CheckUP supports and encourages Outreach service providers to collect patient feedback. Information sourced from patients is incredibly valuable in supporting quality improvement of health services, enhancing patient experience & engagement, as well as identifying trends and patterns. 

All contracted Outreach service providers are supplied with various resources to assist with the collection of patient feedback, making it easy to source valuable input from patients.

One of the many focuses for Outreach services across Queensland is providing quality care that is closer to home, as this continues to still be a challenge for people living in rural and remote areas.

In addition to collecting information from the patient about their experience of the health service, we also ask them what distance they travel to attend their Outreach appointment.

Surveying 802 patients from 2020 to now, we noted that patients travelled these distances to attend appointments:

We encourage all service providers to make gathering patient feedback a priority, so we can continue to work together to effectively create healthier communities and reduce health inequities.

Here are some quotes from the patients expressing their gratitude for services delivered closer to home.

Embracing the spectrum

Next week is Neurodiversity week. Neurodiversity week is a worldwide initiative designed to recognise and celebrate the strengths of people who are neurodiverse, while challenging the stereotypes and misconceptions that are associated with neurological differences.

CheckUP Outreach provider Laura Zimmerman, Director of Macintyre Health, recently shared her powerful personal story with us. Laura’s story emphasises the importance of understanding and embracing the strengths of individuals with neurodivergence.

Article originally shared in CheckUP’s IMPACT Magazine Vol. 1o

It was 1991 and I was six years old, standing next to my mother in her favourite jewellery store in our small suburban town when a woman  told her that I would struggle academically. “You will have to come to terms with it”, the woman told her. “She’s not smart. You will have to make plans for this. It’s not fair to you and it’s not fair to her.” My speech was delayed until I was eight years old. I have encountered numerous levels of stigma throughout my life – yet this comment, when I was six years old… never left me. Never underestimate the power of words.

I have only recently started discussing my synaesthesia. I work in diabetes and metabolic health – everything is graphs and numbers. My singular focus allowed me to achieve high marks in my post-graduation qualifications, start multiple businesses and run clinics across half of Australia. People living with autism or neurodivergence are more than their list of perceived deficits. When understood, we contribute greatly to the world around us.

As a business owner living with autism, ADHD, and dyslexia, I recognise that individuals with firsthand knowledge of their conditions are the true experts in their lives. Sharing my experiences with disability can help me help others overcome stigma – creating more inclusivity and compassion. Openness fosters understanding and acceptance and empowers others to share their stories. Together, we can build healthier, more vibrant communities that celebrate and support disability and neurodiversity.

Article originally shared in CheckUP’s IMPACT Magazine Vol. 1o

IMPACT Magazine Issue 10

This milestone tenth edition of IMPACT magazine, coincides with CheckUP’s 25th anniversary that took place in 2023.

For 25 years CheckUP has been dedicated to creating better health for people and communities who need it most. While our programs have diversified over the years, the work that is highlighted in this publication has one common thread that binds them all – the power of collaboration. The impact of our work stands as a testament to the collective efforts of our partners, members, and providers, who have all played a role in supporting health and well-being across Queensland.

In this edition you’ll find stories from across Queensland, from Cherbourg to Palm Island and all the way up to the Torres Strait! For us, IMPACT magazine is not just a publication; but a celebration of the people and communities who feature throughout these pages.

We hope you take time to read these stories and learn more about the wonderful work taking place.

You can read IMPACT below or download the PDF.

View PDF

Meet our team: Mary-Anne Quilter

Mary-Anne Quilter CheckUp’s Program Manager – Skin Cancer Early Detection, coordinates the Skin Cancer Early Detection (SCED) outreach service. Focusing on regional towns, the service aims to create fairer access to the professional assessment and treatment of skin cancer.

The SCED service not only facilitates skin cancer clinics across the state but is also facilitating 5 free upskilling workshops in 2024 for GPs living in rural, regional and remote Queensland. Covering essential skin cancer detection skills, workshops will be held in Mackay, Mount Isa, Rockhampton, Roma and Townsville. For more information or to register for a workshop please click here.

Below Mary-Anne shares a little about herself and the crucial role she plays in the CheckUP team.

Tell us a bit about what exciting projects you are currently working on?

I am currently working on a Skin Cancer Early Detection outreach service, which is being delivered in five Hospital and Health Services (HHS) regions across Queensland. The aim is to provide fairer access to the professional assessment and treatment of skin cancer for those living in rural and remote communities. In partnership with Queensland Health, we are also trying to improve awareness and knowledge of the five sun safe behaviours (slip, slop, slap, slide and seek) and confidence to conduct regular self or partner skin checks.

How long have you worked in the health sector? What were you doing prior to coming to CheckUP?

I have worked in the community services and health sectors for twenty years. This is actually my second time at CheckUP. Previously I managed delivery of the Tucka-Time program in six schools around the state, before moving into health workforce projects including development of the Choose Your Own Health Career website and the Health Gateway to Industry Schools program.

Prior to joining CheckUP, I worked for a mental health support and advocacy organisation, Mental Illness Fellowship Queensland (MIFQ). I have also worked for Anglicare Central Queensland, based in Biloela and the Bathurst Regional Council. In a previous life, I worked in HR for law firms, an investment bank and the Sydney Organising Committee for the Olympic Games.

What does a typical day look like for you?

This has varied largely since I started in this role. Initially, there was mapping of potential service locations, engagement with the HHSs and Primary Healthcare Networks (PHNs), and identifying potential service providers to deliver SCED clinics. During the contracting period, a lot of time was spent preparing costings and negotiating service schedules.

Now that we are halfway through the financial year, my focus now is more upon service monitoring and collating data from provider Outcome Reports as well as reporting in to our funding body and Steering and Advisory Committee meetings. Together with our engagement team, I am also organising a series of SCED upskilling workshops for GPs, which will be delivered in Townsville, Mackay, Rockhampton, Mount Isa and Roma in the coming months.

What aspect of your role do you enjoy the most?

Engagement – with both external and internal stakeholders. I like the personal connections you make and ensuring that everyone is kept in the loop and given the opportunity to provide input into what I’m doing. I also enjoy travelling to meet with stakeholders and see programs in action.

What are 3 words you would use to describe CheckUP?

Dynamic, diverse and adaptive.

Are there any major changes in the health sector or work that CheckUP undertakes that you have noticed since you started working with CheckUP?

Definitely diversification into new areas, such as health workforce. As an organisation, I think CheckUP over the last five years has also proactively sought to strengthen partnerships with longstanding supporters and to form new connections with other organisations. There are increasingly more opportunities to work collaboratively with others on new projects and initiatives.

What activities do you enjoy when you’re not working?

Bushwalking, outback road trips with the family, cooking and reading.

This program is made possible through funding from the Queensland Government.