Media Releases and Communiques
Australian Health Ministers endorse the progress of The Improving Indigenous health: Remote Area Renal Services Project
Health Ministers have agreed to progress of The Improving Indigenous health: Remote Area Renal Services Project.
28 January 2005
Joint Communique
In recognition of the growing significance of renal disease as a health and social issue, Health Ministers today agreed to progress of The Improving Indigenous health: Remote Area Renal Services Project.The aim of the project will be to enhance the quality of life of people living with renal disease, their families and carers and where possible, prevent or delay the onset of renal disease.
The project will be an opportunity for shared learning, the development of best practice models of care across jurisdictional boundaries and the adoption of a strategic, collaborative and cost–effective response to renal disease.
The project will have a practical focus as well as address broad issues and include:
- listing of principles that should underpin the development of remote area renal services
- the delivery of highly skilled specialist renal health workforce and a highly skilled primary health care workforce
- the development of service standards and the recognition of their role in the cycle of quality improvement
- the acknowledgement of transplantation as the preferred renal replacement therapy
- involvement of indigenous people in the planning and implementation of services
- attention to patient education and support
- consideration of renal service requirements in health infrastructure development
Media Contact: Richard O’Leary, Minister Toyne’s Office 0401 119 856
Kay McNiece, Dept of Health and Ageing 0412 132 585
Ben Wilson, Minister Iemma’s Office 0407 966 083
