Pregnant women and new mums in Cape York now have access to even better cultural care after the appointment of a First Nations social worker.
Skye Wilson joined the Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Maternal, Child and Family Health Care team last year.
She is a proud Aboriginal woman with cultural links to the Kokatha and Wirangu people in South Australia.
Ms Wilson is based in Cairns and as part of her role she will visit women and their families in communities, but also support women when they travel to Cairns to give birth.
She will be able to support families around areas such as domestic violence, mental health and substance abuse.
“I am there to support women and their families through hard times and connect them to services if they wish,” she said.
“I’m also there to advocate for them as well as these women are already vulnerable being away from community.”
Ms Wilson, who grew up in Adelaide, said she saw firsthand how the effects of drugs and alcohol could affect families.
“I’m passionate about keeping my people healthy and strong and empowering us,” she said.
“For me, if I can be a mentor and show people there is more out there for them, that is something I really enjoy.”
The Torres and Cape HHHS established the Maternity, Child and Family Health Care team last year to work in collaboration with existing services to deliver a comprehensive visiting outreach services to communities across Cape York.
The team includes Maternal, Child and Family Midwifery Consultants and First Nations Health Workers and is integrated with the Midwifery Navigation Service, which is a component of the health service’s broader, highly successful Nurse Navigator program.