Primary Health Care Resources

Disclaimer

Primary Health Care Services

Aboriginal Medical Service Alliance NT (AMSANT)

AMSANT is the peak body of Aboriginal community controlled health services in the NT. AMSANT provides a range of advice to its members from staffing issues, administrative matters and assistance with negotiations with funding bodies. AMSANT represents the interests of its membership in a wide range of forums, and lobbies governments for more appropriate policies and funding arrangements for addressing Aboriginal health disadvantage. It has two types of membership - full membership for Aboriginal community controlled health services and associate membership is for any group of Aboriginal people or Aboriginal organisation in the NT who either deliver health services to Aboriginal people or wish to establish an Aboriginal health service. AMSANT is a member of the , an international movement advocating a focus on health for people, rather than profits, through people's action.

Darwin

48 Woods St, Darwin NT 0800
Tel. 08 8981 8433

Alice Springs

70 Elder St, Alice Springs NT 0870
Tel. 08 8953 5500

AMSANT Membership

Full Members

 

Ampilatwatja Community Clinic

PMB 202, Via Alice Springs, 0872
Tel. 08 8956 9935 Fax 8956 9971

Anyinginyi Congress

PO Box 403, Tennant Creek 0861
Tel. 08 8962 2633 Fax 08 8962 3280

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

PO Box 1604, Alice Springs 0870
Tel. 08 8951 4400 Fax 08 8953 0350

Congress Clinic

Tel. 08 8951 4444 Fax 08 8952-3397

Danila Dilba Biluru Butji Binnilutlum Medical Service

Tel. 08 8936 1745 Fax 08 8981 3688

Clinic Tel. 08 8936 1717 Fax 08 8981 3542

Imanpa Health Service

PMB Imanpa, via Alice Springs 0872
Tel. 08 8956 7484 Fax 08 8956 7826

Katherine West Health Board

PO Box 147, Katherine 0851
Tel. 08 8971 9300 Fax 08 8971 9340
KWHB - Bulla
Tel. 08 9168 7303 Fax 08 9168 7272
KWHB - Dagaragu (Wattie Creek)
Tel. 08 8975 0891 Fax 08 8975 0891
KWHB - Lajamanu
Tel. 08 8975 0870 Fax 08 8975 0903

KWHB - Kalkarindji (Wave Hill)
Tel. 08 8975 0785 Fax 08 8975 0792
KWHB - Mialuni (Amanbidji)
Tel. 08 9167 8842 Fax 08 9167 8842
KWHB - Pigeon Hole
Tel. 08 8975 0910 Fax 08 8975 0910
KWHB - Timber Creek
Tel. 08 897 0727 Fax 08 8975 0748
KWHB - Yarralin
Tel. 08 8975 0893 Fax 08 8975 0911

Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation

PO Box 519, Nhulunbuy, 0881
Tel. 08 8987 1102 Fax 08 8987 1670

Mutitjulu Health Service

C/- Ininti Store, Via Alice Springs 0872
Tel. 08 8956 2054 Fax 08 8956 2031

Pintubi Homelands Health Service

PMB 145 Kintore, Via Alice Springs 0872
Tel. 08 8956 8577 Fax 08 8956 8582

Sunrise Health Service
PO Box 371 Katherine, NT 0851
Tel 08 8971 1120 Fax 08 8971 2511

Bamyili (Barunga)
Tel. 08 8975 4501 Fax 08 8975 4602
Binjari
Tel. 08 8971 0970 Fax 08 8971 0183
Bulman (Gullin Gullin) - Weemoll
Tel. 08 8975 4712 Fax 08 8975 4829
Jilkminggan (Duck Creek)
Tel. 08 8975 4741 Fax 08 8975 4621
Manyallaluk (Eva Valley)
Tel. 08 8975 4864 Fax 08 8975 4602
Mataranka
Tel. 08 8975 4547 Fax 08 8975 4621
Miniyeri (Hodgson Downs)
Tel. 08 8975 9959/ Fax 08 8975 9820
Ngukurr
Tel. 08 8975 4688 Fax 08 8975 4689
Wugularr (Beswick)
Tel. 08 8975 4527 Fax 08 8975 4820

Urapuntja Health Service

PMB 31, Via Alice Springs 0872
Tel. 08 8956 9994 Fax 08 8956 9863

Wurli Wurlinjang

PO Box 896, Katherine, 0851
Tel. 08 8971 1156 Fax 08 8972 2376

Associate Members

These clinics operate with basic funding from OATSIH or NTDHCS through a Service Agreement with the Community Council or Resource Centres. Funding is usually limited to direct service costs, and generally does not include resources for the mechanisms of community control or administration.

