NACCHO Aboriginal Health #ACCHO Job Opportunities #Doctors wanted #Rural and Remote Plus #NT@AMSANTaus @MiwatjHealth @CAACongress #NSW @ahmrc #QLD @ATSICHSBris @DeadlyChoices @IUIH_ @Apunipima #VIC @VACCHO_org #MDAS Mildura @NATSIHWA #Aboriginal Health Workers @IAHA_National Allied Health @CATSINaM #Nursing

This weeks #ACCHO #Jobalerts

Please note : Before completing a job application please check with the ACCHO that the job is still open

1.Jobs of the week General Practitioner Alice Springs

Unique and rewarding lifestyle opportunity!

Base Salary: $185,971 – $214,656(p.a)

Total Salary: $223,529 – $255,518(p.a)

Full-time and part-time positions available.

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress (Congress) has over 40 years’ experience providing comprehensive primary health care for Aboriginal people living in Central Australia. Congress is seeking General Practitioners who are interested in making a genuine contribution to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people.

Alice Springs offers a unique lifestyle in a friendly and relaxed atmosphere in the heart of Australia. It is within easy reach of Uluru (Ayers Rock) and Watarrka (Kings Canyon) and a host of other world heritage sites.

As well as a wonderful lifestyle and rewarding work, Congress offers the following rewards:

Paid annual leave 6 weeks plus 1 week paid professional development leave
Flexible working conditions
Medicare incentive scheme
NFP salary sacrifice up to $30,000 pa
General Practice Rural Incentives Program (as at 1 November 2016). Congress operates in MM6 and MM7 regions, providing access to annual additional MBS payments of up to $35K in urban and $60K in rural locations
Access to Congress provided medical services for self and immediate family at no cost.

General Practitioner – Main Clinic

As General Practitioner you will be responsible for performing comprehensive primary health care clinical consultation across all sections of Congress’ Health Services Division, including the areas of male health, women’s health, adolescent health, child health, drug and alcohol, aged care, and for the teaching and supervision of GP registrars and medical students.

General Practitioner – Male Health

This is a male identified position. Our Ingkintja Male Health Service and Men’s Shed is a male-only centre providing care for Aboriginal men. With a particular focus on wellbeing. Ingkintja offers a holistic service including male health checks and a drop-in centre for meetings, activities and general self care.

Remote General Practitioner – Santa Teresa, Mutitjulu, Ntaria and Utju

The Remote General Practitioner works with a team of dedicated Nurses, Aboriginal Health Practitioners, allied health professionals and visiting medical specialists and providing health care to the Aboriginal people of Central Australia at a number of locations.

The ideal candidate will have vocational registration and recent experience in providing a broad range of clinical interventions including but not limited to, acute care, adult health checks, chronic disease management plans and brief interventions. Training for emergency care will be provided if required.

For more information regarding the above positions contact Medical Director, Sam Heard on (08) 8958 4572 or 0438 556 050 or sam.heard@caac.org.au

For more information on the application process, please contact Human Resources at vacancy@caac.org.au or phone (08) 8951 0937.

2. Job of the Week – Medical Officers Apunipima Cape York Health Council

3 x part-time permanent positions (0.75 FTE), servicing the communities of Cape York

With over 230 team members, Apunipima Cape York Health Council is one of Australia’s leading Aboriginal Community Controlled health services, delivering a broad spectrum of comprehensive primary health care services to 11 communities of Cape York.

We are currently offering a unique and exciting opportunity to contribute to positive health outcomes for the people of Cape York as a key member of a multidisciplinary team, providing a diverse range of clinic and community based services. Aurukun is a traditional Cape York community, with strong cultural roots, and these roles will be actively engaging within the community through both formal and informal channels, in addition to the core role as lead clinician.

An attractive salary package is available for this position, including options for generous salary sacrifice, a great team environment, supportive networks and diverse duties. It is envisaged that these roles will operate on an overlapping rotating roster, of three weeks in community and one week off.

How do I apply?

To apply for this position please visit our web site http://www.apunipima.org.au/work-for-us Please note: applicants will be required to address selection criteria as part of the application process for this position.

For enquiries regarding the recruitment process contact the HR team by email: hr@apunipima.org.au or ph: 07 4037 7269.

To discuss this role please contact Louise Craig – Senior Medical Officer by e-mail: louise.craig@apunipima.org.au or by phone: (07) 4037 7202.

Applications for this position will close on Sunday 29 July 2018

Apunipima Cape York Health Council is an equal opportunity employer

www.apunipima.org.au

3. Permanent General Practitioner – Gladstone

Description:

Gladstone on the Central Queensland Coast.

