Closing the GAp Team

Indigenous Advisor

Program Officer

The Project officer will be focusing on developing and implementing strategies to improve mainstream access; identification; information; uptake of Indigenous MBS items; provide education; provide support to deliver culturally sensitive services; manage specific health needs and collaborate in partnership with all primary health care services.

Indigenous Outreach Workers

The Outreach workers aim to contribute to improving life expectancy and health outcomes for Indigenous people by promoting:

• Culturally appropriate healthy lifestyle choices;
• Encourage and support health checks and access to services;
• Assist the IHPO to identify impact on individuals and health services;
• Establish links within the community;
• Encouraging active self management;
• Provide practical assistance and coordination of care.

The Indigenous outreach workers will work with practices to support the individual with managing their follow-up care by keeping appointment, supporting understanding; attending specialist and allied health appointments and ensuring prescriptions are collected.

Indigenous Care Co-ordinators and Supplementary Service (CCSS) Program

The care co-orinator assists patients to accessing services consistent with GP care plan.  Activities can include provision of appropriate clinical care, arranging the services required, assisting the patient to attend appointments, ensuring medical records are complete and current and ensuring regular reviews are undertaken by the patients primary care provider.

A flexible funding pool (Supplementry Services) is also available to assist eligible patients to access these essential services through referral to the care co-ordinator.