good family relationships, whilst supporting them through children’s transitions to childcare, pre-school and primary school. The program will also be targeting vulnerable families to address complex issues of social and financial disadvantage. Individual and group education sessions are available for parents and caregivers and can be conducted in the home or at the centre.

Community Programs

Youth Program 

The position delivers education and skill development programs to Aboriginal Youth in the community to enhance awareness and support in relation to issues such as drugs and alcohol, sexual health, mental health, general health issues, culture and respect and general life skills. Youth groups are conducted fortnightly with holiday programs run in conjunction with other youth services providers. 

Mother’s Group

WACHS provides a fortnightly mother’s group for new and young mothers to access education sessions and to form networks and support services. The group has developed resources including a DVD around pregnancy and postnatal care, a series of posters and accompanying booklet around post natal issues that may concern a new parent, a height chart and booklet about development and play and ideas on how to encourage normal development and a transition to school book about helping parents when their child is starting school.

Chronic Disease

WACHS provides an annual Diabetes/Elders camp held at the Lake Burrendong Sport and Recreation Camp. Participants can receive up to date information on a range of subjects including exercise, nutrition, receive a health check and have some fun recreational activities.

Achievements you have made in the community

We feel that the early and consistent attendance for antenatal care where assessment and support can be given has been a highlight for our service. The increase in confidence by the mothers from the group in the development of the resources and in taking up employment opportunities has been a highlight. The increase in health checks and the community participation in any health program offered has been an achievement.

Challenge for your organisation

With the community participating in more services and programs offered by WACHS a challenge might be to provide clinical and program staff to meet the increase in demand.