Gladstone sits at the start of the Great Barrier Reef, and our beautiful Harbour is surrounded by a multitude of easily accessible islands, for camping, fishing or resort style. Gladstone incorporates the seaside towns of Boyne Island and Tannum Sands, as well as Calliope. Gladstone is easy driving distance to Rockhampton, one hour to the north, or southeast to historic Bundaberg, Agnes Waters and the town of 1770 is a two hour drive away.

The position is within a group Practice for a full time General Practitioner at the local Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Service. The practice is in the central business district of the town, in a new, purpose built facility. It is a bulk billing practice with online claiming. The role is fully supported by a an experienced, multidisciplinary health team consisting of a Clinical Practice Manager, Registered Nurses, Aboriginal Health Workers and Medical Receptionists.

The Practice is further supported by visiting allied health professionals – podiatry, exercise physiology, diabetic educator and visiting specialists in mental health, endocrinology, paediatrics and cardiology. The health service provides comprehensive primary health care services, with targeted programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health, preventative health, chronic disease management, maternal and child health, tobacco cessation, aged care and healthy lifestyles. There is a desire to open for a half day Saturday.

There are no scheduled out of hour’s requirements. Attendance at community events may be required on an occasional weekend. This position is 40 hours per week, Monday to Friday. No on call requirements.

Attractive salaried remuneration package with salary sacrifice, four weeks annual leave and one weeks professional development paid leave per year. Accommodation paid for 6 – 12 months in a fully furnished house/apartment – negotiable on longevity of placement.

There is a large range of both public and private schools for primary and secondary schooling, a campus of Central Qld University/CQ Tafe offering a wide variety of higher education as well as a dedicated Technical College at Gladstone State High School.

The area offers plenty of sporting and recreational activities and opportunities, and has a dedicated entertainment and restaurant precinct. With parks, playgrounds, sporting venues, islands, beaches and beautiful weather, this town offers you everything.

Requirements of the position:

Current and unconditional registration with AHPRA
Fellowship with RACGP or ACRRM
Ability to pass a federal police check

If you are an enthusiastic General Practitioner who would like to make a real difference in people’s lives, would like to be part of an experienced, supportive team of health care providers, this Medical Health Service is for you.

Job ID 1777

Following successful placement eligible candidates may be entitled to receive support and financial assistance through Health Workforce Queensland’s comprehensive workforce attraction and retention incentives.

Contact: 07 3105 7800

APPLY HERE

4. Jobs of the week Public AMSANT Clinical Health Project Officer – Darwin / Alice Springs

AMSANT’s Public Health Unit team is seeking a clinician with expertise relevant to Aboriginal primary health care to work on improving eye health care within ACCHSs as well as other clinical/public health priorities.

This role will require a registered clinician with an interest in improving health systems and patient pathways and an understanding of clinical data and CQI approaches.

The successful applicant will be joining an experienced and dynamic team and organisation that is supporting a growing community controlled sector in the NT.

Contract Type

6 months full time with a very strong possibility of extension.

Salary

An appropriate salary will be negotiated based on the successful applicant’s experience and qualifications. Generous salary packaging is also available.

Location

Darwin or Alice Springs

More INFO APPLY HERE

5. Jobs of the week : AHMRC NSW

– Executive Support Officer
– Training Workforce Development Coordinator – Identified Position
– Senior Project Officer
– Practice Improvement Officer – Identified Position

– Strategy Relationship Coordinator
– PR and Multimedia Assistant
– Research, Training and Workforce Development Manager

More INFO APPLY

Job opportunities at NATSIHWA

For more INFO and APPLY

QAIHC Sexual Health Coordinator

QAIHC is a non-partisan peak organisation representing 28 Aboriginal and Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations (AICCHOs) across Queensland at both state and national level. Our members deliver comprehensive and culturally appropriate, world class primary health care services to their communities.

Role Overview

Based in the QAIHC Cairns office
Salary $82,500 + superannuation + attractive health promotion charity salary packaging
Temporary role contracted till 31^st December 2019

The Sexual Health Coordinator Role is a project-based role that is being funded by Queensland Health under their Making Tracks Indigenous Investment Strategy. As part of this project, the Sexual Health Coordinator would assist with the coordination of sexual health service delivery across AICCHO’s within North Queensland and provide support and resources in developing and delivering their Sexual Health programs at the local level.