Central Australian Aboriginal Alcohol Programs Unit

Lot 292 Ragonesi Rd, Alice Springs 0871

Tel. 08 8955 5336 Fax 08 8955 5385

Ltyentye Apurte

CMB Santa Teresa, via Alice Springs 0872
Tel. 08 8956 0911 Fax 8956 0910

Kakadu Health Services

PO Box 721 Jabiru, NT 0866
Tel 08 8979 9999 Fax 08 8979 9770

Malabam Health Board Aboriginal Corporation - Maningrida

PMB 245, Winnellie NT 0822
Tel 08 8979 5772 Fax 08 8979 5776

Nalkanbuy Health Service, Galiwin'ku
PMB 230, Winnellie, NT 0822
Tel 08 8987 9031 Fax 08 8987 9061

Utju (Areyonga)Health Service

via Alice Springs NT 0872
Tel. 08 8956 7311/Fax 08 8956 7302

WYN Health Board

Yuendumu
Tel. 08 8956 4030 Fax 08 8956 4051
Nyirripi
Tel. 08 8956 8835 Fax 08 8956 8840
Willowra (Wirliyajarrayi)
Tel. 08 8956 8788 Fax 08 8979

Mixed and Service Agreement Health Services

These clinics operate with basic funding from OATSIH or NTDHCS through a Service Agreement with the Community Council or Resource Centres. Funding is usually limited to direct service costs, and generally does not include resources for the mechanisms of community control or administration.

Bagot, Darwin
Tel. 08 8948 2222 Fax 08 8949 3044
Belyuen
Tel. 08 8978 5023 Fax 08 8978 5009
Engawala (Alcoota)
Tel. 08 8956 9944 Fax 08 8956 9947
Laynhapuy Homelands Health Service
Tel. 08 8987 1242 Fax 08 8987 1109
Marngarr
Tel. 08 8987 3800 Fax 08 8987 3271
Minjilang (Croker Is)
Tel. 08 8979 0229 Fax 08 8979 0207
Nauiyu Nambiyu (Daly River)
Tel. 08 8978 2435 Fax 08 8978 2416
Peppimenarti
Tel. 08 8978 2369 Fax 08 8978 2369
Warruwi (Goulburn Island)
Tel. 08 8979 0500 Fax 08 8979 0505

NT Department of Health & Community Services (NTDHCS)

NTDHCS is the Northern Territory government health service. They have a range of services, located throughout the NT. Services include Hospitals, Aerial Medical Services (for evacuations in the Top End), Aged & Disability Services, Alcohol & Other Drugs, Family and Children's Services, Environmental Health and Disease Control. Other services and programs include dental, men's health, health promotion, allied health, patient travel, palliative care, poison information centre, renal dialysis, sexual assault referral centres, speech pathology, staff development, women's health, mental health, communicable disease centres, child health, and community based clinic services (usually staffed by nurses and AHWs, and with a visiting doctor (DMO) through the Rural Health section).

The Rural Health section has a staff development program that is offered to NTDHCS staff, but that can be accessed by all PHC staff.

 

Regional Management Contacts

Central Australia

Alice Springs
Remote Tel. 08 8951 6735 Fax 08 8951 6789
Urban Tel. 08 8951 5327 Fax 08 8951 6727
Patient Travel Tel. 08 89 51 7846

Tennant Creek

General Manager Tel. 08 8962 4263 Fax 08 8962 4311
Remote Services Tel. 08 8962 6732 Fax 08 8962 6799
Patient Travel Tel. 08 89 62 4262

Darwin

Rural Tel. 08 8987 0212 Fax 08 8987 0333
Urban Tel. 08 8999 2920 Fax 08 8999 2521
Patient Travel Tel. 08 89 22 8211

East Arnhem

District Manager Tel. 08 89 87 0302 Fax 08 8987 0399
Patient Travel Tel. 08 8987 0222

Katherine

Remote Services Tel. 08 89 73 9034 Fax 08 8973 9000
Patient Travel Tel. 08 8973 9205

NTDHCS Clinics

Adelaide River

Tel. 08 89 76 7027 Fax 08 89 76 7063
Alekarenge

Tel. 08 8964 1954 Fax 08 8964 1971
Alpurrurulam (Lake Nash)

Tel. 07 4748 3111 Fax 07 4748 4874
Alyangula

Tel. 08 89 87 6255 Fax 08 8987 6116
Angurugu

Tel. 08 8987 6311 Fax 08 8987 6632

Aputula (Finke)

