HEALTH SERVICE TAKES ON OBESITY
THE GOLD Coast Health service has become the first in the state to take a major step to combat the growing number of obese locals presenting at its doors.
Appointed Queensland’s first Obesity Nurse Navigator in December, the Gold Coast University Hospital’s Justine Burtenshaw is carving out a new form of care, tasked with helping some of the city’s most overweight.
The health service sees more than 17,000 patients whose weight is impacting on their health annually, with one in five local children experiencing being overweight or obese.
Battling what she believes is the nation’s next biggest health emergency, Ms Burtenshaw leads patients through the maze of appointments and specialists, working to translate medical jargon.
“I am a straight-up person, we put it all out on the table because I want them to feel comfortable about talking about obesity like any other chronic disease,” Ms Burtenshaw told the Bulletin.
“Basically, it is my job to take the elephant out of the room and instead speak about it directly.”
“We see the Coast as a healthy city but a lot of the people I work with are afraid to leave their home, one because of the stigma, how people speak to them as a second grade person.”
“With a nurse navigator they have one direct line of communication.”
Facing her own weight battles Ms Burtenshaw said patients were able to open to with her.
“I am a Maori woman, originally from New Zealand. Traditionally, food is the centre of attention in my culture, so I believe cultural differences, lifestyle and family background also need to be engaged with.”
“Obesity also doesn’t discriminate with age – we are now treating people in their 30s and 40s”
Since Ms Burtenshaw's appointment, two Brisbane hospitals have followed her lead.
“In two years time it is my vision is to have a whole obesity service for the health service, including psychology and dietitians, and physios.
“Everything possible to give the best service to those who need it.”
Today is World Obesity Day, which aims to change the narratives and stigma around obesity globally in co-ordination with national and regional efforts.
Obesity now affects 650 million people worldwide.