Each year, we invest over $16 million into the delivery of health services for Aboriginal people.
Download our Aboriginal Health Strategy
Improving the health of Aboriginal Western Australians is a critical concern for WA Primary Health Alliance.
We are listening to local communities to understand who they are, the unique health needs they have and the ways in which their world is changing.
WA is home to over 89,000 Aboriginal people, with one third living in the Perth metropolitan area and two thirds living in regional and remote areas. We are investing in programs and services that are culturally appropriate for the local Aboriginal communities and consider the unique needs they have.
These initiatives cover health concerns relating to
- Chronic condition management
- Building cultural competency of general practice
- Mental health
- Alcohol and other drugs
- Suicide prevention
Our flagship Integrated Team Care (ITC) program helps Aboriginal people to better coordinate the management of their chronic condition and improve their access to support and other services.
Resources
ITC service providers servicing Perth metropolitan suburbs list
Main functions of ITC
- For patients and health professionals to work collaboratively in the provision of culturally appropriate care
- To provide funding where appropriate for the provision of specialist and allied health services.
Referral
Referral into the ITC program requires the GP to complete a referral and forward it to the appropriate ITC provider along with the care plan for an Aboriginal person’s long-term condition.
Health professionals can access more clinical support information on Clinician Assist WA.
Other key information
We work closely and collaboratively with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and our commissioned service providers, resulting in initiatives such as the Integrated Team Care: Country to City report which identified 14 recommendations to improve the experience of, and health outcomes, for Aboriginal people when travelling for treatment.
Furthermore in December 2021, a review was also undertaken of the ITC program’s delivery and to measure the extent to which service providers were delivering the program in alignment with the implementation guidelines. Please find the Executive Summary and the Recommendations of the ITC review here.
We also have a Reconciliation Action Plan that guides our work to deliver better health outcomes for those most in need.
Good health is our greatest common asset; poor health our greatest social risk. By addressing inequitable access and investing in leading local care, we shape, strengthen and sustain a health system fit for the future and culturally responsive.
ITC Program Implementation Guidelines
You may want to read more about our other priority areas