Tel. 08 8956 0961 Fax 08 8956 0788
Atitjere (Harts Range)
Tel. 08 8956 9778 Fax 08 8956 9447
Baikal (Bonya)
Tel. 08 8956 6300 Fax 08 8956 6300
Batchelor
Tel. 08 8976 0011 Fax 08 8976 0105
Borroloola
Tel. 08 8975 8757 Fax 08 8975 8718
Canteen Creek
Tel. 08 8964 1510 Fax 08 89641514
Corella Creek
Tel. 08 8964 4668 Fax 08 8964 4526
Elliott
Tel. 08 8969 2060 Fax 08 8969 2070
Epenarra
Tel. 08 8964 1559 Fax 08 8964 1514
Gapuwiyak
Tel. 08 8987 9150 Fax 08 8987 9121
Ikuntji (Haasts Bluff)
Tel. 08 8956 8547 Fax 08 8956 8547
Kaltukatjara (Docker River)
Tel. 08 8956 7342 Fax 08 8956 7741
Kunbarllanjnja (Oenpelli)
Tel. 08 8979 0178 Fax 08 8979 0159
Ilwurru
Tel. 08 8962 4254 Fax 08 8962 4207
Jabiru
Tel. 08 8979 2018 Fax 08 8979 2041
Laramba (Napperby)
Tel. 08 8956 8792 Fax 088956 8432
Maningrida
Tel. 08 8979 5930 Fax 08 8979 5933
Mialuni (Kildurk)
Tel 08 9167 8842
Milingimbi
Tel. 08 8987 9903 Fax 08 8987 9940
Milikapiti
Tel. 08 8978 3950 Fax 08 8978 3902
Milyakburra (Bickerton Island)
Tel. 08 8987 6512 Fax 08 8987 6521
Mt Liebig
Tel. 08 8956 8595 Fax 08 89 8984
Nguiu
Tel. 08 8978 3984 Fax 08 8978 3906
New Bonya
Tel. 08 8956 6300 Fax 08 8956 6390
Nhulunbuy
Tel. 08 8987 0435 Fax 08 8987 0437
Ntaria (Hermannsburg)
Tel. 08 8956 7433 Fax 08 8956 7473
Nturiya
Tel. 08 8956 9820 Fax 08 8956 9820
Numbulwar
Tel. 08 8975 4670 Fax 08 8975 4671
Pirlangimpi (Garden Point)
Tel. 08 8978 3953 Fax 08 8978 3932
Palumpa (Nganmarriyanga)
Tel. 08 8978 2359 Fax 08 8978 2538
Papunya
Tel. 08 8956 8505 Fax 08 8956 8512
Pine Creek

Tel. 08 8976 1268 Fax 08 8976 1325
Pmara Jutunta
Tel. 08 8956 9847 Fax 08 8956 9847
Ramingining
Tel. 08 8979 7923 Fax 08 8979 7930
Rittarangu
Tel. 08 8975 4345 Fax 08 8975 4689
Robinson River
Tel. 08 8975 9985 Fax 08 8975 9857
Tara (Neutral Junction)
Tel. 08 8956 9789 Fax 08 8956 9789
Tennant Creek
Tel. 08 89 62 4218 Fax 08 8962 4207
Titjikala (Maryvale)
Tel. 08 8956 0906 Fax 08 8956 0742
Ti Tree
Tel. 08 8956 9736 Fax 08 9856 9829
Ti Tree -6 Mile
Tel. 08 8956 9847
Ti Tree Station
Tel. 08 8956 9820
Ukaka
Tel. 08 8956 7481 Fax 08 8956 7183
Umbakumba
Tel. 08 8987 6772 Fax 08 8987 6799
Urapunga
Tel. 08 8956 9994
Wadeye (Port Keats)
Tel. 08 8978 2360 Fax 08 8978 2555
Wallace Rockhole
Tel. 08 8956 7763 Fax 08 8956 7763
Watarrka (Kings Canyon)
Tel. 08 8956 7807 Fax 08 8956 7183
Wilora
Tel. 08 8956 9950 Fax 08 8956 9950
Woodycupaldiya
Tel. 08 8978 2996 Fax 08 8978 2416
Wutmagurra (Epenarra)
Tel. 08 8964 1559 Fax 08 8964 1514
Yirrkala
Tel. 08 8987 0367 Fax 08 8987 0366
Yuelamu (Mt Allen)
Tel. 08 8956 8747 Fax 08 8956 8847

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Aboriginal Cultural Resources and Interpreter Services

Institute for Aboriginal Development (IAD)

IAD is an Aboriginal community controlled vocational education and training organisation that provides a number of services for central Australian individuals and organisations. In particular, education programs which range from literacy and numeracy to vocational and higher education level courses and language training for beginners at basic level and advanced courses available through the Language Centre. They have a publishing arm, IAD Press, which produces material on the Aboriginal people, language and culture of Central Australia. They also provide interpreters for central Australian Aboriginal languages.

