Closing the Gap

NCACCH is committed to “Close the Gap” in the health status of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people through a holistic approach to client health and wellbeing.

Indigenous Health Project Officer:

The Indigenous Health Project Officer (IHPO) role is to provide support to accredited and non-accredited General Practices relating to the Closing the Gap initiative, including:

• Understanding and accessing the benefits under the PIP – Indigenous Health Incentive (PIP-IHI)
• Understanding the PBS Co-Payment Measure
• Explanation of MBS item numbers relevant to the PIP-IHI
• Advice on improving self-identification processes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
• Advice and assistance about developing/improving recall systems for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients for 715 health checks and PIP-IHI re-registration
• Cultural Awareness Training and resources to create a culturally safe practice environment
• Information about eligibility for accessing;
  • NCACCH Chronic Disease Management Program
  • Indigenous Outreach Worker (IOW)
  • NCACCH Services

If you would like our Indigenous Health Project Officer (IHPO) to visit your Practice and speak with General Practitioners, relevant staff and/or chronic disease nurses, please contact Lerissa Rolls on 5346 9824 or lerissa@ncacch.org.au

Indigenous Outreach Worker:

The Indigenous Outreach Worker (IOW) role is to provide support to community by:

• Promoting the importance to community of improving health outcomes and encouragement of increased use of health services
• Understand and access to Closing the Gap (CTG) through your GP
• Communicate your health needs to your doctor
• Register for a Medicare card if you don’t have one
• Find out about any programs or services that may be useful for you
• Support clients that may face barriers to access services and attend appointments
• Assisting the IHPO in identifying barriers to health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

If you would like our Indigenous Outreach Worker (IOW) to support you or a visiting patient, please contact Maria Mitchell-Brown on 5346 9810 or maria@ncacch.org.au