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Aboriginal Health

Aboriginal Health

 

 

There are approximately 145,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in NSW, representing 2.2% of the total NSW population and 28% of the total Aboriginal population across Australia .

 

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population:

 

  • Have a life expectancy approximately 17 years less than non-Aboriginal Australians.
  • Have a higher prevalence of chronic conditions including diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure than non-Aboriginal Australians.
  • Have a higher prevalence of risk factors including smoking, obesity and poor nutrition than non-Aboriginal Australians.
  • Are twice as likely to be hospitalised  for heart disease and stroke and 4 to 5 times more likely to be hospitalised  for diabetes than non- Aboriginal Australians.

 

GP NSW Aboriginal Health Support

 

The Aboriginal Health program at General Practice NSW aims to prevent and manage chronic disease for Aboriginal people in NSW in order to close the gap in morbidity and mortality. General Practice NSW supports Divisions to strengthen local relationships with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health organisations and other relevant organisations.


GP NSW provides support to Divisions in Aboriginal Health through:

 

  • Working with State and National organisations to close the gap in Aboriginal Health.
  • Supporting Divisions to collaborate and work in partnership with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
  • Supporting and encouraging Divisions to work with general practices to identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients.
  • Providing information, resources and training on Health Checks for Aboriginal patients.
  • Providing resources and information to Divisions related to Aboriginal Health.
  • Ensuring Divisions are aware and up to date with Commonwealth initiatives supporting service provision for Aboriginal people.

 

 

Further information

 

For further information and support on Aboriginal Health, please contact the Chronic Disease Team at General Practice NSW: