A Gold Coast Health service supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families has expanded with a move to a larger facility in Nerang.
The Waijungbah Jarjums service has relocated to Cotton Street, creating a one-stop community service offering continuity of care from pregnancy through to a child’s fifth year.
More than 3,000 patients have accessed the service since it began in 2019, with around 140 births supported each year.
The expanded facility will continue providing antenatal and postnatal care, hypnobirthing courses and child health assessments. It will also introduce a dedicated gynaecology clinic and cervical screening service, expected to benefit more than 500 women each year.
The new services aim to improve participation in preventative healthcare, increase screening uptake and support earlier identification and treatment of reproductive health conditions.
Clinical Nurse Consultant Lacey Richmond said culturally safe care was important in helping families feel comfortable accessing healthcare.
The expanded service is designed to support women’s social, emotional, cultural and spiritual wellbeing while building trust and encouraging early engagement with health services.
Acting Midwifery Unit Manager Megan Jenkins said the new Nerang location would strengthen the team’s ability to provide continuity of care, health promotion and early intervention.
The expansion supports Gold Coast Health’s commitment to Closing the Gap and improving health equity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Image source: goldcoast.health.qld.gov.au