ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER SERVICES

 

It is widely recognised that there are major disparities in health status between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Indigenous people and that chronic conditions are increasing due to a range of factors, some of which are largely preventable.

 

Northern Australia Primary Health Limited is funded by North Queensland Primary Health Network to provide several programs to assist Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders to access care and support.

 

INTEGRATED TEAM CARE (ITC) PROGRAM

 

AIM

 

The aim of the Integrated Team Care Program- Improving Indigenous Access to Mainstream Primary Care Program is to contribute to increasing life expectancy by improving access to culturally sensitive primary care services for Indigenous Australians

• Increase access to mainstream primary health care services by indigenous Australians
• Improve capacity of general practice to deliver culturally sensitive primary care services
• Increase the uptake of Indigenous specific MBS items including Indigenous health checks and follow up items
• Support mainstream primary care services to encourage Indigenous Australians to self identify
• Increase awareness and understanding of Closing the Gap measures relevant to mainstream primary care; and foster collaboration and support between the mainstream primary care and indigenous health sectors.

 

CARE COORDINATION SUPPLEMENTARY SERVICES (CCSS) PROGRAM

This program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who have a chronic disease to look after their health.

 

Clients in this program have a Care Coordinator who will work closely with them, their doctor and other community services to help them access the services they need. These services may range from assistance with arranging appointments with specialists, allied health professionals etc. assistance to get to and from appointments, assistance understanding their Care Plan.

 

Eligibility criteria applies for this program, you can find more information about this program in the brochures to the right.

 

INDIGENOUS OUTREACH WORKER (IOW) PROGRAM

This programs assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to access doctors, specialist appointments, access to cheaper or free medications and health services.

 

The Outreach Worker acts as a link between health services and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to help break down any barriers.

 

There are many areas the IOW can assist with including:

 

• Attending appointments to support you

• Assist with communication between you, your doctor or practice staff (e.g. language barrier)

• Assist to organise/coordinate your health care

• Assist with access to cheaper or free medications

• Support to access transport when appropriate

• Home visits for various support services

• Helping the practices/doctor understand your needs

• Helping your doctor or practice staff provide a culturally appropriate environment for you to

attend

 

Eligibility criteria applies for this program, you can find more information about this program in the brochures to the right

 

You can find our referral forms and more information about our programs in the downloads to the right.

 

Level 4, Clinical Practice Building

James Cook University, QLD 4814

 

 

 

PO Box 7780
Garbutt QLD 4814