Cherbourg ENT

This project has evolved from a small-scale feasibility study in 2007 to a fully integrated community-owned and run ear health screening service.

First Nations health workers from the Cherbourg community are trained and provided with a fully equipped vehicle. The health workers travel to forty schools in the South Burnett region providing routine ear health screening of local children. Our Brisbane-based ENT surgeon performs a telehealth review of otoscopic images and hearing tests captured by the health workers. Appropriate referral to local GPs or specialist outreach services ensures treatment for kids when ear disease is identified.

The COH is responsible for ongoing evaluation of the health outcomes and economics of this novel approach to providing ear health services to First Nations children in Queensland.