Alice Springs
Tel. 08 8951 1311

Aboriginal Resource & Development Services Inc (ARDS)

ARDS is a community development/community education organisation run by the Uniting Aboriginal and Islander Christian Congress. It runs language courses for beginners at basic level and advanced courses, cultural awareness programs in East Arnhem and has published several information papers on various issues that effect Aboriginal people living in Arnhem Land. They may be able to assist with interpreter needs in East Arnhem.

Darwin Tel. 08 8982 3444
Nhulunbuy Tel. 08 8987 3910
Galiwin'ku/ Elcho Island Tel. 08 8987 9241

Katherine Regional Aboriginal Language Centre - Diwurruwu-Jaru

The Language Centre may be able to assist with interpreter needs in the Katherine region.

Katherine
Tel. 08 8971 1233

Papulu Apparr-Kari Language Centre

The Language Centre may be able to assist with interpreter needs in the Barkly region.

Tennant Creek

Tel. 08 8962 3270

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Professional Registration Boards

AHWs, nurses and doctors, as well as psychologists and a range of allied health professionals (see below) must be registered by the relevant Registration Board in order to practice their profession. Registration must be renewed annually. This can be done through the Health Professions Licensing Authority.

Darwin
Tel. 08 8999 4157

AHW Board of the NT

Dental Board of the NT
Nursing and Midwifery Board of the NT
Physiotherapists Board of the NT
Psychologists Board of the NT
Optometrists Board of the NT
Medical Board of the NT
Occupational Therapists Board of the NT
Pharmacy Board of the NT

Radiographers Board of the NT

Chiropractors and Osteopaths Board of the NT

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Health Board Training

Health Board training, whilst widely recognised as important, is not well resourced.

The larger Aboriginal community controlled health services have had functional boards for many years and may be able to assist smaller and developing services in providing training to local health boards. (see above under AMSANT).

AMSANT

Darwin Tel. 08 8981 8433
Alice Springs Tel. 08 8951 4489

Office of the Registrar of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporations (ORATSIC)

Indigenous corporations registered under the Corporations (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander) Act 2006 (CATSI Act) (previously the Aboriginal and Councils Association Act (ACA))can access client assistance, support, and information and training programs, offered by ORATSIC.

ORATSIC has a range of training programs for members of the governing committees/boards of Indigenous corporations about the ACA, the corporation's constitution and other aspects of effective governance.

Toll Free 1800 622 431

Consumer and Business Affairs NT Department of Justice

Consumer and Business Affairs within the Department of Justice administers the NT Associations Act which regulates the activities of Incorporated Associations in the Northern Territory.The new Associations Act commenced on 5 May 2004.

Details of training courses being held in 2006.

Darwin

Tel. 08 8946 9530

Central Australian Remote Health Development Services (CARHDS)

CARHDS has provided governance training for health boards and has assisted ORAC with the development of the plain English constitution.

Alice Springs 08 89 53 5500
Tennant Creek:08 8962 4539

Little Fish

The financial responsibilities of health boards are particularly important and Little Fish have developed the Money Story which is a computerised system that provides user friendly information on the financial state of an organisation, and backs this up with training for the board and training on financial management.

Alice Springs
Tel. 08 8953 1555

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Staff Development/ Professional Organisations

AMSANT Training Network

The network first began in June 1997 as a means of maintaining contact between those services which had health eductors and people with an interest in AHW education/training issues. Founding members were Danila Dilba, Wurli, Miwatj and Congress. Issues such as the National AHW & Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Competencies were standing agenda items as was Registration in these early days.

At this time AMSANT was a member of the NT Community Service and Health ITAB and was its representative on the National Community Services and Health ITAB, representing the Private Employer Sector.

The AMSANT training network has been having four face to face meetings a year for the last seven years, alternating meeting locations between the larger services.

AMSANT

Darwin Tel. Tel. 08 8981 8433

Central Australian Remote Health Development Services (CARHDS)

Established in 1997, CARHDS aims to provide and facilitate vocational education and training to heath professionals in the remote communities of Central Australia and the Barkly. There is a particular focus on on-site training, post- graduate education and training for Aboriginal Health Workers. CARHDS has offices in both Alice Springs and Tennant Creek.

Alice Springs Tel. 08 89 53 5500
Tennant Creek Tel. 08 8962 4539

Central Australian Rural Practitioners Association (CARPA)

CARPA is a multi disciplinary organisation of primary health care professionals working in Central Australia. It was formed in 1984 and provides an education and support network for health professionals. CARPA organises twice yearly weekend conferences in Alice Springs and publishes a newsletter associated with the conference.

