Times up ... well almost. There's still a bit to do before we fly out. I'm going on an outstation visit to Fossil Head. Joy will scratch at the mountain of yet-to-do health reviews and management plans.
It's Stuart's last day as well. He has been the clinic manager as well as a Remote Area Nurse for the last year or so. He's open about it being a tough time, and he's ready to go. We've looked around at the other staff here who we have got to know, but really hardly know at all. For some, the crusty exterior protects against the all too frequent coming and going of new staff. There are ideas about how to increase ownership by local people, but no-one really knows how to implement them. It's particularly hard when the wage for a Health Worker is much the same as the unemployment payments. It doesn't even seem to be clear where the policies and directions for the clinic and health work here are made.
We're sad to leave. This has been a rich and challenging experience.
We are already planning our next locum here. Wadeye has got under our skin.
Friday, 9 September 2011
Tuesday, 6 September 2011
The Long Grass
We'd never heard about going long grass before coming here. It's a colloquial term meaning absconding to drink grog. People stay in the long grass. In a dry community, it's a real issue for those going to Darwin. It's a big temptation to have a few drinks...
Do you remember "Bruce"? He has been sick, mostly because he has had rheumatic fever in the past, and a heart affected by alcohol over the years. He has been struggling. His younger brother came to see me about him. This brother is a big bloke, and has a commanding presence. He has been able to avoid grog, and felt so strongly as a 23 year old, nicked a front end loader from the shire depot and bulldozed the back of the pub. (The shell of the pub still stands - the ultimate pub with no beer.) This brother's advice was that Bruce would find a trip to Darwin a strong call to the long grass.
But what to do? His blood tests suggested a heart attack, and we needed to know what was going on. Lots of talk later, he did go, and managed for a while. Last Thursday he wasn't in the ward that he was meant to be in, and was no where to be found.
Bruce's wife is delightful. She has been dropping in a couple of times each day, anxious that I might be upset with him. She suggested a family meeting. "OK, 11am on Tuesday."
Today at about 10.45, she came in saying there was a mob outside for the meeting. With one of the nurses, I sat with 20-25, mostly women and children. We took over the education room. Two blokes sat at the side. It was a fun time of talk, laughs and a few tears. Most of the talk was MurrinhPatha. One bloke wandered in at 11, annoyed that no-one woke him up in time. We decided together that we would look after "Bruce" the best we could in Wadeye. After about 30 minutes of talk, something happened and everyone got up and left.
I asked later what was the talk about the meeting. Apparently they think that "Bruce" must have cancer! How did that happen? I guess I have a bit to learn!
And "Bruce"? He was found today and is back in hospital. I think.
Do you remember "Bruce"? He has been sick, mostly because he has had rheumatic fever in the past, and a heart affected by alcohol over the years. He has been struggling. His younger brother came to see me about him. This brother is a big bloke, and has a commanding presence. He has been able to avoid grog, and felt so strongly as a 23 year old, nicked a front end loader from the shire depot and bulldozed the back of the pub. (The shell of the pub still stands - the ultimate pub with no beer.) This brother's advice was that Bruce would find a trip to Darwin a strong call to the long grass.
But what to do? His blood tests suggested a heart attack, and we needed to know what was going on. Lots of talk later, he did go, and managed for a while. Last Thursday he wasn't in the ward that he was meant to be in, and was no where to be found.
Bruce's wife is delightful. She has been dropping in a couple of times each day, anxious that I might be upset with him. She suggested a family meeting. "OK, 11am on Tuesday."
Today at about 10.45, she came in saying there was a mob outside for the meeting. With one of the nurses, I sat with 20-25, mostly women and children. We took over the education room. Two blokes sat at the side. It was a fun time of talk, laughs and a few tears. Most of the talk was MurrinhPatha. One bloke wandered in at 11, annoyed that no-one woke him up in time. We decided together that we would look after "Bruce" the best we could in Wadeye. After about 30 minutes of talk, something happened and everyone got up and left.
