The Department of Health has announced that two remote health clinics have transitioned to Aboriginal community control.
The transfer of management from WA Country Health Service to the Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS) will see the Lombadina/Djarindjin and Ardyaloon (One Arm Point) health clinics align with the National Agreement on Closing the Gap.
In a statement, the Department said the move was part of an eventual aim to establish an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO) to manage the services.
It said that established in 1986, the KAMS already supported eight independent ACCHOs in the Kimberley.
“The transition of the health clinics is community-led and designed to improve access to culturally safe primary health care services to around 735 people living in the Djarindjin, Lombadina and Ardyaloon communities,” the Department said.
Minister for Health, Amber-Jade Sanderson said studies showed that when Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people were in control of the decisions that affected their lives, they had better health and wellbeing.
“We are working to build a strong and sustainable community-controlled sector to deliver high-quality services to meet the needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people,” Ms Sanderson said.
“I’d like to acknowledge the work of Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Service staff in driving this project and working closely with the WA Country Health Service to make sure we’re doing all we can to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal people.”
Chief Executive of the KAMS, Vicki O’Donnell said the transition of the health clinics to an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation was an important step towards Closing the Gap.
“It reflects the strong partnership between KAMS, the community and the State Government,” Ms O’Donnell (pictured) said.
