Strengthening partnerships: St John of God Ballarat Hospital reconnect with Tonga Twinning Program

5 Dec 2023

Left to right: Dr Haydn Aarons, Nicole Ford, Carolyn Mornane

After a hiatus imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Tonga Twinning Program between St John of God Ballarat Hospital and Tonga's Ministry of Health has once again come to life. A dedicated team, including representatives from St John of God Ballarat Hospital - Carolyn Mornane and Nicole Ford, along with Dr. Haydn Aarons from the Australian Catholic University, embarked on a two-week trip to Tonga in October. This visit marked the team's first return to Tonga since 2019, reigniting their mission to support healthcare and well-being in the region.

Some of the key highlights from their journey included:

Wound care workshop | One of the central aspects of the visit was a three-day wound care workshop conducted in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Tonga's noncommunicable diseases (NCD) nurses from Vaiola Hospital. This workshop aimed to enhance wound care practices and empower healthcare professionals to provide better care to patients.

The team also extended their expertise to support diabetes clinics and community health centres across various Tongan regions, including Tongatapu and the outer island of Ha'apai. These engagements reinforced the commitment to community health and wellbeing.

Collaborative policy advancements | During their visit, the team also discussed updates to existing policies and procedures at Vaiola Hospital. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that healthcare practices align with the latest standards and provide optimal care to patients.

Data collection and management seminar | Another significant milestone was the data collection and management seminar, which brought together NCD nurses to enhance their data handling capabilities. Effective data management plays a crucial role in improving healthcare services.

Tonga Twinning Program Team’s first visit to Fusipala Hospital, Ha’apai

Fusipala hospital visit | The caregivers had the opportunity to visit Fusipala Hospital in Ha'apai for the first time, gaining insights into healthcare practices in different regions. These visits help in building a more comprehensive understanding of healthcare delivery.

Celebrating Dr. Saia Piukala | The trip was also an occasion to celebrate Dr. Saia Piukala, who has been appointed as the Regional Director of the Western Pacific WHO region. Dr. Piukala kindly acknowledged the presence of the St John of God Ballarat Hospital staff and the Tonga Twinning Program in his remarks. It was a heartwarming moment that highlighted the enduring partnerships formed over the years.

Event for Dr Saia Piukala being elected as the WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific Region

The visit was a reflection of the commitment of St John of God Ballarat Hospital's caregivers to support healthcare development in Tonga. By sharing knowledge, conducting workshops, and fostering collaborations, the team aims to make a positive impact on the healthcare landscape of Tonga.

We look forward to the ongoing success and future endeavours of the Tonga Twinning Program, guided by the spirit of compassion and collaboration.