Alice Springs

For enquires regarding the CARPA Newsletter or
Standard Treatment Manual or The CARPA Manual Reference Book

Tel. 08 8950 4800

NTDHCS Workforce Development Services

This services organises in-service/ staff development programs for staff, mainly through the AHWs and Nurses Pathways to Practice program. Whilst primarily organised for NTDHCS staff, staff of non-government are able to access this program if released from their health service.

Darwin Tel. 08 8922 8715
Alice Springs Tel. 08 8951 7724
East Arnhem Tel. 08 8987 0317
Katherine Tel. 08 8973 0982
Tennant Creek Tel. 08 8962 4274

Divisions of General Practice

The Divisions provide support for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for doctors. The Top End Division of General Practice is now able to endorse nurse education and training.This enables nurses to access training and education which has the professional support of the Royal College of Nurses Australia.

Council of Remote Area Nurses of Australia Inc (CRANA)

CRANA is a professional body formed in 1983 to represent the interests of and support remote area nurses in Australia. CRANA holds an annual conference in different locations around Australia. CRANA runs post graduate program development including a Remote Area Emergency Course (REC)for nurses.

Alice Springs
Tel. 08 8953 5244

Services for Australian Rural and Remote Health Allied Health (SARRAH)

SARRAH is nationally recognised as a peak body representing rural and remote allied health professionals. SARRAH is a 'grassroots' organisation whose membership consists of individual allied health professionals across rural and remote Australia.

Executive Officer: Shelagh Lowe
Phone: 0418 374 105 Fax: 02 6285 4670

 

Northern Territory General Practice Education Limited (NTGPE)

NTGPE provides of general practice education and training in the NT. NTGPE’s principle roles are to provide undergraduate and vocational postgraduate training, and continuing medical education for independent general practitioners and primary health care workers.

Darwin

Tel. 08 8946 7079

Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)

ACRRM provides providing training in rural and remote medicine. Their vocational training programs in have been developed by rural doctors primarily for rural doctors. They have developed Rural and Remote Medical Education Online (RRMEO) which is on line electronic tools that assists doctors, ACRRM and associated medical education providers, in the management of information, administration and professional education requirements.

Brisbane

Freecall1800 223 226 Tel. 07 3105 8200

Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA)

The Australian Indigenous Doctors' Association (AIDA) is a professional organisation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical students and graduates from across the country. AIDA was formed as a collegiate support network for graduates and undergraduates and to encourage more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people into the medical field and to promote the prevention of chronic disease and illness.

Canberra

Freecall 1800 190 498 Tel. 02 6273 5013

Congress of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nurses (CATSIN)

CATSIN was founded to formally represent Indigenous nurses, with a commitment to the implementation of the recommendations in relation to undergraduate, post graduate and ongoing education for indigenous and non-indigenous nurses. CATSIN has developed a mentor program for indigenous nurses.

Queensland
Tel. 07 3410 7236

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Educational Institutions

AHW Courses

Batchelor Institute of Indigenous Tertiary Education

Batchelor provides residential training and tertiary education for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people It is based in Batchelor and has a campus in Alice Springs with annexes in Nhulunbuy, Tennant Creek, Darwin and Katherine. Batchelor delivers a Certificate (level 3) in Health Sciences, a qualification that allows AHWs to be registered.

Batchelor

Toll Free 1800 677 095 Tel. 08 8939 7111
Nhulunbuy
Toll Free 1800 001 390 Tel. 08 8987 0482
Darwin
Toll Free 1800 249 778 Tel. 08 8946 3800
Katherine
Toll Free 1800 001 392 Tel. 08 8973 8488

Alice Springs
Toll Free 1800 009 944 Tel. 08 8951 8300
Tennant Creek
Toll Free1800 001 394 Tel. 08 8962 4407

School of Health Studies

Toll Free 1800 621 890 Tel. 8939 7254 

Student Travel Toll Free 1800 815 262.    

Central Australian Aboriginal Congress

Congress is a registered provider of vocational education and training. The Congress Education and Training Branch delivers a Certificate (level 3) in Aboriginal Health Work (Clinical). This qualification allows AHWs to be registered.

Alice Springs

Tel. 08 8951 4400

Danila Dilba

Danila Dilba is a registered provider of vocational education and training. Their Education and Training Centre delivers a Certificate (level 3) in Health Science (Aboriginal Community Health). This qualification allows AHWs to be registered.

Darwin

Tel. 08 8936 1797

Nganampa Health Council

Nganampa Health Council is a registered provider of vocational education and training under the South Australian TAFE framework. Their Training Centre delivers a Certificate (level 2 and 3) in Aboriginal Primary Health Care for AHWs.

