Abstract: The aim of this study was to describe the reorientation of a remote primary health-care service, in the Kimberley region of Australia, its impact on access to services and the factors instrumental in bringing about change. A unique community-initiated health service partnership was developed between a community-controlled Aboriginal health organisation, a government hospital and a population health unit, in order to overcome the challenges of delivering primary health care to a dispersed, highly disadvantaged Aboriginal population in a very remote area. The shared goals and clear delineation of responsibilities achieved through the partnership reoriented an essentially acute hospital-based service to a prevention-focussed comprehensive primary health-care service, with a focus on systematic screening for chronic disease, interdisciplinary follow up, health promotion, community advocacy and primary prevention. This formal partnership enabled the primary health-care service to meet the major challenges of providing a sustainable, prevention-focussed service in a very remote and socially disadvantaged area.
Suggested Citation
Reeve, Carole, Humphreys, John, Wakerman, John, Carroll, Vicki, Carter, Maureen, O'Brien, Tim, Erlank, Carol, Mansour, Rafik, Smith, Bec,
2015,
Community participation in health service reform: the development of an innovative remote Aboriginal primary health-care service,
Volume:21, Journal Article,
viewed 06 December 2023,
https://www.nintione.com.au/?p=13302.