Eli McGuire, Jacqueline Smith, Kate Skinner, Symone Lyndsay, Mel Ricketts, Sue Rogers, Tash, BriEllen Fussell, Ashley Flannery.

Training days empower AMIHS staff in Coffs and Port

Jun 26, 2024

Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service (AMIHS) staff and other health professionals were recently provided with two training sessions to enhance their knowledge and confidence in engaging with pregnant patients around healthy lifestyle advice and services.

The training sessions, delivered by the MNCLHD Health Promotion team, focused on building the capacity of staff who work with pregnant women, to promote the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service and to address smoking and vaping as part of routine care.

Nine staff members participated in the sessions, held in Port Macquarie and Coffs Harbour.

Participants included professionals from AMIHS, the Substance Use in Pregnancy and Parenting Service (SUPPS) and Health Promotion.

The training sessions included an update from Health Promotion Officer BriEllen Fussell about the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service, including the recent service enhancements and how they complement the clinical care of pregnant women.

Aboriginal Community Lead from the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service, Sharmaine Smith, provided valuable insights into the enhancements including the addition of Aboriginal phone coaches, and how the Service can support pregnant Aboriginal women with their health goals.

State-Wide Smoking Cessation Trainer from St Vincent’s Hospital, Tracey Greenberg, presented the latest evidence to support pregnant women who smoke and vape during pregnancy, including comprehensive training in using a CO2 Monitor (Smokerlyzer) and the use of nicotine replacement therapy in pregnancy.

Quitline Aboriginal Community Engagement Officer Katrina Ikonomou also joined and provided an update on Quitline moving in-house to the Cancer Institute NSW, who can access Quitline, the increased support available for e-cigarette use and referral pathways.

All presenters equipped participants with the latest information and strategies to support Aboriginal pregnant women effectively.

The training sessions were well-received, with participants expressing increased confidence in their ability to discuss the Get Healthy in Pregnancy Service and tackle issues related to smoking and vaping with their patients.

For more information on these healthy pregnancy initiatives please visit the Clinical Resource intranet page on Smoking and Vaping or Get Healthy in Pregnancy.

For education on smoking and vaping cessation, contact Melinda Ricketts Melinda.Ricketts@health.nsw.gov.au

For information on Get Healthy in Pregnancy, contact BriEllen Fussell briellen.fussell@health.nsw.gov.au

For information on Get Healthy Service contact Kylie Bigeni kylie.bigeni@health.nsw.gov.au