Umuwa Office Tel. 08 8954 9040

Alice Springs Office Tel. 08 8952 5300

Research and Postgraduate PHC and Public Health Courses

Cooperative Research Centre for Aboriginal Health (CRCAH)

The CRCAH was established in 1987 to bring about improvements into Aboriginal health through research. It is also a joint venture with Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, Danila Dilba, Flinders University of SA, Menzies School of Health Research, NT University and NTDHCS. It seeks to support research that fit into their strategic approach.

Darwin
Tel. 08 8922 8396

Menzies School of Health Research (MSHR)

The Menzies School of Health Research (MSHR) carries out biomedical, clinical, population and health services research in the NT. It also provides postgraduate education in public health.

Darwin

Tel. 08 8922 8196

Centre for Remote Health (CRH)

The CRH provides post-graduate education to health professionals with a focus on the needs of practitioners in rural and remote areas, and in Aboriginal health. They also have a research program.

Alice Springs Tel. 08 8951 4700
Katherine Tel. 08 8971 2758
Darwin Tel. 08 8946 7015

Charles Darwin University (CDU)

The CDU was formed through a merger between the Northern Territory University, Alice Springs-based Centralian College and the Menzies School of Health Research. It has campus's in Darwin, Alice, Tennant Creek, Palmerston, Yulara, Jabiru, Katherine and Nhulunbuy.

Darwin Tel. 08 8946 6666

Toll Free 1800 061 963

Australian Institute of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Studies (AIATSIS)

AIATSIS is an independent Commonwealth Government statutory authority devoted to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander studies. It is Australia's premier institution for information about the cultures and lifestyles of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Canberra
Tel. 02 6246 1111

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Health Service Evaluation and Accreditation

Refer to Research institutions Research institutions may assist health services in developing evaluations of health services.

Accreditation Agencies

Quality Improvement Council (QIC)

Tel + 61 3 9479 5630
Fax + 61 3 9479 5977

Royal Australian College of General Practitioners(RACGP-GP)

South Australia & Northern Territory

College House
15 Gover Street
NORTH ADELAIDE SA 5006
T: (08) 8267 8310, F: (08) 8267 8319

The Aged Care Standards and Accreditation Agency Ltd (ACSAA) for residential services

SA & NT 
Level 5, 26 Flinders Street
Adelaide SA 5000
Tel: 1800 288 025 (08) 8217 6000, Fax: (08) 8212 8544

Home and Community Care (HACC) – Commonwealth program standards for non residential aged and disability services.

3rd Floor, Health House
87 Mitchell Street
DARWIN NT 0800
Tel: (08) 8999 2898

National Childcare Accreditation Council (NCAC)

NCAC was appointed by the Australian Government to administer the following Child Care Quality Assurance (CCQA) systems:


Tel + 61 (02) 8260 1900 or 1300 136 554

Licensed Providers

Institute for healthy Communities (IHCA)

Institute for Healthy Communities Australia (IHCA) are licensed to provide an external review and/or accreditation process using the QIC standards and the Home and Community Care (HACC) Review Program.

Brisbane Tel: 07 3844 2222
Fax: 07 3846 1834

Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited (AGPAL)

AGPAL is run by the general practice profession and provides accreditation services to General Practices in Australia using the RACGP standards.

Queensland
Toll Free 1300 362 111

GPA ACCREDITATION plus

(GPA Accreditationplus) is run by the general practice profession and provides accreditation services to General Practices in Australia using the RACGP standards.

Phone: 1800 188 088
Fax: 1800 644 807

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Crisis Counselling

Aboriginal Social and Emotional Wellbeing Programs

These services offer professional counselling services, and can offer advice on the management of difficult situations. They may also be able to offer counselling services in specific situations.

Darwin: Danila Dilba Tel. 08 89 361 745
Katherine: Wurli Wurlinjang Tel. 08 8971 0044
Alice Springs: Congress Tel. 08 8951 4400

Bush Crisis Line (BCL)

CRANA has established the Bush Crisis Line which is a 24hr counselling and debriefing service which aims to help people with cumulative stress and /or critical incident stress.

Kyogle, NSW

Toll Free 1800 805 391 Tel. 02 6632 3330

Employee Assistant Service (EAS)

EAS is a Territory wide confidential professional counselling service. The service assists in the resolution of work related and personal problems and is available during and after work. A remote service is available on request. Service can provide an annual fee to EAS that will enable all health service employees to access counselling services free of charge.

Toll Free 1800 193 123
Alice Tel. 08 8953 4225
Darwin Tel. 08 8941 1752
Katherine Tel. 08 8971 2764

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Employment

Department of Employment and Workplace Relations (DEWR)

DEWR can provide support for recruitment, including pre employment assistance and mentoring and negotiation on employment issues.

