A new dedicated multi-specialty medical ‘super’ clinic and ENT clinic saw 110 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children access specialist care over two days at the Queensland Children’s Hospital.
The pilot medical clinic in late February, the latest Open Doors clinic delivered in partnership with the Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH), involved 23 clinical streams across the hospital’s dermatology, endocrinology, allergy and immunology, respiratory and general paediatric services.
This ‘one-stop shop’ approach enabled families to attend multiple appointments with different specialities in one visit. As a result 70 children who had been on the long-wait list received the assessments, car and referrals they needed to address health concerns.
Children’s Health Queensland Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officers (IHLOs) and Health Equity team members, and IUIH staff were available to support patients, families and staff through the two days. The Queensland Children’s Hospital’s resident Clown Doctors and Captain Starlights were also on hand to provide some entertainment and distraction.
Nine-year-old Ella attended the clinic with her parents Di and Sam for an endocrinology consultation and to get some medical imaging results.
“Ella has a rare genetic condition called Neurofibromatosis that causes tumours to grow around her body,” Di said.
“Clinics like this are a big weight off our shoulders. The level of care is amazing and it’s a huge support to have all the services in one place at the same time.”
An additional 40 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people with a variety of ear, nose and throat (ENT) conditions were seen at the Queensland Children’s Hospital’s regular ear, nose and throat (ENT) Open Doors ENT clinic, receiving hearing tests, airway examinations and other assessments.
The first Open Doors clinics were established in 2021 to create culturally safe care and elective surgery pathways for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children so they are supported into and out of hospital, which will improve access to vital specialist services and contribute to better long-term health and social outcomes.
Children’s Health Queensland Executive Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Engagement Angela Young said the Open Doors partnership with IUIH was about working together as one health system to better coordinate care.
“These dedicated clinics and elective surgery lists support our ongoing commitment to providing the right care, at the right time, in the right way for children, young people and their families.
“This is about culturally safe and supported care that prioritises those with the highest need and delivers care pathways that respond directly to that need.”
Since the first ENT Open Doors clinic at the Queensland Children’s Hospital in 2021, more than 320 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people have accessed vital care and treatment.
Learn more about the Children’s Health Queensland Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Strategy 2022-2025