Access to quality care shouldn’t depend on where you live. That’s why NNSWLHD’s diabetes services work closely with Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) to provide on-the-ground support for those who need it most.
The Tweed Diabetes Service was recognised with a Quality Award in 2024 for its A Sweet Partnership – Paediatric Diabetes Outreach, an AMS initiative. It is led by Clinical Nurse Specialist Diabetes Catherine Smith, Tweed Valley Hospital Paediatrician Dr Kim Farage, and Practice Manager at Bugalwena General Practice Debbie Clarke.
“This program delivers essential paediatric diabetes care directly into AMS clinics, ensuring children receive timely, specialised treatment,” Catherine said.
Similar partnerships to that at Tweed are being nurtured across the District, with great results.
The Casino Diabetes Service has built strong ties with Bulgarr Ngaru AMS, where Sonia Fawdry, CNC1 Diabetes, Casino Community Health, leads in-reach clinics and has played a key role in training AMS clinicians on continuous glucose monitoring. She also works closely with the Aboriginal Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS).
“I work closely with the AMIHS midwife to achieve best possible outcomes for women with diabetes,” Sonia said.
“I’ve provided training to Casino AMS clinicians in continuous glucose monitoring which helps to improve glycaemic control for clients with diabetes.”
Elsewhere, the Ballina Diabetes Service has recently started in-reach clinics with Bullinah AMS, expanding local access to diabetes management. Caroline McDowell, Transitional Nurse Practitioner, said the in-reach service provided an important opportunity to integrate care between the AMS and hospital-based services.
“It has really strengthened collaboration and fostered partnerships with the AMS staff and Bullinah clients and in this way helps to provide accessible, culturally safe care and follow-up for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander clients in the Ballina region,” Caroline said.
The Clarence Diabetes Service maintains close relationships with diabetes educators at Bulgarr Ngaru AMS in Grafton and Maclean, further strengthening community-based care.
These collaborations ensure that diabetes services are accessible, practical and responsive to the needs of vulnerable communities. By working alongside AMS providers, we’re helping people receive the care they need, where they need it.
Diabetes services, which include educators and dietitians, provide clinics at:
- Tweed Valley Hospital
- Murwillumbah Community Health
- Byron Central Hospital (Community Health)
- Ballina Community Health
- Lismore Base Hospital (Community Health)
- Casino Community Health
- Multi-Purpose Sites
- Evans Head (outreach clinic)
- Maclean/Iluka/Yamba Community Health
- Grafton Ambulatory Care Centre.
Clinical Nurse Consultant – Diabetes, Community and Allied Health Michelle Culhane said inreach services catered for patients of all ages.
“We provide in-reach to the hospitals for inpatients and offer services across the lifespan, from paediatrics, adolescents, adults and to the elderly, and include diabetes in pregnancy,” Michelle said.
“High risk foot clinics are based at Tweed, Lismore and Grafton hospitals which are coordinated by three highly dedicated podiatrists.”
National Diabetes Week runs from 13-19 July 2025, and Diabetes Australia is working towards a future where diabetes can do no harm.
Pictured:
Tracey Maisey Michelle Culhane and Tammy Reeves accepting their 2024 Quality Award on behalf of Catherine Smith