Improved Primary Health Care Initiative

Overview of the Program

It is widely recognised that Cape York is a priority for all Government agencies and has subsequently been identified as a Council of Australian Governments (COAG) trial site and a high priority for the Office for Indigenous Policy and Coordination (OIPC).

In 2005, the Cape York Regional Health Forum (CYRHF) undertook the development of the Cape York Regional Health Strategy (CYRHS) to inform health service delivery in Cape York. The CYRHS endorsed by the CYRHF in January 2006 was informed by:

  • The community Whole of Health Plans developed by Apunipima Cape York Health Council (ACYHC) and Queensland Health (QH) for each of the Cape communities and the subsequent desktop analysis which detailed health priorities identified by communities and gaps (completed in 2004) – chronic disease was identified as one of the key health priorities.
  • The Cape York Health Reform project – the Cape York Institute (CYI) was funded to develop alternative models of health service delivery (including governance and financing arrangements) in Cape York. The CYI report, completed in 2005, recommended a Community Controlled Health Board (CCHB) with responsibility for the purchase and delivery of health services.
  • Community consultation

Fundamental to the Whole of Health reform agenda and the long term delivery of health services for the Cape region, and as endorsed by the CYRHF, is the establishment of the CCHB. ACYHC is currently in the process of transitioning to take on the CCHB role.

Pending the establishment and operation of the CCHB, the Improved Primary Health Care Initiative (IPHCI), an Australian Government Budget initiative, provides an opportunity to begin to address the chronic disease health needs of Cape York Indigenous people in the short run as an interim measure. Approximately $11million dollars over four years has been approved for the Cape York region by the Australian Government Minister for Health and Ageing.

The IPHCI project is overseen by a Steering Committee under the auspice of the CYRHF. It is chaired by ACYHC and has representation from Queensland Health’s Cape York Health Service District (CYHSD) and Cairns Health Service District (CHSD), the Far North Queensland Rural Division of General Practice (FNQRDGP), the Royal Flying Doctor Service of Australia, Queensland Section (RFDS), and the Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health (OATSIH).

Aims

The aim of the project is to improve health outcomes for residents of Cape York Peninsula. This will be achieved through the provision of additional health services specifically targeted to address the prevention and treatment of chronic disease.

In particular, the project will utilise a primary health care approach which aims to make services more accessible, appropriate and sustainable and to facilitate community participation in health service planning and delivery.

Target Communities

Communities of Cape York Peninsula

  • Cluster 1 - Aurukun, Lockhart River, Coen
  • Cluster 2 - Kowanyama, Pormpuraaw
  • Cluster 3 – Hope Vale, Wujal Wujal, Cooktown, Laura, Mossman George
  • Cluster 4 - Napranum, Mapoon, Weipa

Service Model

The additional services incorporate medical services and allied health services such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, podiatry, nutrition, diabetes education and health promotion. Service provision will be broad and include a mix of three key areas: clinical service provision, preventative health programs and community development initiatives.

To support the new services, Indigenous Community Liaison Officers will be employed to provide a link between the community and service providers and to support health promotion and community development initiatives.

Frequency of Service Delivery

Services will be provided from a mix of on-the-ground and visiting service providers with visiting services occurring on a 4-6 weekly rotational basis with visits of 1-3 days at a time.

Key Success Factors

  • Community engagement and participation to ensure services are relevant to community need.
  • Liaising and working with other service providers to ensure services are well integrated and duplication does not occur.
  • Working within a multi-disciplinary framework to ensure patient centred care and continuity of patient care.

Intended Outputs

  • Improved clinical management of patients with chronic disease.
  • Improved integration of services relating to chronic disease management.
  • Greater community uptake of healthy lifestyles.

Intended Outcomes

  • Greater community awareness and understanding of the causes of chronic disease.
  • Improved community capacity to identify and address health needs relating to chronic disease.

Who can I contact for more information?

For additional information contact Sharryn Howes Project Officer Improved Primary Health Care Initiative on 40427333 or email at showes@fnqrdgp.org.au.