The Sexual Health Coordinator will be a central role in a project designed to:

Implement a coordinated response to ensure the reduction of STIs among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in North Queensland.
Improve the knowledge and awareness of STIs and protective behaviours among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in North Queensland particularly those under 30 years of age, through the delivery of evidence based, culturally appropriate sexual health promotion.
Improve access to and delivery of culturally secure STI services, including best practice STI testing and management.
Improve the knowledge and skills of the workforce to provide culturally secure services and appropriate models of care for delivery of STI services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Establish data collection and surveillance systems to enable the effective review of progress and improvement towards achieving the goals of the action plan.

Pre-requisite skills & experience

- High level knowledge of sexual health issues, treatment and prevention
- Qualifications in health promotion, public health, social science (with a health promotion major), health education or related field or relevant experience.
- Ability to build relationships and engage with a broad range of stakeholders.
- High level communication, collaboration and interpersonal skills.
- Understanding of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Organisations and the issues facing them.
- Ability to work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and their leaders, respecting traditional culture, values and ways of doing business.
- A current drivers licence
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply for this position

To apply, obtain an application pack or any query, please email – applications@qaihc.com.au.

Please apply only via this method.

Applications are required by midnight on Sunday 29th July 2018

Clinical Trainer – Aboriginal Health Primary Healthcare Practice

VICTORIAN ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY CONTROLLED HEALTH ORGANISATION

VACCHO is Victoria’s peak representative Aboriginal health body and champions community control and health equality for Aboriginal communities. We are a centre of expertise, policy advice, training, innovation and leadership in Aboriginal health. VACCHO advocates for the health equality and optimum health of all Aboriginal people in Victoria.

Our Education and Training Unit (ETU) is a Registered Training Organisation (RTO) and VACCHO strives to operate as a dynamic and responsive provider of vocational education and training to the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health sector.

We are looking for someone to deliver training and assess competency against the Aboriginal Health Care qualifications from AQF level II to Diploma. This is a fantastic opportunity for someone passionate about health to educate the next generations of practitioners and assist in improving community health, well-being and contributing to promoting healthier lifestyles.

Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are strongly encouraged to apply, but also suitable for someone with relevant experience working in community.

You will need:

Certificate IV in Training and Assessment (although we can assist in obtaining this for the right candidate)
Qualifications in health or primary health care related fields to a minimum of ACF level V
Clinical experience or practice in Aboriginal health or non-Aboriginal health, acute, primary or community health settings
Current registration with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA).

If this sounds like the job you are looking for then you can download the Position Description and application form from our website http://www.vaccho.org.au/jobs.

To apply please email a copy of your resume and application form to employment@vaccho.org.au

For queries about the position please contact Helen Grose on 9411 9411. Applications close on Tuesday 24 July.

DYHSAC is currently seeking suitably experienced Governance Support Officer

About the Organisation

The name Derbarl Yerrigan is the Wadjuk Noongar name for the Swan River. Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation (DYHSAC) has a proud history of providing Aboriginal health services within the Perth metropolitan area and in 1974 was the first Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service to be established in Australia. DYHSAC has now grown to have four successful, busy clinics across the Perth metro area, delivering comprehensive healthcare and specialised programs along with an accommodation centre for clients requiring medical treatment away from home or Country. Our mission is to provide high quality, holistic and culturally secure health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities in the Perth metropolitan region.

About the Opportunity

DYHSAC is currently seeking suitably experienced Governance Support Officer to join our team on a 12 months Fixed term Full time contract . Reporting to the Chief Executive Officer, the Governance Support Officer is responsible for providing administrative support to the CEO, Board Secretariat and Executive Officer as a crucial part of the Office of the CEO.

Please note: Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people are highly encouraged to apply for this position.

Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Provide administrative support to the Board Secretariat in the conduct of DYHSAC Board and Sub-committee meetings and assist with the implementation and follow up of Board and Sub-Committee resolutions, recommendations and actions.
Accurately maintain governance and Board information including Board decision and information papers, registers, policies, procedures and associated documents including those required under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act).
Contribute to the successful operation of the Office of the CEO through the provision of high quality support services.
Attend and take minutes of other internal meetings.

About the Successful Person

You will have:

Demonstrated understanding of the unique issues affecting and impacting on the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people.
Highly developed communication skills, including an ability to communicate effectively and sensitively with Aboriginal people.
Demonstrated ability to manage and maintain strict confidentiality at all times.
High level verbal and written communication skills with strong attention to detail.
Demonstrated ability to use computers and related software packages, specifically MS Word, Outlook, Excel and Power Point.
Ability to take minutes in a formal meeting environment.
Ability to work with minimum supervision to meet deadlines and daily work commitments.
Ability to undertake basic research and prepare draft correspondence, reports and written documentation.
It is an essential requirement for this position to undertake a National Police Check.

