AS we move to celebrate NAIDOC Week from this Sunday it is fitting to tell the stories of those reaching out to help, particularly in the health field.
Mum-of-one and proud Wakka Wakka woman Courtney Daniels wants First Nations women to have the same positive birthing experience as she did.
So, after a decade in the finance and insurance sectors, Courtney, 28, embarked on a career change as an Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer (IHLO) – Women & Children.
Starting at Ipswich Hospital earlier this year Courtney is in training but plans to hit the ground running.
“When a child gets admitted to a ward that is when I will provide cultural and social well-being emotional support, or when mum has given birth,” she said.
“I will advocate for new and existing mums, helping patients understand what the doctors are saying to them and why it is important to stay in hospital and receive treatment.
I am there to culturally support and provide a helping hand to women and children, whether it is guiding the patients to programs within the hospital or out in community.
“I will help them navigate through those avenues and make sure I am there for mum and baby.” Courtney is passionate about helping her community and is keen to be a role model for her people.
“I am passionate about my culture. I still go up and visit family and am active in my Ipswich community. I have always been a community person and I am here to help our people,” she said.
Jaghu runs clinics from 8am to 4pm, Monday to Friday, at Bremer Medical Centre, Building F, 11 Salisbury Rd, Ipswich.
