Abt Global - Obstetrics & Gynaecology Community Health Worker | PATH

Job Description

Abt Global is seeking a highly qualified individual to fill the Obstetrics & Gynaecology Community Health Worker role on the PNG Australia Transition to Health (PATH) Program. This role is based in Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea and open to PNG citizens.

About the Organization

About the Program 

PATH is a five-year (2020 – 2025) health sector strengthening program funded by the Australian Government in partnership with the Government of PNG and is aligned to PNG’s National Health Plan 2021-2030 and DFAT’s Health Portfolio Plan and is locally led, adaptive, and political infirmed program that seeks to maintain flexibility to response to changing and local circumstances over the life of the program.

At the subnational level, PATH has six (6) demonstration provinces (Autonomous Region of Bougainville, East New Britain, Western Highlands, West Sepik, Morobe and Western Provinces) working to build capacity for provincial health service delivery and to support the transition of DFAT funding to Provincial Health Authorities (PHA). 

PATH’s end of investment outcomes (EOIO) are: 

1. PHA’s more able to lead provincial health reform and manage effective, efficient, equitable and quality essential health services in selected provinces. 
2. DFAT funded health services are demonstrating efficient and effective models of service delivery, influencing Provincial Health Authority (PHA) performance; and building sustainability by transitioning to PHA management in selected provinces. 

PATH’s intermediate outcome (IO’s) are: Provincial Health Authority Capacity, Accountability, Women in Leadership, Essential Services, and Health Security and Pandemic Response. 

PATH is a locally led, adaptive, and politically informed program that seeks to maintain flexibility to respond to changing and local circumstances over the life of the program.

Papua New Guinea (PNG) has the 7^th highest rate of new TB cases in the world (432/100,000), which rises to 1,117/100000 population in the National Capital District. PNG is a WHO high-burden country for TB, TB-HIV, and drug-resistant TB. Port Moresby General Hospital (PMGH) serves as an entry point for the diagnosis and treatment initiation in the NCD and surrounding region. 

Available evidence shows that pregnant and post-partum women are at higher risk of developing TB than the general population and that these women are considered a priority for TB screening by the PNG National Department of Health and by the World Health Organization (WHO) . Each year at PMGH, there are 14000 deliveries and 40-60 women are diagnosed with TB in the obstetrics ward, with an estimated detection gap of 25-50%. 

The Child-Maternal TB/HIV Program (CMTHP), implemented by the Paediatric Society of Papua New Guinea (PSPNG), is working to integrate TB services into maternal and child health care at PMGH. The program provides family-centred care to pregnant and post-partum mothers. TB screening is offered at antenatal care (ANC) clinics, labor ward, and post-natal word. Screening includes patient education, symptom surveys, and—when indicated—diagnostic tests such as chest X-ray (CXR) and sputum examination, in line with national and international guidelines. 

About the Opportunity

At Port Moresby General Hospital, radiology technicians are part of a multidisciplinary team tackling TB among pregnant women and newborns. in this program will help to detect TB early in mothers and infants—often before symptoms appear. Their work prevents transmission from mother to child, reduce maternal mortality and improves neonatal outcomes through timely diagnosis and treatment. 

Radiology technicians perform and oversee Radiography work as part of the Radiological Services required and assist accordingly with clinical symptom screening and data entry.

Key deliverables

• Ensure Fluoroscopy study and diagnostic X-rays are performed when requested.
• Organize, Supervise and Monitor the Provision of the Radiography Section.
• Practice safe procedures and adhere to radiation safety measures.
• Ensure that assistance is provided to Specialist Medical Officer.
• Emergencies are given priority.
• Ensures training and research is conducted to meet hospitals’ objectives.
• Ensure emergency mobile x-ray are entertained immediately.

Key responsibilities

• Ability to work as a team leader.
• Oversee and troubleshoot the implementation of artificial intelligence (AI) software into PMGH. Working with the Radiology Department and IT department. 
• Radiology Technician will also assist with symptom screening women and recording information on paper or on a tablet when required
• RT will take the lead in screening post-natal women who just delivered. This means ensuring all women are offered an Xray. RT will coordinate with PMGH Nurse Unit Manager
• RT is expected to provide weekly updates in writing on number of women screened and number of Xray’s performed
• Supervise all activities of the Radiography services daily.
• Ensure consumables are available at all times.
• Ensure safe and efficient practices at all times.
• Perform diagnostic or Screening as ordered.
• Prepare for and assist the Radiologist in Fluoroscopic Studies and emergency response.
• Ensure patients care is properly carried out.
• Promote Privacy and comfort for the patient.
• Assist with post mortem cases for forensic purposes.
• Follow infection control and safety guidelines
• Perform quality control functions related to Radiography
• Comply with client facilities,’ policies, procedures and practices.

Key reporting and working relationships 

Internal

• Report directly to the Chief Radiographer when required
• Liaise with staff concerning Radiography services when required

About You 

For applications to be considered, a response to the key selection criteria below must be provided. 

• Must possess good knowledge of equipment functions.
• Must understand and accept the possibility of exposure to inside environment conditions, such as radiation dose, noise, infectious/communicable diseases, blood, and blood bone diseases plus odours and forensic cases.
• Knowledge of frequent exposures to distressed patients, families or visitors and corpse.
• Over 5years of work in a Radiology setting of level 7 hospital.
• A bachelor’s degree in medical imaging.
• Registered with the Medical Board of Papua New Guinea.
• Experience in TB and HIV policies and protocols desirable, though not required
• Communicate effectively both verbally and in writing
• Professionals and critical thinking when performing the duties
• Skilled in the operation of the radiographic positioning and exposure technique
• Enforce sterile technique and safe administration of contract media when doing fluoroscopic studies.
• Perform all duties using proper body mechanics
• Ability to work in a stressful environment
• Know how to use the Radiology Information System and the Hospital Information System (PACS).
• A thorough knowledge of the human anatomy, physiology and pathology.
• Accurately interpret a physician’s radiographic instructions.
• ALARA principles and radiation safety methods
• Patient care while undergoing the methods
• Proper lifting and handling patients
• Infection control and safety guidelines.
• Understand computer technology.
• Medical Art disciplines.
• Interpersonal skills and the ability to lead and work as part of a team.
• Strong and demonstrated ability to lead effective community engagement.
• Must be committed and dedicated to health service provision and patient care.

For more information on the role and how to apply, please click on 'Apply Now'