A unique nationally recognised diploma designed for staff of Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) is going from strength-to-strength with nineteen participants graduating from this year’s course.
Many of the graduates, from Aboriginal community controlled health services across NSW and ACT, were recognised at GP Synergy’s Seasonal Celebration and Awards Night in Dubbo on Tuesday night.
Jaime Keed of Dubbo AMS undertook the course to expand her knowledge of the role of practice manager.
“It has also provided me with the knowledge to implement aspects of the course into my workplace,” Ms Keed said.
GP Synergy CEO John Oldfield said the diploma, developed by NSW and ACT general practice training organisation GP Synergy in collaboration with TAFE OTEN, was first delivered in 2015.
“The diploma seeks to improve healthcare service delivery for local Aboriginal communities, as well as increase opportunities for doctors training to be GPs to undertake Aboriginal health training in a community setting.
“By encouraging and supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals we’re playing a part in closing the gap between health outcomes for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians,” Mr Oldfield said.
Tim Horan, CEO Dubbo AMS and Coonamble Aboriginal Health Service, supported three staff in completing the course this year.
“The diploma is an opportunity for our staff to access best practice training in the delivery of culturally appropriate health care,” Mr Horan said.
2017 graduates include staff from Aboriginal community controlled health services across NSW and ACT including Coffs Harbour, Campbelltown, Coomealla, Forster, Lismore, Tamworth and Wollongong.
