Discovering Coonabarabran: Allied Health Deployment A Hospital in the Home (HITH)
rehabilitation under Belinda’s expert guidance, enabling a safe return to sports. “For me this was a great opportunity to meet and work with people from all walks of life,” said Belinda. “This has been a great opportunity to use the broad range of physiotherapy skills and begin to understand some of the challenges faced by regional healthcare.” The NSW Health Deployment Program offers short-term opportunities spanning two to 13 weeks for nurses, midwives, and allied health professionals across regional, rural, and remote NSW. Participants receive accommodation, meals, travel, and incentives, fostering professional growth and providing a chance to explore new environments while contributing to essential healthcare services. Find out more information here: https:// www.health.nsw.gov.au/careers/Pages/ deployment-program.aspx.
physiotherapist recently embarked on a rural deployment supported by the Ministry of Health. Belinda Kelly, physiotherapist, undertook this pioneering endeavour, spending four weeks in Coonabarabran (Gamilaroi Country). During her deployment, Belinda had the privilege of engaging with patients ranging from seven to 93 years old, addressing a diverse array of physiotherapy needs. The face-to-face outpatient sessions were particularly valued by patients, offering them personalised care and support that virtual consultations couldn’t match. Belinda said one notable success story involved a gentleman in his 70s diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. Through targeted exercises and educational interventions, Belinda helped improve his mobility significantly, reducing his risk of falls and enhancing his overall quality of life. Similarly, a young athlete recovering from ACL reconstruction benefited from tailored cancer, a Royal North Shore Hospital ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeon has set his sights on changing the landscape. In March, Dr Leo Pang held the first Australian screening clinic at Royal North Shore Hospital to raise awareness about head and neck cancer and offered free screening to detect early cancers. With over 60 members of the public attending the one-day clinic another one is being planned for later in the year. “Head and neck cancers rank seventh in Australia and early detection is key in the fight against cancer,” Leo said. “Early detection is key in the fight against cancer. Together with my colleagues at Royal North Shore we are pioneering a screening program that could pave the way for future screening programs, allowing for early detection of head and neck cancer.” Participants took part in the simple 15-minute screening which included a questionnaire, risk factor assessment and a clinical examination. They were informed about the results and risk stratified into low, intermediate or high risk for head and neck cancer, with appropriate investigations and follow up arranged before leaving the clinic. With the support of the Surgical Education Research and Training (SERT) Institute at Royal North Shore Hospital, the program and results will be analysed and incorporated in
Surgeon on a mission to make a difference. With no national or international screening program for early detection of head and neck
future service planning. Leo said he will continue working on
improving the program and raising awareness with GPs and the public on head and neck cancer.
Dr Leo Pan conducting a scan
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 7| 19 APRIL 2024
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