About the Benefits

Competitive salary + superannuation + salary sacrificing.

All applications are to be submitted via the below link only. Email and hard copy applications will not be accepted.

Closing date: Friday 20 July 2018

ONLY short-listed applicants will be contacted. Interviews may commence prior to the advertisement closing.

Please note that the Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Aboriginal Corporation is an equal opportunity institution, providing educational and employment opportunities without regard to race, colour, gender, age, or disability.

Community Support Officer MAMU HEALTH SERVICE LIMITED

Mamu Health Service Limited is an Aboriginal community controlled health service providing comprehensive primary health care services to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Innisfail and surrounding districts. We are recruiting the following position:-

Community Support Services Manager – Providing leadership within the Community Support Services programs and working collaboratively with Senior Management Team. Minimum qualification – Diploma level or higher and previous Management in Counselling/Drug and Alcohol

All applicants must be willing to undertake an AFP Criminal History Check, and a Blue Card with Commission for Children and Young People and Child Guardian.

To apply for this vacancy, a full application package can be obtained from our website on www.mamuhsl.org.au, or please don’t hesitate to contact Julie Browne on 07 4061 9988 or jbrowne@mamuhsl.org.au to register your interest.

Please submit your resume and written responses addressing the Knowledge, Skills and Personal Attributes outlined in the Position Description to:

The Chief Executive Officer

Mamu Health Service Limited

PO Box 1537

INNISFAIL Q 4860

Applications close at 5.00 pm on Friday 20^th July 2018

It is a genuine occupational requirement that that the position be filled by an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person as permitted by Section 25, 105 & 106 Queensland Anti-Discrimination (1991) Act.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services Victoria

MDAS has opportunities for highly-motivated and organised individuals looking to work as part of a professional team committed to improving Aboriginal health and wellbeing.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People are strongly encouraged to apply for all positions.

MDAS is committed to protecting children and young people from harm. We require all applicants who are to work with children and young people to undergo an extensive screening process prior to appointment, a process that includes, but is not limited to, comprehensive reference checks, an identity check, a ‘working with children’ check and/or a ‘national criminal history record’ check.

MDAS is proud to be a LGBTI-friendly workplace.

This page is updated weekly.

Mental Health Clinician (three positions)

General Practitioner Swan Hill

Team Leader, Alcohol and Other Drugs and Mental Health

Family Support Worker (two positions)

Gamblers Help Worker

Case Worker, Early School Leaver’s Program

Mental Health Nurse

General Practitioner Mildura

How to submit a Indigenous Health #jobalert ?

NACCHO Affiliate , Member , Government Department or stakeholders

If you have a job vacancy in Indigenous Health

Email to Colin Cowell NACCHO Media

Tuesday by 4.30 pm for publication each Wednesday

There are 3 JOBS AT Apunipima Cairns and Cape York

The links to job vacancies are on website

www.apunipima.org.au/work-for-us

There are 10 JOBS AT IUIH Brisbane and throughout Queensland

+ Deadly Choices Program Officer (Several Ongoing, Full Time positions across SEQ)+ Deadly Choices Program Officer – MATSICHS (Several Ongoing, Full Time positions based in Moreton Bay)+ Community Support Worker (Casual)+ Medical Receptionist (Ongoing, Full Time Position based in Brisbane North)+ Administration Support Officer (Ongoing, Full Time position based in Strathpine)+ Early Childhood Worker (Casual Position)+ Endorsed Midwife (Fixed Term, Part Time position based in Goodna)+ Indigenous Outreach Worker (Ongoing, Full Time position based in Springwood)+ Senior Psychiatrist/Addiction Medicine Specialist (Ongoing, Full Time position based in Brisbane)

There are 14 jobs at ATSICHS Brisbane

As part of our commitment to providing the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community of Brisbane with a comprehensive range of primary health care, youth, child safety, mental health, dental and aged care services, we employ approximately 150 people across our locations at Woolloongabba, Woodridge, Northgate, Acacia Ridge, Browns Plains, Eagleby and East Brisbane.

