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Meet an Outreach Practitioner: Kelly Stephenson
30th May 2024
Kelly Stephenson is a dietitian who has been conducting Outreach clinics in the Hunter region for over five years and has delivered over 3000 occasions of service. Through the Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP), RDN supports Kelly in delivering these valuable services to the Aboriginal communities on the Cessnock and Kurri Kurri areas. RDN is proud to feature Kelly and share her insights from her experiences in delivering outreach clinics.
Why did you decide to become an Outreach practitioner?
As an Aboriginal woman and an allied health professional, I am passionate about improving health outcomes in my community. Health equity is important and broadening access to services for Aboriginal people and those in rural areas is paramount to managing and preventing chronic disease.
Having Aboriginal practitioners working in all areas of healthcare improves equity and access, in culturally safe clinics.
How rewarding is it being an Outreach practitioner and why do you devote part of your working life to it?
Being an Outreach practitioner is rewarding, as health professionals we aim to help people improve their health, optimally control chronic conditions and make a difference to the local community. We feel like we are achieving better outcomes and are an important part of the health team. Feeling like you are appreciated by the clients and having a positive impact on their lives is a reason I enjoy outreach work.
If you were to tell a colleague or patient about Outreach’s work, how would you best describe it?
Outreach work can be challenging as services are often in high demand. The experience and varied caseload is invaluable. You will regularly be required to advocate on behalf of your clients with other services and professionals. The experience is both rewarding and gratifying, knowing you are making a difference to communities who need your expertise.
Why is Outreach vital for the health of those living in rural and remote communities?
Important health services are often not readily available in remote and rural areas. Everybody has a right to access health treatment and advice when needed, regardless of where you live. People living in remote areas often delay seeking treatment as it is more difficult with travel times and fewer clinic options.
The occupations of clients living in remote and rural areas are also often physically challenging and fickle. Therefore, having readily available access to health professionals improves the health of the client and often their families through education. Outreach services are a great opportunity for health professionals to develop their clinical and communication skills, with varied cases.
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