The NEDGP Aboriginal Health Services assists and supports the Aboriginal Communities across the New England region to access health care in a variety of settings, including General Practice, allied health professionals, as well as other community based health service delivery. The service aims to support General Practice to deliver culturally appropriate care that is accessible to all members of the Community.
The NEDGP Aboriginal Health Services can provide support to clients around:
· Acute care, assisting to make and attend appointments with the GP of choice
· Chronic disease management , including the provision of best practice care, through self-management support and education, support in the completion of annual cycles of care including recall and reminding, screening for at risk groups and a regular Diabetes Educator Clinic
· Health promotion and education is delivered to a range of groups varying in age, addressing a variety of health related topics
· Linking in with services and pathways for community members and their families, who are experiencing mental health issues
· Nutritional education and support, with a dedicated dietitian working in both an individual and group manner with clients
· Maternal and child health, working closely with existing services in the community and GP’s to provide support to women during both antenatal and postnatal care, including support to access specialist care when required
· Eye and ear screening and care (commencing in September 2010)
· Well health, assisting community members to maintain a holistic approach to maintaining wellness, that is not just physical health of the individual, but also the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole Community(National Aboriginal Health Strategy 1989)
The NEDGP Aboriginal Health Services team supports the communities of Armidale, Uralla, Guyra, Glen Innes, Tingha, Inverell and Tenterfield (Walcha service commencing in 2011). Transport to appointments can be provided in each centre with prior arrangement.