Outreach Kidney Transplant Yarning session for First Nations people of Queensland

Overview

Initiative type

Model of Care

Status

Plan

Published

03 August 2021

Summary


This Princess Alexandra Hospital model of care improves access and equity to patients who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander statewide, by providing culturally safe and appropriate education, face to face, on Country.

Key dates

Feb 2020

Implementation sites

Townsville / Mount Isa / Cherbourg / Toowoomba / Woorabinda / Rockhampton

Partnerships

HHSs and NGOs

Aim

  • increasing access and equity to kidney transplantation to patients.
  • increase numbers of referrals, and if suitable, get them transplanted.

Outcomes

  • cultural growth for Staff
  • empowerment for patients
  • building a trust and rapport between patients and staff
  • future growth into more communities - Torres and Cape, Cairns, South West, North West, Wide Bay, Brisbane and surrounds

Background

A clear need has been identified for a model of care to improve access and equity to kidney transplantation services to First Nations communities across the state.

Methods

  • laying cultural foundations for growth in care provision
  • face to face education on Country
  • clear communication in relation to health literacy

Discussion

  • results from surveys during sessions shows approach is effective
  • more referrals
  • more patients have been deemed suitable for transplantation
  • feedback from Community very positive

Lessons learnt

  • clear communication with stakeholders is important
  • simplicity
  • service needs to be On Country
  • face to face consultation is preferred
  • planning logistics with cultural influence a high priority

Key contact

Gary Torrens

Clinical Nurse Consultant

Metro South Hospital and Health Service

Email:  gary.torrens@health.qld.gov.au

Last updated: April 2025

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