Report of Operations - South West Alliance of Rural Health

Community Services Report23Maternity Services & Parent Support ProgramOtway Health runs a ParentSupport Program and this isenhanced by the services of theMaternal and Child Health Nursethat visits on Mondays fromColac Otway Shire. Our programencompasses:• Antenatal classes becominga star attraction for manymums and dads –to-be withthe more classes held thisyear than previous years.• Family meals – two familymeals for the whole family onyour return home after thebirth.• Home care – washing,cleaning, ironing.• Lactation consultant to helpwith advice on breastfeeding.• Postnatal midwife visits –one or two home visits asrequired.Almost all new borns in ApolloBay participated in the FamilyServices Program whether it beante-natal classes, post-natalclasses, delivered meals and/ordomestic service assistance.Family Services this yearconcentrated on linking in withother services at Otway Health tocreate a truly holistic experiencefor families and ensure that thejourney home for all new mumsand dads is an enjoyable one.Community health nurseThe Community Health Nurse(CHN) at Otway Health offersassessment, education andsupport to assist people livingwith or at risk of a chronic illness,with particular focus on diabetesand respiratory conditions suchas asthma and COPD. In 2010-2011the CHN continued to provideindividual counselling with anincreased number of clientsattending for health coachingfocusingon making healthylifestyle changes to decreasethe risk of, or manage a chroniccondition. The CHN also furtherdeveloped programs such as theWorkHealth Program, communityasthma education and the Lifediabetesprevention program.These programs address someof the contributing factors withinour community that lead tochronic illness.In 2011-2012 the CHN will increasethe capacity of the servicethrough the introduction of asmoking cessation clinic. Tobaccouse itself is a complex chroniccondition. Contrary to popularbelief, quitting smoking takesa lot more than willpower. Thenew clinic will work with peopleindividually to explore effectiveways to manage their addictionthrough both behavioural andpharmacological (patches, gumetc) means. GP support will beencouraged.The CHN is available Monday-Thursday and appointmentscan be made through reception.Keep an eye out for upcomingcommunity presentations andevents. Alternatively, you can callher on 5237 8574 or drop into theCommunity Services building.