Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islanders

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

We respectfully acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which Playford Medical Centre stands. We honour their continuing connection to Country, culture, community, and family, and pay our respects to Elders past and present. We also acknowledge the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ ongoing connection to land, waters, culture, and community, and recognise the strength, resilience, and diversity of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

At Playford Medical Centre, we are committed to providing respectful, inclusive, and culturally safe healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We understand that good health and wellbeing can involve much more than physical health. Social, emotional, cultural, family, and community wellbeing can all play an important role in a person’s overall health.

Our doctors and healthcare team can provide a range of healthcare services designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients at different stages of life. These may include general health consultations, preventative healthcare, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessments, chronic disease management, health screening, immunisations, women’s health, men’s health, children’s health, mental health support, care planning, and referrals to appropriate specialist and allied health services.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessments

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment, including the MBS Item 715 health assessment, provides an opportunity to take a comprehensive look at your health and wellbeing. Your doctor can discuss your current health, identify potential health concerns, review preventative health needs, and discuss appropriate follow-up care.

Depending on your individual circumstances, your health assessment may include discussion of areas such as blood pressure, cardiovascular health, diabetes risk, lifestyle factors, immunisations, preventative screening, mental wellbeing, and other health concerns. Where appropriate, your doctor can also discuss ongoing care and referrals to other healthcare professionals.

A health assessment is an opportunity to talk openly with your doctor about your health in a supportive and respectful environment. You do not need to wait until you are unwell to discuss your healthcare needs.

Supporting Your Health and Wellbeing

We recognise that every person’s health needs are different. Our approach is centred around listening to you, understanding your individual circumstances, and working with you to develop healthcare that is appropriate to your needs and preferences.

Our healthcare team can assist with:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessments (MBS Item 715)

• General health checks and preventative healthcare

• Chronic disease management and ongoing monitoring

• Diabetes and cardiovascular health

• Blood pressure and cholesterol checks

• Immunisations and preventative health measures

• Women’s health and reproductive health

• Men’s health

• Children’s and adolescent health

• Mental health and wellbeing

• Lifestyle and health advice

• Preventative health screening

• Care planning and coordination

• Referrals to specialists and allied health professionals

• Follow-up care and ongoing health management

Where appropriate, we can work with you to coordinate care between your GP, other healthcare professionals, specialists, allied health providers, and relevant community services.

A Respectful and Inclusive Approach

We aim to create an environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients feel welcome, listened to, and respected. We understand that accessing healthcare can sometimes be challenging, and we encourage patients to speak with their doctor about any concerns they may have about their health or accessing medical care.

Your healthcare is personal, and our doctors will take the time to discuss your concerns, explain your options, and involve you in decisions about your care wherever possible.

We encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and families to make regular healthcare appointments, even when they are feeling well. Preventative healthcare and early identification of health concerns can play an important role in maintaining long-term health and wellbeing.

If you would like to discuss your health, arrange an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Assessment, or find out more about the healthcare services available at Playford Medical Centre, please contact our friendly reception team or book an appointment with one of our doctors.