Snapshot of Progress

Earbus Foundation has been visiting East Kalgoorlie Primary School in WA’s Goldfields since autumn 2014 to screen, monitor and treat Aboriginal children for middle ear disease. In June 2014, the clinical team saw 61 children, and on our recent July 2017 visit we saw 63 children. Data analysis from the two trips – three years apart - provides an interesting snapshot of progress over this period of working in partnership with East Kalgoorlie Primary School and their fantastic, dedicated staff.

Percentage of kids passing screening has risen from 11% to 35% - tripled. Percentage of kids referring to GP for Otitis media has dropped from 59% to 19% - down by more than two-thirds. And the rate of discharging ears (Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media - CSOM) is down from 15% to 3% - an 80% drop.

Our thanks to Nicole Hanna and Judith King for their inspirational leadership and support, and to Bernie Delaney, Karen Crook, Fran Powell and Bee Clews.