The roles at ATSICHS are diverse and include, but are not limited to the following:

Aboriginal Health Workers
Registered Nurses
Transport Drivers
Medical Receptionists
Administrative and Management roles
Medical professionals
Dentists and Dental Assistants
Allied Health Staff
Support Workers

Current vacancies

NT Jobs of the week 40 positions in the NT Alice Spring ,Darwin East Arnhem Land and Katherine

There are 13 JOBS at Congress Alice Springs including

More info and apply HERE

There are 17 JOBS at Miwatj Health Arnhem Land

More info and apply HERE

There are 2 JOBS at Wurli Katherine

More info and apply HERE

NACCHO Aboriginal Health Pharmacy News : #ACCHO Pharmacy skills will help #closethegap in #heart disease

‘ACCHOs have a strong history in doing this effectively and appropriately for their communities,

Specifically, ACCHO-embedded non-dispensing pharmacists and community pharmacies have a role in identifying risk factors and encouraging heart health checks within the ACCHO communities.’

Deputy NACCHO CEO Dr Dawn Casey

With new research showing current cardiovascular disease screening guidelines are missing younger at-risk Aboriginal people, a leading Aboriginal health specialist has highlighted the role pharmacists can play in preventative cardiac care.

The statement Dr Dawn Casey comes following research finding up to half of older Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are at high risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), and that significant numbers of those in their 20s were also at risk.¹

Continued below

Read over 50 NACCHO Aboriginal Heart Health articles published over past 6 years

Read 8 NACCHO Aboriginal Health and Pharmacy articles

Featured article

Read above report HERE : NACCHO Aboriginal Heart Health

From Australian Pharmacist

Australian National University researchers found 1.1% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander 18-24 year olds and 4.7% of 25-34 year olds were at high absolute primary risk of CVD. This is around the same as the proportion of non-Indigenous Australians aged 45-54 who are at high risk.¹

The study of 2820 people from a 2012-13 health survey² revealed many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are not aware of their risk and most not receiving currently recommended therapy to lower their cholesterol, and are hospitalised for coronary heart disease at a rate up to eight times higher than that of other Australians.¹

Australia’s national guidelines recommend all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples aged 35-74 have a heart check. But this new research found the high-risk category starts much earlier than this, and indicates the affected group needs to start receiving CVD checks earlier in life, the study authors said.

Dr Casey echoed the positive results of the study, allowing the entire ACCHS sector to better deliver preventative and holistic care.

‘ACCHOs have a strong history in doing this effectively and appropriately for their communities,’ she told Australian Pharmacist.

‘Specifically, ACCHO-embedded non-dispensing pharmacists and community pharmacies have a role in identifying risk factors and encouraging heart health checks within the ACCHO communities.’

‘Embedded ACCHO pharmacists can use their skills and knowledge work with a range of clinicians in the ACCHO to conduct holistic risk screening and overall management strategy.

NACCHO is currently actively advocating for enhanced integration of pharmacists into ACCHOs models of care.’

NACCHO and PSA are currently working as part of a broader team on two projects to enhance the broader roles that pharmacists’ skills and training can deliver – Integrating Pharmacists within Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services to improve Chronic Disease Management (IPAC) and Indigenous Medication Review Service (IMeRSe).

‘Pharmacists have a broad range of clinical skills and are often very suitable additions to multidisciplinary clinical teams, especially where chronic disease is prevalent and many medicines required,’ Dr Casey said.

‘Community pharmacists may identify risks within normal client care, for example through a pharmacy-based MedsCheck or an HMR. Where team-based care is working effectively, pharmacies and ACCHOs will liaise and work together to ensure care is optimised across these settings.

‘Pharmacists’ understanding of medicines also involves understanding how medical conditions and risk factors for these conditions apply. Unfortunately there is still sometimes a misconception across Australia that pharmacists really just supply medicines and manage retail businesses. Enhancing professional and clinical services is a key trend across the whole pharmacy sector and NACCHO is an active participant in these developments.’

PSA and NACCHO have collaboratively produced guidelines to support pharmacists caring for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people available at:

Click to access guide-to-providing-pharmacy-services-to-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islander-people-2014.pdf

References

1 Calabria B, Korda RJ, Lovett RW, Fernando P, Martin T, Malamoo L, Welsh J, Banks, E. Absolute cardiovascular disease risk and lipid-lowering therapy among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians. Med J Aust 2018; 209 (1): 35-41. DOI: 10.5694/mja17.00897

NACCHO Aboriginal Health and #MyHealthRecords : Australia’s peak GP, pharmacy, and healthcare bodies support My Health Record and the Government’s decision to move the system to an opt out model

“The My Health Record will allow a range of benefits – from a full medication summary, to a record of diagnostic reports, through to the ability for patients to enter their own notes.

