Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians

The Division is implementing several strategies to assist GPs and practices within the Sutherland Shire, in the provision of primary care and to match this care with the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

To assist GPs and Practices in the provision of primary care services for the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population, the Division is incorporating the following strategies:

• Provision and access to resources specific to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island population
• Implementation of the Medicare Enhanced Primary Care program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians
  • Child Health Check (0 – 14 years) Item708
  • Adult Health Check (15 – 54 years) Item 710
  • Older Person’s Health Check (55+ years) Items 704 and 706
• Development and implementation of cultural awareness training for practices (specifically Practice Nurses and Practice Staff members)

These initiatives will assist with the following;

1. Identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients within local practices and the subsequent health care through general practice
2. Patient education information to assist patients about the health benefits and tools available to them e.g. Health Checks
3. Encouraging early detection, diagnosis and intervention for common and treatable conditions within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Resources

The following resources have been obtained from various sources (references outlined below) and are available to assist GPs/Practices in conducting health checks

References

The resources above have been obtained from the following website:

• National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO). http://www.naccho.org.au/
• Australian Department of Health and Ageing. http://www.health.gov.au/internet/wcms/publishing.nsf/content/health-pacd-medicare-resource-kit
• National Centre for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Statistics. http://www.abs.gov.au/ 
• Australian Indigenous Health InfoNet. http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/ 
• General Practice Divisions Victoria (GPDV)  http://www.gpdv.com.au/ 
• RACGP http://www.racgp.org.au/aboriginalhealthunit/nationalguide 
• Hurstville City Council http://www.hurstville.nsw.gov.au