Last month, Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) Senior Primary Care Engagement Officer Gilyan Thorn and Primary Care Workforce Development Manager Carley Radel travelled to Horn Island and Thursday Island in the Torres Strait to strengthen NQPHN’s relationship with primary healthcare providers of First Nations people and to better understand the health service needs of the region.
Guided by members of the Torres and Cape Hospital Health Service (TCHHS) Digital Health Services Team, Gilyan and Carley’s short but jam-packed two-day itinerary included tours of primary health clinics, the Thursday Island Hospital, Torres Health’s facility, and the Torres Strait Regional Authority and included meetings with key health stakeholders in the region.
Gilyan and Carley met with the TCHHS Director Primary Care Clinics and Torres Health Chief Executive Officer where discussions led to how NQPHN can connect and collaborate on existing health priorities and activities to improve outcomes in the region. Other notable meetings included the Director of Primary Care Clinics for the inner and outer islands, the Director of Nursing for the outer islands, and the Lead for the Own Sourced Revenue Project.
Carley and Gilyan shared their experience as humbling.
“We were privileged enough to spend the whole of our second day with health workers who provide care across most of the islands,” said Carley.
“We went on a brief driving tour of Thursday Island, taking in the beautiful views and scenery whilst discussing workflows with Nurse Navigators and we’ve decided our retirement destination is Star of the Sea (Aged Care facility).”
Highlights of the visit included developing connections to current health priorities and activities, meeting lovely residents and workers while visiting primary health care clinics, attending morning prayer, and team huddles.
Both Carley and Gilyan reported the recent trip to be a fruitful experience.
“All providers were very welcoming and happy to see NQPHN in community. There is huge appetite to bring all local stakeholders and providers together to partner and collaborate on similar priorities and strategic objectives,” they said.
NQPHN would like to thank individuals and providers for welcoming us into their community and for sharing how NQPHN can help residents living in the Torres Strait Islands live happier, healthier, longer lives.