Ultimately it’s a tool that will help patients better track their own health and medical history,”

Australian Medical Association (AMA) President, Dr Tony Bartone believes the opt out model is the fastest and most effective way to realise the benefits of My Health Record. See sector support Part 2

VIEW Rob and Sandra’s My Health Record Story VIDEO HERE

“At Galambila we aim to provide a culturally appropriate service to our local Aboriginal community. We have a range of clinics and services aiming to close the gap and keep our community healthy and living longer.

Galambila has six GPs and allied health services such as podiatry and been active in setting up My Health Records for patients and in uploading patient summaries.”

My role is to provide linkages with community pharmacy, as well as actively enhancing our quality use of medication at a clinic level. I play an important role in the care of our clients as they transition through care settings by ensuring correct and appropriate medication usage.

It is an innovative role that adds value to the primary health care outcomes of our clients.”

Pharmacist, Chris Braithwaite Galambila ACCHO Coffs Harbour

See full ACCHO story Part 4 below

NACCHO Aboriginal Health and #MyHealthRecord : Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) remote clinics to access My Health Record

Part 1 :From Monday 16 July all Australians will be able to decide if they want a My Health Record – an online summary of their key health information where they can safely store, access and share their important health information.

More than 5.9 million Australians already have a My Health Record and 12,860 healthcare professional organisations are connected, including general practices, hospitals, pharmacies, diagnostic imaging and pathology practices. The My Health Record is already making healthcare management for individuals and healthcare providers easier and safer, and could save lives in an emergency situation.

Australians can manage privacy and control access to their My Health Record including what information gets uploaded and who has access such as family members, carers and healthcare providers. This empowers them to share and control their health information with doctors, hospitals and other healthcare providers from anywhere, at any time.

By the end of 2018, a My Health Record will be created for every Australian, unless they choose not to have one. If people choose not to have a My Health Record, they will be able to opt out of having one created for them during a three-month period, starting on Monday 16 July and ending on October 15 2018.

Professor Meredith Makeham, family General Practitioner and Chief Medical Adviser to the Australian Digital Health Agency said, “My Health Record empowers Australians by giving them secure access to their own healthcare information and supports them in managing their health conditions.”

“People can choose which healthcare information they’d like to store in their My Health Record and who they’d like to share it with.”

“My Health Record aims to deliver better healthcare outcomes and safer care for people. It will reduce harm caused by medication errors because people and their healthcare providers will have access to important information about medicines and allergies. This could save your life in an emergency.”

“My Health Record will help people with chronic and complex health conditions have better coordinated care. It will enable all of their clinicians to see the same healthcare information. This should also reduce avoidable hospital admissions and the unnecessary duplication of pathology and imaging investigations.”

“My Health Record has the potential to have a significant and long-lasting positive impact on healthcare services for every Australian, and we encourage all Australians to find out about the benefits of the My Health Record,” said Mr Tim Kelsey, Chief Executive of the Australian Digital Health Agency.

“My Health Record is a key priority in the Government’s National Digital Health Strategy, and a great example of the collaboration underway as government, healthcare providers, industry bodies, and Australians all work together to deliver it.”

Part 2: Australia’s peak GP, pharmacy, and healthcare bodies support My Health Record and the Government’s decision to move the system to an opt out model

Consumers Health Forum (CHF) CEO, Ms Leanne Wells said the opt out period is an important time for Australians to learn more about My Health Record. “My Health Record gives Australians the opportunity to be active partners in their own care, with many potential benefits for those that decide to have one. The opt out period is a great opportunity for individuals to learn more about My Health Record so they can understand the impact it could have on their treatments. We are looking forward to seeing more records be created by the end of the year, so more Australians have access to the benefits the platform enables,” said Ms Wells.

Download full press release

My Health Record CHF opens new era

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) Chair of the RACGP Expert Committee – eHealth and Practice Services Dr Nathan Pinskier said My Health Record is one of the best examples of how technology can make a positive difference to society.

“Many Australians are already making use of digital services across a range of industries. My Health Record provides the opportunity for Australians to access their health information in a secure environment. The RACGP are working with GPs to obtain awareness on how to best use My Health Record to provide patients timely access to additional information and support better health outcomes,” said Dr Pinskier.

Pharmaceutical Society of Australia National President, Dr Shane Jackson is also looking forward to seeing more Australians take ownership of their healthcare. “In collaboration with the Agency we are helping our 30,000 pharmacists guide patients through this important healthcare decision. The information in the My Health Record System will allow pharmacists to deliver more effective and efficient care, and it is great that all Australians will have the option to benefit from this,” said Dr Jackson.

