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New role to champion health of Indigenous community

A new chapter for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health advancement has started at West Moreton Health.

Kimina Andersen has been appointed to the new role of Director Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health to lead improvements in health outcomes for the Indigenous community.

Ms Andersen, a qualified social worker, is an experienced executive manager with expertise in leading Indigenous health projects, including in mental health, forensic mental health and workforce planning and development.

She said she hoped her appointment to the new role would encourage more people to share ideas about how health care could be delivered better, as well as to highlight any barriers or gaps in care needs.

“I have lived experience of the social and cultural obstacles faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” she said.

“I want Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander groups and individuals here in West Moreton to know that I am here to be a voice for them.”

Having both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage, Ms Andersen has ties to Eastern Cape York and Darnley Island on her maternal side, and paternal ties to the North Burnett region.

Ms Andersen said an immediate priority was ensuring West Moreton Health’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic was appropriate to the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, a vulnerable population group.

She said West Moreton Health had implemented some great programs, including the Deadly Steps Program, Welcome Baby to Community and work to support clinic attendance, while West Moreton Health was also among the first to train Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers as contact tracers for the COVID-19 response.

“I am keen to evaluate our current programs so we can better understand what is working well and share that so others can benefit too.

“It is also important that we have clear understanding across the health service, and between our health partners, on referral pathways to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.’’

West Moreton Health chief executive Dr Kerrie Freeman said there had been an extensive recruitment process, and significant input from West Moreton Health staff and community, to create the new role.

“There was much anticipation about Kimina’s appointment, and we are excited for her to join the West Moreton family,” Dr Freeman said.

“One of my passions is about delivering equity in health care because we understand a one-size-fits-all approach does not achieve the best health outcomes for everyone in the community.

“We already work closely with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of the community to better understand the needs of the community and work collaboratively to address those needs.

“Kimina’s appointment will provide further leadership and guidance on the strategic direction, policies and priorities to improve health outcomes for First Nations people.”

Dr Freeman said Ms Andersen has a place at the West Moreton Health executive table and provides advice to the chief executive, executive leadership team and the West Moreton Health Board.

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