Hearing clinics helping local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids
Hearing check clinics that are now available for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander kids across Northern Sydney aged 0-6 who are not yet attending primary school. A partnership between NSLHD and Hearing Australia has led to two clinics opening at both Bungee Bidgel (Hornsby Ku-Ring-gai Hospital) and the Royal North Shore Community Health Centre every Monday. Hearing Australia’s audiologists provide the HAPEE Clinics across Australia, as part of a national strategy and program that is funded by the Commonwealth Department of Health and Aged Care, aiming to reduce preventable ear disease and hearing loss among First Nations children. NSLHD’s Child and Family Health and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander team worked with Hearing Australia to establish the clinics and has already made a significant difference in hearing loss detection, prevention and general awareness. NSLHD Child, Youth and Family Health Service Clinical Director and Paediatrician Anne Piper said the clinics play a vital role helping identify cases where symptoms aren’t always obvious. “Children do not always present with any obvious symptoms of an ear infection so it can go undiagnosed and cause long term ear
Audiologist Gabby at the RNSH clinic
damage and hearing loss,” she said. “It is so important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children have their ears and hearing checked by an audiologist every six months until they are 18 months old, and then once every year until they start school.” NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Director Peter Shine said the connection between hearing, community, family and culture is paramount to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. “Language is integral to every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander bub’s connection to community, family, and culture. It’s important, so tots can listen to our elders’ stories and learn our songs,” he said.
RNSH patient rooms receives upgrade The patient lounge and interview room in Royal North Shore Hospital’s Ward 7F has been renewed and upgraded due to a joint fundraising effort.
and acceptance of confronting health information,” she said.
“We wanted to improve our ward environment for our patients, their families and carers to ensure they have a safe place to recover and process the emotions that come with being in hospital.”
The new and improved rooms boasts a combination of new carpet, new furniture, framed photography, puzzles, toys and a small library. The rooms upgrade was funded by volunteering efforts from the Pink Ladies, The Corner Store, staff members and a bequest. The room will also be used by occupational therapists to conduct sessions. Area Stroke Coordinator Susan Day said the idea for the room upgrade came about after she attended a neuropsychology forum and learnt of the positive impacts a calm space for patients and their loved ones. “Research has showed that being in a welcoming calm space can assist in recovery
The upgraded patient lounge
NSLHDNEWS | ISSUE 20| 27 OCTOBER 2023
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