The Aboriginal Cancer Care Coordinator is part of a pilot program which aims to improve cultural safety and treatment outcomes for Aboriginal people with cancer.
The program seeks to reduce the challenges that Aboriginal people may experience in accessing and engaging with cancer treatment and services, including cultural, social and practical barriers that often impede access to the health care system.
For the past 11 years, Emma has worked in health care, providing home care services for Aboriginal people, first as a care worker then moving into administration.
“Working in home care I found that I had such great relationships with my clients, and even working in administration you still got to build that same rapport over the phone,” said Emma.
“I had a period of maternity leave and when I came back, I just had this feeling that administration wasn’t enough for me anymore.
“Having a baby is hard, that’s for sure, but it changes your perspective. I was really eager for a challenge, I wanted to do more.
“And then, next thing you know, this perfect role came along, and I got it!”
Emma has also trained as an Enrolled Nurse and had a chance to spend time in rural hospitals on practical placements.
“One of the things that really interested me from prac is how patients just come out of the woodwork. It made me realise how hesitant people can be to speak up when something is not right with them, and I started thinking about how many people might be out there in the community who may not be accessing the health care they need.
“So, when this role came along, I thought of those people. We know that with cancer the earlier people can be diagnosed the better their outcomes can be. So, I want those people sitting at home to come and see me, because I can help you.”
Part of Emma’s role will also be to promote the benefits of prevention and screening, so she is encouraging anyone who might have worries to come and see her.
“I want people to know that someone is here who will listen to you and help you. Come and see me, we can have a yarn and I can point you in the right direction or come to an appointment with you,” Emma said.
Emma is part of a team that includes a social worker, and care coordinators who specialise in breast and prostate cancer. The team also work closely with MLHD’s Genetic Counsellor.
“Cancer can affect all parts of your life, not just your health so we also have a social worker who you can talk to about things like finances and carer responsibilities.
“Having family members with cancer, that can cause a lot of worry so we also have a genetic counsellor, she can go into your family history which is important for Aboriginal people.”
As a local who has lived in Wagga Wagga her whole life, Emma is sure to be a familiar face for many.
“My family have been around here for 40 years or so, but we came from all over the place - my grandmother is Dunghutti from Nambucca, and my dad is from Darlington Point, he is part of the stolen generation. We all just came together here, and we’ve stayed. A lot of people know me, so hopefully that will help people to feel comfortable coming to see me, or telling their friends about what I do and how I can help.”
Emma can be contacted Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm on 0475 896 999, or by email emma.hickey2@health.nsw.gov.au.