Pharmacy Guild of Australia National President, Mr George Tambassis said increased use of the system will result in sustainable healthcare delivery. “The Guild is committed to ensuring all pharmacy dispensing and medicine related services are fully integrated into My Health Record. By doing so we will help advance the efficiency, quality, and delivery of healthcare,” said Mr Tambassis.

Australian Healthcare and Hospital Association (AHHA) CEO, Ms Alison Verhoeven applauded the Agency’s decision to expand the My Health Record platform while respecting a patient’s right to privacy. “Health care is a sensitive topic, and so it is only right Australians are given the right to decide how it is disclosed and who to. Patients are at the centre of My Health Record – realising the health benefits it enables and controlling those who have access to it. It’s a critical and exciting development in the progression of healthcare services in Australia,” said Ms Verhoeven.

Part 3

More information on My Health Record can be found at

www.myhealthrecord.gov.au.

People who do not want a My Health Record can opt out by visiting the My Health Record website or by calling 1800 723 471 for phone-based assistance.

Additional support is available to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders, people from non-English speaking backgrounds, people with limited digital literacy, and those living in rural and remote regions.

Part 4

Pharmacist, Chris Braithwaite has worked in a variety of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health locations since graduating in 2012, including at Katherine in the Northern Territory, Mount Isa and Cape York in Queensland. He has been working at Galambila Aboriginal Health Service at Coffs Harbour in northern NSW – in Gumbaynggirr country – since October 2016 .

I was attracted by the opportunity take on the emerging role as a practice pharmacist working closely with GPs, Aboriginal Health Workers, nurses and other allied health professionals. Working with Aboriginal people is a unique and rewarding use of my skills.

My Health Record is particularly exciting for pharmacists as we have, for too long operated in an information poor silo and this will be a step in the right direction to close the loop and increase our capacity to deliver targeted care.

For patients, it will provide a platform for empowerment regarding their health and an accessible record for those Australian’s who find health literacy a challenge. This is really a priceless advance for the health system.

I have always been attracted by the concept behind My Health Record, but what’s really convincing are the case studies and examples I have heard where pharmacists and other health professionals have delivered more effective and efficient care. When these stories come to light, you can always recall a situation where having access to My Health Record would have made an enormous impact on the way you delivered care.

To me, this was especially relevant in Cape York, where the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community is particularly transient. My Health Record will be invaluable in these situations.

Galambila

At Galambila we aim to provide a culturally appropriate service to our local Aboriginal community. We have a range of clinics and services aiming to close the gap and keep our community healthy and living longer.

Galambila has six GPs and allied health services such as podiatry and been active in setting up My Health Records for patients and in uploading patient summaries.

It is an innovative role that adds value to the primary health care outcomes of our clients.

In my work at Galambila I find the dispensing record and medicines view particularly useful. When performing a Home Medicines Review (HMR), this helps me assess dispensing intervals and gives an indication of medication adherence.

A phone call to the community pharmacist is still useful and important for their insights given the regularity of contact with patients. However this saves a major aspect of the conversation as well as unnecessary paperwork.

I also find discharge summaries particularly useful in ensuring the patient’s transition back into community is smooth. This is especially pertinent when they are discharged from a non local hospital and it isn’t sent directly to us.

A simple, but powerful example was when an unknown patient presented to see the GP. The patient did not have strong recollection about their previous treatment. They were asking for prescriptions but couldn’t remember what it was they took, nor could they name a recent community pharmacy (only the town). We were unable to get in contact with their previous GP.

In the past, it would have taken me 30 minutes to obtain the information I need. However, they had an active My Health Record and I was able to quickly access this with the GP and we were able to provide the care the patient needed immediately.

I believe the potential for My Health Record is incredible, especially for patient safety in terms of medication management. As time goes on and the conformity with clinical software increases, having someone’s renal function at your fingertips when dispensing medicines such as rivaroxaban, for example will revolutionise the dispensing process in the community.

In the future I imagine it will be part of my daily practice and widely accepted by the public and health professionals as an incredibly useful tool for more effective and efficient care.

NACCHO Aboriginal Health Weekly Save a date : Conferenceand Events : Donna Ah Chee CEO @CAACongress to be keynote speaker @RuralDoctorsAu @ACRRMRural #Rural Medicine Australia conference Darwin #RMA18

Featured conference in NACCHO Save a dates this week

25-27 October 2018, Darwin Rural Medicine Australia conference

Donna Ah Chee, a highly respected advocate in the Aboriginal health sector, will be a keynote speaker at this year’s Rural Medicine Australia 2018 (RMA18) conference.

