News

Partnership to improve indigenous health

Thu, 11 Aug 2016 05:10:00

A developing partnership between leading Aboriginal health services in the Loddon Mallee region and the Murray PHN (Primary Health Network) is exploring innovative service delivery programs that can further increase the health outcomes of local Aboriginal community members.

Mallee District Aboriginal Services is one of four Loddon Mallee Aboriginal health services to sign the partnership with the Murray PHN this week.
MDAS chief executive officer Rudolph Kirby said his organisation strongly supported the initiative.
“We’re looking forward to working in partnership with Murray PHN to strengthen and support our service provision, so that Aboriginal people have better access to programs that will contribute to closing the health gap,” Mr Kirby said.
Murray PHN will work closely with the Loddon Mallee Aboriginal Reference Group (LMARG) and a broad range of other regional health providers including general practices, hospitals and allied health services to increase health service access to Aboriginal community members.
Murray PHN Chief Executive Officer, Matt Jones said “We’re coming together to identify ways that we can collaborate to support primary health services and the health service system to be more responsive and accessible to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
Murray PHN will work with the five Loddon-Mallee region’s Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) who make up LMARG:
• Mallee District Aboriginal Services (Mildura, Swan Hill, Kerang);
• Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative (Bendigo);
• Njernda Aboriginal Corporation (Echuca);
• Murray Valley Aboriginal Co-operative (Robinvale);
• Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation (Wodonga).
This partnership will assist communities with addressing health issues such as chronic disease, mental health, alcohol and other drugs. 
These ACCHOs bring the cultural connection and knowledge to advocate on behalf of their community members and ensure that culturally appropriate services are being delivered. 
LMARG chair Raylene Harradine said the first step would be to establish and strengthen existing networks and pathways.
“This partnership will strengthen networks at a local level, giving community members more ownership over their health,” Ms Harradine said.
“We believe it will further improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities throughout the region, and we look forward to the ongoing support of Murray PHN to assist us with providing continuous primary health care to our communities.”