Aboriginal knowledge informing new practices in our healthcare system

The Centre of Excellence for Aboriginal Health brings culture to healthcare service.

Our aim is to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by listening to their needs and providing a culture of zero racism in all healthcare settings.

The Centre of Excellence will support the wider healthcare system to provide timely and effective healthcare, including early detection and appropriate treatment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, by creating a culturally responsive and safe environment we promote Aboriginal health equity.

Statistics show that 61% of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander deaths for the period 2014-2018 could have been prevented through appropriate treatment. Barriers such as unaffordability, physical distance, language and long waiting times has resulted in 30% of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who require a health service are not accessing the service available.

Appropriate treatment would see a reduction in hospitalisations and the burden of chronic disease, as well as improving the overall Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander social and emotional wellbeing.

The Centre of Excellence will establish new roles, systems and processes to change the way health services are being delivered to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community by promoting culturally safe spaces and healthcare models that are responsive to the evolving needs of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. We will bring together cultural needs, clinical needs and any other need that can undermine a patients health.

Community consultations are currently underway, to explore the opportunities and inform the planning for South Australia to reduce the burden of care and improve healthcare for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.