Programs - Aboriginal health
The page describes indigenous health services provided by the Division.
Why are indigenous health services are priority?
There are approximately 145,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in NSW, representing 2.2% of the total NSW population and 28% of the total Aboriginal population across Australia .
The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population:
- Have a life expectancy approximately 17 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians.
- Have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure than non-Aboriginal Australians.
- Have a higher prevalence of risk factors including smoking, obesity and poor nutrition than non-Aboriginal Australians.
- Are twice as likely to be hospitalised for heart disease and stroke and 4 to 5 times more likely to be hospitalised for diabetes than non- Aboriginal Australians.
What is the Division doing to assist Aboriginal health?
The Division has supported GPs and other health professionals to provide appropriate health services for indigenous people in the local area.
The Division aims to prevent and manage chronic disease for Aboriginal people in South west Sydney in order to close the gap in morbidity and mortality.
In September 2009 the Australian Government provided funding for an Indigenous Health Project Officer position at the Bankstown General Practice Division.
The role of Indigenous Health Project Officers in Divisions will be to encourage greater use and improved cultural safety of mainstream primary care services for Indigenous Australians.
The project officer will coordinate and support the range of Closing the Gap measures relevant to mainstream primary care and work closely with other organisations providing services to Indigenous people in the region.
What does this mean for the Division?
The Division is currently recruiting an Indigenous Health Project Officer.
The Project Officer will work with general practitioners and local organisations to improve local indigenous Australians access to health services, and ensure they receive culturally appropriate primary care services.
Indigenous health links
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander EPC Resource Kit - health checks for children, adults and older persons (55 Years+)
http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/health-pacd-medicare-resource-kit
Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW (AH&MRC)
http://www.ahmrc.org.au/
Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet
http://www.healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/
RACGP Fact Sheet in Identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients (pdf)
PIP Indigenous Health Incentives
More information