I asked later what was the talk about the meeting. Apparently they think that "Bruce" must have cancer! How did that happen? I guess I have a bit to learn!
And "Bruce"? He was found today and is back in hospital. I think.
Sunday, 4 September 2011
Old Mission, and Nimbi beach
Yesterday we explored some more. It's been great to have the use of one of the clinic cars after hours (it's used for clinic work during the day and we keep it at our place overnight and weekends). So 5 of us went out- we took Dan (med student) and a couple who've just come back after 2 years away. They lived here long enough to learn some MurinhPatha and make some significant relationships.
They took us to Old Mission, which is a small outstation on the beach. We sat under a tree with the traditional owners Anthony and Benigna, some kids, a cat and dogs. Anthony told with great enjoyment a story of some Indonesian fishermen who landed on his beach looking lost: "What island is this?". "Australia" was met with disbelief. They told stories of the mission's early days on that site. There's a pure white memorial statue of Mary and baby Jesus, reminding visitors of the strong Catholic involvement. Benigna is very devout, and has one room in her house as a dedicated prayer room. We wandered on the beach, then drove along to Nimbi, looking for nautilus shells along the way.
Tim is doing great at 4 wheel driving! It was amazing driving along the beach - low tide, a big expanse of firm sand. A creek to cross (I missed the photo unfortunately, but took another of a smaller creek). Nimbi is not far from our other beach BBQ spots: round the point and sheltered. It's a beautiful bush setting, and there's even a picnic table! We had a great walk across the tidal wet sand, and enjoyed a BBQ and chat. Brin is working as a RAN (remote area nurse) again, and Sarah, also a RAN, is doing a PhD about traditional birth practices. It was quite dark when we left, and the tide coming in. We drove home on bush tracks, connecting with the "main" road to the beach.
They took us to Old Mission, which is a small outstation on the beach. We sat under a tree with the traditional owners Anthony and Benigna, some kids, a cat and dogs. Anthony told with great enjoyment a story of some Indonesian fishermen who landed on his beach looking lost: "What island is this?". "Australia" was met with disbelief. They told stories of the mission's early days on that site. There's a pure white memorial statue of Mary and baby Jesus, reminding visitors of the strong Catholic involvement. Benigna is very devout, and has one room in her house as a dedicated prayer room. We wandered on the beach, then drove along to Nimbi, looking for nautilus shells along the way.
Tim is doing great at 4 wheel driving! It was amazing driving along the beach - low tide, a big expanse of firm sand. A creek to cross (I missed the photo unfortunately, but took another of a smaller creek). Nimbi is not far from our other beach BBQ spots: round the point and sheltered. It's a beautiful bush setting, and there's even a picnic table! We had a great walk across the tidal wet sand, and enjoyed a BBQ and chat. Brin is working as a RAN (remote area nurse) again, and Sarah, also a RAN, is doing a PhD about traditional birth practices. It was quite dark when we left, and the tide coming in. We drove home on bush tracks, connecting with the "main" road to the beach.
Saturday, 3 September 2011
The Town of Wadeye
The buildup is starting. Last week the Top End had its hottest days this year. Everything is dry. No-one talks about the weather here, as each day is the same. Well, almost. People are starting to think towards the wet season. There's lots to do before then. Travel by car is impossible from November. All the flat areas will apparently be under water. Hard to imagine at the minute. The red dust, dry grass and more dust tell another story.
Wadeye (the locals say "wod-air" ) has a reputation. Like anything, no-one notices this part of the world until there is a Problem. Sadly, the reports of the last 10 years have been stories of unrest, intervention, failed policies and unfavourable statistics. That's not what we have seen though. There is still Judas Priest and Evil Warriors graffiti, reminding residents of high tension, particularly between the two gangs styled on heavy metal rock bands. While there might be unrest around the fringes, there are lots of positives happening that don't get reported.