RMA18 is the premier annual event for rural and remote doctors, and is hosted by the Rural Doctors Association of Australia (RDAA) and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM).

Donna is a Bundgalung woman from the far north coast of New South Wales, and has lived in Alice Springs for 30 years, where she is a leader in the delivery of Aboriginal health services.

RDAA President, Dr Adam Coltzau, said: “We are very excited to have Donna — who is such an influential member of the Aboriginal health community — speaking at RMA18.

“Donna is CEO of the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, an Aboriginal community-controlled primary health care service employing over 400 staff to deliver integrated services to Alice Springs and six remote communities.

“She is also a strong advocate at the state and national levels in the field of Aboriginal health, holding Chair, Board and Expert Member positions on numerous organisations, groups and committees concerned with Aboriginal healthcare, health research, literacy, and alcohol and other drug issues.

“We are really privileged to be able to hear her perspectives on Aboriginal health at RMA18.”

ACRRM President, Associate Professor Ruth Stewart, said: “We have so much to learn from the Community Controlled Health Organisations in the Northern Territory. In the light of the Close the Gap campaign, we all need to think about how we can best provide healthcare services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Donna’s keynote address will be of great interest to the people attending our conference.

“Additionally, Dr Kali Hayward, who is an inspirational speaker and President of the Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association, will take part in the RMA18 Presidents’ Breakfast.

“Donna and Kali are both wonderful leaders in healthcare for and by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are privileged to have them at RMA18.

“It will be great to hear their messages as we develop the National Rural Generalist Pathway, which will enable more of the next generation of rural doctors to be trained in a wide range of advanced skills including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health.”

Assoc Prof Stewart said RMA18 is shaping up to be one of the best RMA conferences yet.

“We are very excited to be heading to Darwin, where we can focus the conference on important themes including Tropical Health, Indigenous Health and Women in Health” she said.

“The program for RMA18 has now been released and early bird registrations are still open for RMA18, so there has never been a better time to book your spot at Australia’s peak rural doctor event.”

See Website for further details

See full details below

25 July AMA President, Dr Tony Bartone, will address the National Press Club in Canberra

Dr Bartone, a Melbourne GP, will outline the AMA’s priorities for health reform, and suggest the types of health policies that the major parties should take to the next election, which is expected within the next 12 months.

Dr Bartone said today that AMA concerns include the eroding access, equity, and affordability of health care, especially rurally and regionally; the relentless squeezing of medical practice viability; extremely low value, yet increasingly unaffordable private health insurance policies, and the resultant patient exodus from private health insurance; a medical training pipeline bottleneck with a frustrating lack of postgraduate training places; and the continual long-term disinvestment in general practice.

“We also need to see appropriate funding across the health system, especially for public hospitals, and long-term strategies and investment in mental health and the aged care policy framework

You can book a place for Dr Bartone’s National Press Club address at

https://www.npc.org.au/speakers/dr-tony-bartone/

The Turnbull Government is proud to be partnering with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, Ms June Oscar AO, who in February this year commenced a landmark national consultation process with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls.

The Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project commissioned by Minister Scullion is a national conversation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls’ to understand their priorities, challenges and aspirations.

Findings will inform key policies and programs such as the Closing the Gap refresh, future investment under the Indigenous Advancement Strategy and development of the Fourth Action Plan of the National Plan to Reduce Violence Against Women and Their Children. Consultations are continuing through to November 2018.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Justice Commissioner, June Oscar AO, warmly invites Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls to come together as part of the Wiyi Yani U Thangani (Women’s Voices) project.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and girls have many strengths and play a central role in bringing about positive social change for our families and communities.

Dr Jackie Huggins will be hosting these engagements on behalf of the Commissioner. Dr Huggins and the team will be speaking with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women (18+) and girls (aged 12-17) through a series of community gatherings across the country, to hear directly about their needs, aspirations and ideas for change.

Please see details and registration options below.

EVENT DETAILS: Northern Territory – Borroloola, Katherine, Tiwi Islands and Darwin

Please join us for one of the following sessions and register by clicking on the relevant link. You can also email us at wiyiyaniuthangani@humanrights.gov.au or phone us on (02) 9284 9600.

Borroloola – Monday 23rd July 2018

Who: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Women and Girls
Time: 9:30am – 1:30pm
Location: Mabunji Aboriginal Resource Centre, 2087 Robinson Road, Borroloola, NT 0854