Closing the Gap Initiative

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health in the Sutherland Shire - Improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Access to Mainstream Primary Care

‘We acknowledge the traditional land owners, the Gweagal People of the Dharawal Nation on whose land we work’

The aim of the Closing the Gap Improving Indigenous Access to Mainstream Primary Care Program is to contribute to closing the gap in life expectancy by improving access to culturally sensitive primary care services for Indigenous Australians.

The objectives of the Program are;

• Increase access to mainstream primary care services by Indigenous Australians;
• Improve the capacity of general practice to deliver culturally sensitive primary care services;
• Improve prevention and management of chronic diseases/conditions through best practice initiatives;
• 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 the Indigenous health sectors.

The Closing the Gap "Improving Access to Mainstream Primary Care" initiatrive is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Ageing. This project is facilitated by the Sutherland Division of General Practice for the Sutherland Shire local government area.

Needs Assessment Summary

Outlined below are the results from the local needs assessment conducted in coordination with key stakeholders from the Sutherland Shire Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Demographic Profile Summary

• There are 1,257 (0.6%) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander residents of the Sutherland Shire (Census 2006)
• It is anticipated that this figure is approximately 2,500 based on changes in residence since the last Census (2006)
• There are 648 males and 609 females
• The highest proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians are aged 25 – 44 years (within the Sutherland Shire)
• The highest number resides in Sutherland, closely followed by Engadine. In terms of the proportion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians, the suburbs with a higher proportion of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island population include; Kurnell (1.6%), Sutherland (1.4%) and Jannali (1.1%)

Local health issues identified

Local health needs have been identified based on consultation with local Aboriginal health workers, established services in the region and in line with state and national priorities. These needs include;

• Maternal health
• Child health including immunization
• Chronic disease prevention and management
• Access to services including transport and challenges in terms of service capacity i.e. waiting lists.
• Family violence

Service provision issues identified

There is a range of Aboriginal and mainstream services within the Sutherland Shire that provide culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal people in the area. In addition, there are many more services outside of the region that provide specific health services for Aboriginal residents of the Sutherland Shire. Some of these services include;

• Aboriginal Medical Service -  Redfern
• Aboriginal Medical Service - Wollongong

Issues identified as barriers to Aboriginal people accessing local health services

• Small number of health services in the area
• Fragmented service provision throughout the region
• Most health services operating in the area do not provide culturally specific services
• Perceived lack of cultural security in accessing mainstream services
• Lack of affordable transport options
• Regular personal crises experienced by families
• Literacy issues
• Self management issues particularly relating to lifestyle risk factors
• Issues relating to social status impeding self esteem and confidence
• Fragmented service provision and referral pathways for Indigenous community members

Plan for action 2010-2012 within Sutherland Shire LGA 

The Sutherland Division of General Practice would like to acknowledge the considerable contribution of June Riemer from the Kuranula Aboriginal Corporation who provided input into the development and implementation of this initiative.

In coordination with the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community the following activities have been identified and will be implemented over the next two years;

Relationship building between health service providers and the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island community 
- Activities will include health service providers participating in local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural events such as NAIDOC Week and Sorry Day
- The Division will host an event in celebration of NAIDOC Week

Enhance linkages with the South East Sydney and Illawarra Area Health Service 
- A service level agreement between the Area Health Service and Division of General Practice has been proposed

Definition of referral pathways for the local Indigenous community
- Development of a directory of local services that provide culturally appropriate services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island residents
- Develop a network of health service providers to come together to tackle local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues

Establish an education program to improve Indigenous patient self management 
- Provide resources to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island residents regarding prevention and management of health issues and services that can provide assistance

Improve access to services for Indigenous youths
- Provide culturally appropriate referral pathways for local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island youths

Establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island health clinics in general practice 
- Support 1 – 2 local general practices to establish Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island health clinics

Further information

Relevant information on Closing Gap initiative for:

• GPs is available here.
• Community or patient information is available here 

For further information on this initiative please contact Shona Dutton CDM Program Officer at Division or Shire GPs.