It must have been tough at times. If you are interested, a good article to read is:
It must have been tough at times. If you are interested, a good article to read is:
http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/features/a-town-like-wadeye/story-e6frg8h6-1111114787006
We have heard stories of the fights on the footy oval condoned and even arranged to relieve tension. After an 18 year old was shot by the police in 2002, troubles have flared at times. The clinic nurses who have been around for a while tell stories of evacuations of all the white people, being confined to their houses, and frightening experiences like trying to drive the ambulance and being surrounded by 200 -300 people jostling the vehicle. They have learnt that if the women and children go bush, they need to be alert. We have heard from one person who counts 7 break-ins in to her home during her time here.
With all of that, each day has given a glimpse of another picture. The way the community cares for an unpredictably psychotic man, the depth of feeling when a diagnosis of cancer comes back from the Royal Darwin Hospital, the tolerance of locals of white people representing a dominant and sometimes demanding culture. We have spent time with one white couple who never lock their house and have never had a problem. Yesterday we met Boniface Perdjit. He is a Traditional Owner of the local area, and is Australia's first married Catholic deacon. He's a gentle, wise man who mirrors peace with a twinkle in his eye. One hardened white fella said of him that Boniface's brand of religion is almost enough to make him follow Jesus' teachings.
We are recognising people enough to have a yarn outside the store or in the street. We're still not exactly sure what the role of doctors should be, but we are glad we are here.
We have heard stories of the fights on the footy oval condoned and even arranged to relieve tension. After an 18 year old was shot by the police in 2002, troubles have flared at times. The clinic nurses who have been around for a while tell stories of evacuations of all the white people, being confined to their houses, and frightening experiences like trying to drive the ambulance and being surrounded by 200 -300 people jostling the vehicle. They have learnt that if the women and children go bush, they need to be alert. We have heard from one person who counts 7 break-ins in to her home during her time here.
With all of that, each day has given a glimpse of another picture. The way the community cares for an unpredictably psychotic man, the depth of feeling when a diagnosis of cancer comes back from the Royal Darwin Hospital, the tolerance of locals of white people representing a dominant and sometimes demanding culture. We have spent time with one white couple who never lock their house and have never had a problem. Yesterday we met Boniface Perdjit. He is a Traditional Owner of the local area, and is Australia's first married Catholic deacon. He's a gentle, wise man who mirrors peace with a twinkle in his eye. One hardened white fella said of him that Boniface's brand of religion is almost enough to make him follow Jesus' teachings.
We are recognising people enough to have a yarn outside the store or in the street. We're still not exactly sure what the role of doctors should be, but we are glad we are here.
Friday, 2 September 2011
Friday snippets
I'm sad to report that the yoghurt took 24 hours to set this week. But at least it set..
It's been a funny day today, yesterday too - the clinic has been really quiet. Lots of people have gone to Daly River for the Daly River festival. More dodgem cars, music. It's probably good the clinic was quiet - we've had computer problems for the last 2 days, needing to log off frequently for re-setting the password. It's hard to get 8 or more clinicians to log off at once! "Just finish what you're doing and LOG OFF". It seems to be sorted now.
I've been able to finish the health assessments at the aged care home, where "Mary" lives. I've really enjoyed getting to know these women with so much life experience, so different from mine. One can hardly speak, but is able to communicate by slight head movements, and smiles. It's lovely to see the staff care for her so well, and her family too. Another lady is 95, and the mother of the traditional owner of the area here (Wadeye, and also Air Force Hill). We met him yesterday. He's a wise and caring man, carrying quite a load of responsibility. "Mary" is still alive, but seems to be deteriorating.
We're looking forward to the weekend, and planning more exploring, hoping to repeat the damper & BBQ. No swimming though: Tim heard from someone that nowhere's safe... glad we didn't know that last weekend! We'll walk on the beach with great care & eyes peeled for crocs.
The countryside is very dry, and grass in our own yard looked almost dead. But it's amazing how it's become green after a couple of days of watering.. there's lots of water here, and sprinklers are going all the time. It keeps the dust down too. Watering the lawn has been another adjustment.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)