Sharing Stories to Improve Indigenous Health Care
A new report, ‘People I Can Call On’, which will give healthcare providers an insight into the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic illness, was launched today by the Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon.
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7 July 2011
The Minister for Indigenous Health, Warren Snowdon, today launched a new report, ‘People I Can Call On’, which will give healthcare providers an insight into the challenges facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic illness.
Chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease are major contributors to the life expectancy gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and other Australians, accounting for around 80 per cent of the mortality gap.
Mr Snowdon said the report was funded by the Australian Government and conducted by the Menzies Centre for Health Policy, a joint initiative of the ANU and the University of Sydney and is based on interviews with Indigenous people with chronic illnesses and their carers.
“Over the past three years the Menzies Centre for Health Policy has interviewed participants about the experiences and challenges they face with day-to-day activities, including transport services, health and support services, economic hardship and the support of carers,” he said.
The report provides recommendations for health policy and healthcare services, emphasising the importance of support from friends and family and the benefits that come from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and connections.
Mr Snowdon said the Australian Government understands the vital need for culturally appropriate care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
“We have ensured that GPs are now required to undertake new cultural awareness and safety training through the Practice Incentive Program Indigenous Health Incentive.
“This training will assist GPs to better understand and manage the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the primary care setting,” he said.
The report stems from a National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) funded program of research conducted by the Menzies Centre for Health Policy, a joint initiative of the Australian National University and the University of Sydney.
Interview participants were recruited from Sydney and Canberra through the Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health Service (ACT), Aboriginal Medical Service Western Sydney, and the Burrunju Aboriginal Corporation (Aboriginal carer group).
For more information, contact Mr Snowdon’s office 02 6277 7820
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