SLHD Year in Review 2011/12 - Sydney Local Health District - NSW ...

these 47 per cent (8) completed the six-week program,
12 per cent (2) attended three to four sessions and 41
per cent (7) attended one session. This pilot program
was presented at National Indigenous Drug and Alcohol
Conference June 2012.
• Perinatal Services support pregnant women who
have drug dependence issues. About 70 per cent of
Aboriginal babies born to mothers in the program had
a birth weight greater than 2700 grams and 53 per
cent of mothers were engaged in treatment prior to 20
weeks gestation.
• The Handbook for Aboriginal Alcohol and Drug Work
was developed by Professor Kate Conigrave as part of
a research project and in partnership with Aboriginal
Medical Service Redfern, University of Sydney and
Aboriginal Drug and Alcohol Council of South Australia.
The handbook was designed for Aboriginal health
professionals working with Aboriginal clients and
provides a comprehensive background of drug and
alcohol and related health issues.
Tobacco Cessation Clinic
• Drug Health Service has provided specialist tobacco
cessation services since 1997. It targets those with a
high nicotine dependence who have unsuccessfully tried
to quit smoking; and high risk groups such as pregnant
women and Aboriginal people. Well connected to
other services within Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, it
receives referrals of high-risk clients from mental health,
maternity and cardiology services.
• In the last financial year 140 people received tobacco
cessation services.
THE YEAR AHEAD
• Drug Health Services will re-evaluate the
implementation of the Smoke Free Environment
Policy in Drug Health Services inpatient wards and will
undertake a comprehensive evaluation of the Drug
Health Services Aboriginal Women’s Group.
20 SYDNEY LOCAL HEALTH DISTRICT 2011/12 REVIEW