Jordanna Sami & Jesna Tanito Royal Adelaide Hospital staff
Thanks to support from the Australian Government’s Australia Awards Fellowship Program, made possible through funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), healthcare professionals in the Solomon Islands are building new skills, stronger networks and greater confidence to tackle one of the country’s growing health challenges, diabetic foot disease.
The fellowship, delivered by Interplast Australia & New Zealand, provided a unique opportunity for Solomon Islands clinicians to undertake specialist training in Australia, strengthening their clinical expertise while building lasting partnerships between Australian and Solomon Islands health professionals.
A key focus of the fellowship was supporting the next generation of health leaders. Two mid-career nurses, Jordanna and Jesner, participated in the program, building both their clinical and leadership capabilities.
This training helping strengthen the leadership of women within the health sector and supporting the development of future female health leaders in the Solomon Islands.
Ruth Battersby, Jordanna Sami & Jesna Tanito at Royal Adelaide Hospital
Working in partnership with the Central Adelaide Local Health Network (CALHN), the fellows gained first-hand experience in advanced wound care techniques, vascular assessment, infection management and multidisciplinary approaches to diabetic foot care.
Learning practical strategies for early detection and intervention, helping prevent complications that can lead to disability and amputation.
One of the most valuable outcomes was learning how to use specialised toe pressure equipment already available in Solomon Islands hospitals but previously unused due to a lack of training.
Jordanna and Jesner have returned home equipped with new skills that can immediately improve diagnosis and treatment for patients at risk of diabetic foot complications, both returning taking on increased responsibilities and become trusted sources of advice for fellow healthcare workers.
Both highlighted the value of teamwork and communication demonstrated by nursing staff at Royal Adelaide Hospital, lessons they are now applying in their own workplace and sharing with colleagues.
Dr Rooney Jagilly, Director of Podiatry Cathy Loughry, Professor Robert Fitridge, Jesna Tanito & Jordanna Sami (Laejama)
Importantly, the fellowship builds on the success of the longstanding Luk Afterem Legi Program, delivered by Interplast in partnership with the Solomon Islands Ministry of Health, and Head of General Surgery of National Referral Hospital (NRH) in Honiara, Dr Rooney Jagilly.
The program focuses on diabetic foot disease through community education, local healthcare worker training and the installation of essential biomedical equipment at the National Diabetes Centre within the NRH.
By strengthening the skills, confidence and leadership of local clinicians, this fellowship is helping create lasting improvements in diabetic foot care across the Solomon Islands. More patients will be able to access timely treatment, while a growing network of local healthcare leaders continues to build a stronger, more resilient health workforce for the future.
Acknowledgments
This was made possible through the Australia Awards Scholarship, funded by the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
