Wheatbelt Health Network's recent decision to move doctors and nurses from the Wheatbelt Aboriginal Health Service (WAHS) surgery in town, to the super clinic has sparked confusion and anger from local community members worried this decision will affect how local indigenous people access medical services.
Kaata-Koorliny Employment and Enterprise Development Aboriginal Corporation (KEEDAC) Northam manager Kerry Collard said the health network’s existing location provided a place of ownership for local families.
“It’s a sense of place and we feel safe,” Ms Collard said.
“We have developed relationships with staff, a sense of belonging and feel supported. “I am confident I am not being judged and there is a cultural sensitivity.”
Ms Collard said Aboriginal people often attended in crisis so it was important the doctor had a history with the patient.
She said the community had developed a relationship with Dr Nay Latt, who has now moved to the super clinic.
Ms Collard said existing patients believe their time with the doctor would be limited now the wider community can access him too. “It is already hard to see him and we have no doubt everyone else will want to see him too,” she said.
We have developed relationships with staff, a sense of belonging and feel supported... there is a cultural sensitivity
- KEEDAC Northam manager Kerry Collard on the WAAS medical practice
Ms Collard said Aboriginal people should be consulted on these decisions and should have a say in how their services were run in town.
”There should be an Aboriginal voice there to support better outcomes for us,” she said.
The WAHS Advisory Council, made up of representatives from Aboriginal communities across the Wheatbelt, also disagrees with the move.
Chairwoman Marilyn Reidy said the council had formally requested the funds from the Department of Health, Better Health Program, go to WAHS or be withdrawn if the Wheatbelt Health Network stays at the super clinic.
However, Wheatbelt Health Network chief executive officer Harry Randhawa said the move was a positive one for Aboriginal people.
He said the service moved to the super clinic for a whole range of reasons including space and providing patients with a greater access to services.
We do not want to disadvantage any client because of the move
- Wheatbelt Health Network chief executive officer Harry Randhawa
“We only had one room for a doctor and Aboriginal health practitioner (at WAHS),” Mr Randhawa said.
He said all services were now available in one place, including a diabetes educator and dietitian, for clients diagnosed with chronic disease.
“We have those programs 24/7 at the Northam Health Centre.
“At WAHS we could bring those services to the facility every two months or so, but it involved a lot of planning.
“Up here (the super clinic) is a one-stop shop.
“We have a pharmacy on site, pathology, multiple nurses on site and there is a bigger team to support aboriginal client’s needs.”
Mr Randhawa said the superclinic had pap smear providers, ultrasound services and a proximity to the emergency department.
He said since the move, two families have asked if they were allowed to go to the super clinic.
“It’s a throwback to an age we don't want to go to,” he said.
He reiterated there would be no job losses and they were just relocating.
“No services have been withdrawn to Aboriginal people and clients will now have access to a full gamut of services,” he said.
In terms of the distance from town, Mr Randhawa said he has nominated three staff to travel and pick up patients who present at WAHS.
“We will pick up clients from there,” he said.
“We have made it clear to management at WAHS.
“We do not want to disadvantage any client because of the move.”
WA Country Health Service Wheatbelt (WACHS) regional director Sean Conlan said the organisation was in discussions with the Wheatbelt Health Network.
“To ensure the best outcome is reached for Aboriginal people in Northam and the wheatbelt, the WA Country Health Service is currently in discussions with the Wheatbelt Health Network regarding their decision to relocate medical services provided from the Wheatbelt Aboriginal Health Service,” he said.
“The Wheatbelt Health Network is a private entity and any questions relating to their workforce and service location should be directed to them.”