Community
5 November, 2024
History made as Louise steps up to get accredited
Louise Gilbey is now a Credentialled Diabetes Educator.
North West Hospital and Health Service’s Louise Gilbey has become the first Aboriginal Health Practitioner in Australia to qualify as a Credentialled Diabetes Educator.
A proud Alwayarre Aboriginal woman, Louise’s role will help in building trust and cultural support for First Nations peoples accessing healthcare.
Born in Mount Isa, Louise said her journey began 23 years ago, previously working in diabetes and other chronic health condition prevention and management.
“Health management has always been where my passion lies, having the belief that providing people a good understanding of their health issues gives people the chance to make informed decisions when it comes to their own health,” she said.
As an Aboriginal Health Worker, Louise said her role involved assisting patients with chronic diseases or complex medical concerns by helping them navigate their health journey including providing support and advocacy and overcoming barriers to accessing health care.
“I’m an Aboriginal health worker, I believe we have the natural ability of talking and yarning in a way that suits the individual and community,” she said.
Working within Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander primary health care and community services for the past two decades, both in the North West and Alice Springs, Louise has seen the effects of living with chronic illnesses.
“Through my job, my own health journey, and through the community, I have seen how chronic illnesses can impact patients and their families, this being the reason I decided to become a diabetes educator,” Louise said.
“Being able to educate the community with confidence by completing the certificate of diabetes and management has always been a dream of mine, getting credentialled as a diabetes educator is a huge milestone and goal for me that I am very proud of.
“Seeing a First Nations healthcare professional when they arrive at the hospital will make a significant difference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, I can see them and understand family and my community.”
Louise’s goal is to expand her work in the diabetes space and utilise her new credentials to enhance diabetes education and prevention for remote North West communities.