Ngarnal Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service and the Royal Flying Doctor Service (RFDS) have launched a new primary health care partnership on Mornington Island.
The agreement will see the RFDS Queensland Section work with Ngarnal to provide GP, nursing and local Aboriginal health worker support to the community.
Mornington Island has a population of about 1200 people and is the largest of 22 islands that form the Wellesley Island Group in the southern Gulf of Carpentaria. It is the traditional land of the Lardil people and home to the Kaidilt, Yangkaal, Gangalidda and Waanyi peoples.
Ngarnal chair Susan Sewter said the partnership would support more consistent care for the community as services transition from former provider Gidgee Healing, which is leaving Mornington Island after 10 years.
Ms Sewter said the agreement responded to workforce challenges in remote health care.
"We are responding to market failure and high turnover of clinical staff which make it very hard for community to form relationships within their health, as well as impacting connections across providers," Ms Sewter said.
"RFDS bring proven expertise in remote primary health care and can deliver a consistent medical and clinical workforce."
She said the partnership would bring together the clinical capacity of the RFDS and the cultural and community knowledge of Ngarnal staff.
Ms Sewter said the work would support culturally safe services on Mornington Island.
"Working in partnership with our local team and strengthening engagement with families and community will ensure culturally safe services that reflect our preferences and respect our ways," Ms Sewter said.
"We are aiming to secure a more integrated way of working to provide more comprehensive care.
"This is about leaning into the strengths of both organisations and ensuring alignment with our Ngarnal Health Model of Care."
The RFDS primary health care team will operate on Mornington Island weekly under the integrated model of care.
RFDS Queensland Section chair Georgie Somerset said the collaboration would focus on providing consistent care to the local community.
Ms Somerset said the RFDS was looking forward to working with Mornington Island.
"The RFDS is a leader in providing PHC services to some of the most remote places on earth and we're looking forward to working with the Mornington Island community to achieve positive health outcomes," Ms Somerset said.
"By supporting Ngarnal (ACCHS), we're committed to affecting real change in the health space across the region."
The agreement is funded by the Commonwealth and Queensland governments.
