Over the next six months, I'll be visiting the Fitzroy Valley regularly to conduct child health clinics. My first five-day trip has given me much to write about: outback characters, 360 degree horizons, isolation and the other country that seems to exist in Australia. This post focuses on a group of great people I hope to continue working with.
The Fitzroy Valley has one of the highest rates of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) in the world. 1 in 8 children are affected. It is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, which can result in the child having brain damage. Behaviour, thinking ability and performance of everyday tasks are usually affected. It is incredible that this preventable disability is so common in a first-world country, the extent was only appreciated when a study was published one year ago. There is some good news though: drinking in pregnancy is reducing, and the children can improve their thinking with appropriate therapy.
But how do you get teams of therapists to some of the most remote areas in Australia? A non-government organisation, Patches Paediatrics, is attempting this massive task. I met their team at a remote community school, and was surprised to see a physiotherapist, neuropsychologist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist and paediatrician working with the kids. The team works closely with the local community, and the whole process was very impressive. I'll meet them again next month, and I believe there's great potential for their healthcare model in rural childhood chronic disease.
For more information, have a look at this TED talk by the director of Patches Paediatrics.
The Fitzroy Valley has one of the highest rates of Fetal Alcohol Syndrome Disorder (FASD) in the world. 1 in 8 children are affected. It is caused by drinking alcohol during pregnancy, which can result in the child having brain damage. Behaviour, thinking ability and performance of everyday tasks are usually affected. It is incredible that this preventable disability is so common in a first-world country, the extent was only appreciated when a study was published one year ago. There is some good news though: drinking in pregnancy is reducing, and the children can improve their thinking with appropriate therapy.
But how do you get teams of therapists to some of the most remote areas in Australia? A non-government organisation, Patches Paediatrics, is attempting this massive task. I met their team at a remote community school, and was surprised to see a physiotherapist, neuropsychologist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist and paediatrician working with the kids. The team works closely with the local community, and the whole process was very impressive. I'll meet them again next month, and I believe there's great potential for their healthcare model in rural childhood chronic disease.
For more information, have a look at this TED talk by the director of Patches Paediatrics.
 |
| My nausea-inducing ride to one of the clinics |
The statistics seem frightening but you do add a little optimism; since the problem is now recognized and documented more can be done. Such a change will take a generation to effect but the will of medical professionals is there and being translated into action. If you can deal with the air sickness no doubt you will be able to achieve even more each time you visit Fitzroy! Kerry
ReplyDeleteGaj, I just watched the TEDx talk - what an incredible man and an incredible service and incredible vision. With such a well thought out (and truly) family focussed service (backed by private enterprise), I can only imagine how much difference they will make in the long term. Sadly though FASD is not limited to rural areas or Aboriginal communities. There was a recent program on Four Corners (Hidden Harm) where Dr Doug Sheldon (Community Paediatrican at Gold Coast) stated FASD was also affecting white middle class Australians - so, a pervasive problem. Doug made some interesting and surprising remarks about FAS and FASD on the program - worth a watch if you have the time. You have a wonderful opportunity of learning and a real potential to really make a difference in people's lives. Good for you.
ReplyDelete