Brona Manson (a previously mentioned Irish nurse) has been a practice nurse with the Mildura Aboriginal Health Service for about two and a half years. The service area extends to Robinvale, Swan Hill, Balranald and Dareton (NSW) all who have satellite clinics. Along with her many varied practice nurse duties (every one always seems to need Brona) her main role is supporting indigenous clients with chronic disease including respiratory patients.
Brona carries out “puffer”education with patients and conducts spirometry tests if needed but also utilizes the monthly visiting service offered by Regional Respiratory Medicine. Dr Bradbeer has been consulting at MAHS for the past 18 months along with a respiratory scientist and sometimes practice nurse (which is how I got to meet Brona).
Sleep medicine is a fairly recent service at the clinic. If indicated patients will undergo a home sleep study. Brona or another nurse will visit the patient in their home early in the evening to ‘wire’ them up, and then return to collect the equipment the following day. Downloaded information from the study is then sent to the sleep scientist in Hamilton to be analyzed and reported on. Patients also have access to CPAP (continuous positive airway pressure) machines if required. Brona will fit the patient with a mask, educate them on the use of the machine and offer follow up support as needed. A new area for her too she tells me, so is learning as she goes.
Brona says the biggest challenge to the Health Service is getting clients to attend the clinic even though a pick up and drop off service is provided to assist with access. According to Brona there are many indigenous clients in the community with respiratory or sleep problems who could benefit from the visiting specialist service offered by RRM. A somewhat disjointed referral system and non attendance at appointments means the service is probably not fully utilized. Patients who do attend seem very grateful for the expert care.
Irene Hill
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