Darwin Tel. 08 8936 5000
Alice Springs Tel. 08 8953 2969

Northern Territory Workplace Advocate

The Northern Territory Workplace Advocate was established by the Northern Territory Government and commenced operating on 2 May 2006. It is an information, consultation and advisory service designed to assist Territory workers, employers and their representatives in relation to work-related matters, and to promote fair and productive workplace practices in the Territory. The Advocate can assist Territory employers and workers in understanding new legislation (Work Choices) and its effect and assist workers in checking proposed workplace agreements against existing award conditions to make sure that they are fair. It has a useful workplace agreement checklist.

Phone: 1300 852 899
Fax: (08) 8999 4148
workplace.advocate@nt.gov.au

Commonwealth Employment Advocate (OEA)

The role of the Commonwealth Office of the Employment Advocate (OEA) is to accept lodgement of Australian workplace agreements (AWAs). There is no longer a formal approval process, and Agreements are effective immediately upon lodgement to the OEA. The OEA provides free support and information to both employers and employees on agreement making and can provide assistance and advice to employers and employees under the Work Choices legislation.

Toll Free 1300 366 632
Darwin Tel. 08 8936 8648
Employer Hotline Tel. 13 17 15
Employers/employees Wageline Toll Free 1300 363 264
Employee entitlements Toll Free 1300 135 040

Office of the Commissioner for Public Employment

This office of the Commissioner of Public Employment administers employment in the public sector and is mainly relevant to employees of NTDHCS.

Darwin Tel. 08 8999 5511

Alice Springs Tel. 08 8951 5785

NT Chamber of Commerce and Industry

The NT Chamber of Commerce and Industry is an organisation of private businesses, and can provide a range of business advice to its members.

Darwin Tel. 08 8981 5755
Nhulunbuy Tel. 08 8987 1985
Katherine Tel. 08 8972 3830
Tennant Creek Tel. 08 8962 2362
Alice Springs Tel. 08 8952 4377

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Recruitment

General Practice and Primary Health Care NT

The General Practice and Primary Health Care NT (GPPHCNT) recruits and provides support to doctors working in the NT outside of Darwin. The Agency can provide relocation, training and some retention assistance through its grants program, as well as delivering a range of personal support to doctors and their families.

Alice Springs Tel. 08 8952 3881

Darwin Tel. 08 8982 1050

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Trade Unions

Most workers in health services have their industrial relations issues, awards and employment issues dealt with by one of the Unions below. Other NT unions exist.

Australian Liquor Hospitality and Miscellaneous Workers Union (LH&MU)

The LH&MU cover most staff in PHC services except nurses and some doctors.

Darwin Tel. 08 8981 5611
Alice Springs Tel. 08 8953 5035

Australian Nurse's Federation

The ANF covers nurses in both PHC services and hospitals.

Darwin Tel. 08 8920 0700

 

Other NT Unions.

Union Websites

Industrial relations websites

Other

If unsure what award or industrial agreement employees are covered by, check Wagenet for federal awards and agreements and links to information on state awards and state industrial agreements), or phone the workplace relations department.

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Occupational Health & Safety Issues

Northern Territory Work Health Authority (WHA)

For general enquiries on licensing and to obtain Work Health publications, information materials and licence applications, contact the Work Health Authority.

Work Health staff are available to provide advice and assistance on various issues.

All accident notifications, general enquiries and complaints.

Toll Free 1800 019 115

Darwin Tel. 08 8999 5010

Alice Springs Tel. 08 8951 8682

Katherine Tel. 08 8973 8416

Workplace Safety Australia

Workplace Safety is a national OH&S and industrial law information provider that produces many technical guides, and best practice documents relating to workplace health and safety. They have no legislative power.

Sydney
Tel. 02 9387 1248

National Occupational Health and Safety Commission (NOHSC)

NOHSC is made up of eighteen members including the Chairman, CEO and those representing the Australian, state and territory governments; employees—through the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU); and employers—through the Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI).

This forum lets these representatives consult on and participate in developing national policies and strategies about OHS matters.

Canberra,
Tel. 02 6121 6000

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Permits

Visitors wanting to visit or reside on Aboriginal land must obtain a permit. The following lists where permits can be obtained for particular areas.

