Les Coe, Health Child Safe Coordinator, Office of the Children’s Guardian, Jill Wong, Child Safe executive co-sponsor Director Integrated Care, Allied Health and Community Services, and Stewart Dowrick, Chief Executive, MNCLHD.

MNCLHD marks its commitment as a Child Safe Organisation

Sep 02, 2024

Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD) is committed to being a Child Safe Organisation and implementing the 10 Child Safe Standards.

The Standards were recommended as a framework by the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse to make organisations safer for children (aged under 18 years).  

To celebrate the commencement of a partnership approach between MNCLHD and the Office of the Children’s Guardian (OCG), OCG Health Child Safe Coordinator Les Coe visited sites across the district in late August. Les met with staff, managers and senior leaders to share information and learn about local services and initiatives across the Mid North Coast.

Reflecting on the visit, Les shared some of his highlights which included;

• Meeting with MNCLHD Chief Executive, Stewart Dowrick and Child Safe executive co-sponsor Director Integrated Care, Allied Health and Community Services, Jill Wong.
• Viewing First Nations artwork throughout the Bowraville and Macksville MNCLHD sites and hearing how children, young people and their families have been involved across design and development. It was noted that children and their families often feel safer in services that reflect the communities they serve.
• Visiting cultural spaces across Port Macquarie, Macksville and Coffs Harbour sites and meeting MNCLHD Aboriginal staff members focused on facilitating safer interactions with health services.
• Observing the commitment of clinicians to advocate for the best interests of children and young people by creating innovative spaces including:  
  • The outdoor area at Elimatta House provides a choice in how and where children and families engage with services.
  • Coffs Harbour Paediatric Emergency where children are kept separate from the sights and sounds of the adult emergency department. Additionally, the unique localised artwork which may comfort children in an otherwise unfamiliar hospital space at what may be a stressful time.
  • The proactive and innovative approach of the Port Macquarie paediatric ward with many projects focused on improving patient experience.
  • The New Street service pilot of a Child Safe Risk Management tool.
• Meeting staff who, while working primarily with adults, understand the importance of considering the safety of children and young people who visit MNCLHD sites or encounter MNCLHD staff.

To learn more about the Child Safe Standards please visit the NSW Health Child Safe Hub or contact Jody Clayton (MNCLHD Child Protection and Child Wellbeing Co-ordinator) E: jody.clayton@health.nsw.gov.au