Country Outreach
In recognition of the isolation of people living in country areas and the distance from CF Clinics, the organisation endeavours to provide extra services. These include:
- Visits to country areas by a social worker
- A freecall telephone service
- Educational seminars in country towns to provide up-to-date information on CF to doctors, allied health professionals, and the CF community.
In the Newcastle area, counselling services are provided by our Community Worker who liaises closely with the Paediatric and Adult CF Clinics at the John Hunter Hospital. Practical home support is provided by our part-time Family Support Worker.
Wagga Wagga March 13th
On March 13th eight families attended a clinic held by the team from The Children’s Hospital at Westmead: Dr Peter Cooper, Dr Karen McKay, Jennifer Follett, Sharon Hunt and Katie Stevens. Everyone commented on how much they appreciated the clinic team visiting on a regular basis which means they do not have to make the long journey to Sydney.
Armidale May 8th and 9th
Once again, the CF Clinic team from John Hunter Children’s Hospital was funded by CFNSW to organise a CF clinic in Armidale. The team was made up of two respiratory specialists - Jodi Hilton and Bruce Whitehead; a dietician - Denise Wong See; a physiotherapist – Rosie Day; a respiratory technician – Majella Maher; a clinical nurse consultant – Linda Cheese; and CFNSW’s Community Support Worker – Barbara Anderson.
The team first went to Armidale in 2005 and each successive annual visit has helped to reduce the stress placed on families who would otherwise have to travel long distances in order to attend clinic. The regional Clinic is now well established and accepted in the local community, and has served to strengthen alliances for both areas.
An added advantage this year for Owen Walmsley, one of our little school beginners was that Barbara Anderson and Linda Cheese travelled an extra 100 kilometres to Glen Innes Public School to talk to his teachers about CF. Our presentation was well received and will assist Owen’s assimilation into this delightful school.
We all look forward to the next regional Clinic which will be held in Tamworth in October.
Our thanks to State Street Foundation for supporting the Outreach Clinic Program.