Top End

Permits Officer
Northern Land Council
Tel. 08 8920 5178


Gurig National Park
Gurig National Park is Aboriginal owned land and entry to the Park requires a permit obtained in advance from the Cobourg Peninsula Sanctuary Board. (PO Box 496, Palmerston NT 0831)
Tel. 08 8979 0244

Tiwi Land Council

Tel. 08 8981 4898


Anindilyakwa Land Council (Groote Eylandt)

PO Box 172, Alyangula, Groote Eylandt NT 0885
Tel. 08 8987 6638

Galiwin'ku (Elcho Island)
Tel. 08 8987 9033

Central Australia

All areas Tennant Creek and south, contact Permits Officer
Central Land Council
Tel. 08 8951 6320

Western Australia

Ngaanyatjarra Council
Tel: 08 8950 1711
Aboriginal Affairs Department
Tel: 08 9235 8000

South Australia

Anangu Pitjantjatjaraku Yankunytjatjara Land Council
Tel: 08 8950 1511

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Client Complaints

NT Health and Community Services Complaints Commission

Toll Free 1800 806 380
Alice Springs Tel. 08 8951 5818
Darwin Tel. 08 8999 1969

Ombudsman for the NT

The Ombudsman is independent of Government and provides a free service to the public. S/he investigates complaints about government departments and agencies.

Toll Free 1800 806 380
Alice Springs Tel. 08 8951 5818
Darwin Tel. 08 8999 1818

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Patient Travel

Patient Travel Scheme (PATS)

PATS is available for patients who live more than 200kms from the nearest specialist or are referred to a specialist interstate when there is not the service in the NT. The scheme provides assistance with accommodation and travel but does not cover all costs. It is not available for patients to get to a community clinic from an outstation/homeland to see a specialist. Escorts may be approved under this scheme. A patient 15 years of age or under is automatically entitled to an escort. Escorts for patients aged 16 years and over are assessed on a case by case basis by the delegated medical practitioner. To obtain approval for an escort it must be demonstrated that the escort will significantly and directly participate in the patient's medical wellbeing. For more information phone the travel clerks in your district.

Travel clerks:

  1. arrange bookings, accommodation and ground transport (PATS does not cover taxi fares) as necessary in relation to both rural and town travel
  2. liaise with medical/nursing staff and ward clerks in hospital & communities in relation to the repatriation of patients
  3. liaise with specialist clinics to coordinate visits and transport
  4. liaise with community health centre staff to ensure the patient's travel arrangements have been organised.

If a number of people (3-4) need transport it may be cheaper for the PATS to charter a plane.

Darwin

Travel into Darwin and outpatient appointment travel is organised by the PTS travel clerks based within the Darwin Rural offices. All repatriation to communities and interstate travel is attended to by hospital-based travel clerks.
Tel. 08 8922 8190

Darwin - Rural

Tel 08 8922 8211

East Arnhem District:

Travel from communities to town, interstate travel and hospital transfers are attended by district office travel clerks. All hospital discharges (ie repatriations) are attended by the ward clerk at Gove District Hospital.
Tel. 08 8987 0222

Katherine

All patient travel is organised by travel clerks based in the hospital.
Tel. 08 8973 9206

Tennant Creek

All patient travel is organised by travel clerks
Tel. 08 8962 4262

Alice Springs

All patient travel is organised by travel clerks
Tel. 08 8951 7979

Alice Springs Remote

Tel 08 8951 7846

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Clinical Manuals, References and Further Reading

There are a number of sources of information about clinical issues and Aboriginal health and issues available to staff. The four regional hospitals have medical libraries open 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday. Health service staff may borrow books from the library as long as they have registered as borrowers. To do this, it is necessary to have some documentation of working for the Health Service. As well, other organisations maintain libraries including some of the regional community controlled health services, IAD, ARDS, and Menzies School of Health Research.

Clinical and related

  1. CARPA Standard Treatment Manual includes guidelines about how to manage common conditions encountered in Central and the Top End of Australia. A copy of the CARPA manual should be provided to each health service clinical staff.
  2. Tropical Health Manual (Download PDF version) or order from Top End Division of General Practice
  3. Congress Alukura, Nganampa Health Council 'Minymaku Kutju Tjukurpa: Women's Business Manual.' Alukura/ Nganampa, Alice Springs, 1994.
  4. Schedule of Pharmaceutical Benefits
  5. The Australian Immunisation Handbook
  6. Medicare Benefits Schedule Book
  7. Therapeutuc Guidelines
  8. Australian Medicines Handbook
  9. RACP Pathology Manual
  10. Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne Paediatric Handbook
  11. Merck Manual
  12. Geriatric Merck Manual

As well clinics should keep a range of clinical texts including:

Further Reading

 

Below are papers and texts covering a range of issues impacting on Aboriginal health. Each health service is likely to have a small library including information about the local area and its people, the history of the health service, and local cultural matters.

Funding and Policy matters

Health Services

Aboriginal Health Workers

Public Health

Historical Perspectives

Determinants of Health

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