Koori Health
Program Co-ordinator: Nina Cheyne
Description
The Koori Health Program’s goal is to improve health outcomes in the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population. The Aboriginal Health Program Consultative Committee provides valuable guidance to the development and implementation of the various activities conducted by this program
GP Support – How we can help you?
Education
Provision of education for GPs and general practice staff on key Aboriginal cultural issues and their potential impact on Aboriginal health outcomes, in addition to clinical upskilling on relevant Aboriginal health issues.
Aboriginal Cultural Awareness for GPs and Practice Staff
Provision of Aboriginal Cultural Awareness sessions for GPs, practice staff and families to develop insight and enhanced understanding of the Koori culture in a relaxed, informal atmosphere. Local elders and rangers have addressed topics including the Aboriginal history of the area, bush tucker and medicine, and historical factors impacting on the health and welfare of ATSI peoples.
Local Koori Health Services Update
Provision of local Koori health services information updates to support general practice in the care and management of Koori patients.
GP Koori Health E-Network
Provision of a Koori Health E-network to local GPs with an expressed interest in receiving ATSI health information electronically from the Division. Information distributed includes latest guidelines, discussion papers, local events, service information, etc. If you are a local GP and would like to become a member of this group please
Other Activities
- Aboriginal Consultation and Liaison
The Program aims to maintain a high level of communication and active links with regional Aboriginal organisations, community members and relevant state and commonwealth departments.
The two committees facilitated by the Division to achieve this are:
- Division’s Koori Health Program Strategy Committee - formed with key Management representatives from the Division, South Coast Medical Service Aboriginal Corporation, Waminda Women’s Health Service and local Area Health Service. This committee provides a framework for input into the strategic direction of the Division’s KH Program, provides guidance on activities, and aims to further develop a formal strategic partnership between the involved parties. This meeting is conducted quarterly.
- Division’s Koori Health Program Consultation Committee Meetings – These meetings are held twice a year and involve over 40 individual Aboriginal workers, representing 20 Aboriginal service organisations in the area (including OATSIH representation). The role of this Committee is to provide a vehicle for service information share, encourage collaborative activities and provide a broader role in monitoring regional ATSI health issues and service provision.
Promoting the Role of GPs and Division in ATSI Health Care
Promotion at a local and national level of the role of GPs in ATSI health matters, and the need for strong collaborative partnerships with the various local health services. Information share, working parties and showcase events that the Koori Health Program has been involved in include: Vital Links State Forums; First Assistant Secretary Working Group on Indigenous Health; Prince of Wales Hospital Community Specialist Clinic Consultation; Illawarra Aboriginal Vascular Health Project Expert Advisory Group; Annual RACGP Scientific Conference; Working together in Aboriginal Health Conference; Celebrating Success – South Coast Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services Conference; 63rd Millennium Aboriginal Health Conference.