A new $20 million, purpose-built health centre in Jabiru has opened, with services being delivered by Aboriginal community-controlled health organisation Red Lily Health Board.
The main health provider for Kakadu National Park will increase access to medical services in West Arnhem, and will feature eight consulting suites with paediatric rooms, a dental surgery, four multipurpose allied health examination rooms, a health store, and dedicated male and female waiting areas.
The centre will also feature specialised facilities, including an audiology consulting room, an X-ray room, an external, culturally-appropriate, ceremony space and a four-berth morgue.
Red Lily Health Board chairwoman June Nadjamerrek said the organisation welcomed the chance to provide culturally-appropriate medical care in Jabiru.
"We are pleased that local people and Aboriginal corporations were consulted in the design of the new health centre in addressing the specific needs in renal and child health care, as well as ensuring enhanced morgue and mourning facilities on site," she said, as reported by NT News.
The health centre also provides emergency capabilities, with a drive through ambulance bay and an emergency department with two resuscitation bays.
The Aboriginal Medical Services Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT) welcomed the new facility, which also marks the successful transition from NT Health management to the Red Lily Health Board.
NT Health will continue to provide community support, including specialist services such as dental care, mental health support and alcohol and other drug treatment services.
AMSANT chief executive, Dr John Paterson said the facility would drastically improve access to primary health services for Aboriginal families and communities in the West Arnhem region.
Furthermore, he said it paves the way for the future Aboriginal community-controlled primary health care in the Northern Territory.
"As the peak Aboriginal community-controlled health body, we recognise the importance of accelerating the transfer of primary health services to Aboriginal community control to improve outcomes for our people and communities," Dr Paterson said.
"But that transition requires working together with governments at all levels to ensure remote communities are appropriately equipped with the resources and facilities they need to provide quality healthcare close to home and close to family, and in a way that is culturally appropriate and culturally safe."
Dr Paterson said the opening of the new health centre, designed in consultation with local people and Aboriginal Corporations and transitioned from NT Health management to the Red Lily Health Board, was a "welcome step" and a "clear beacon" of how organisations work together.
"The facility and specialised services available there will provide immense value to the West Arnhem region," he said.
"The commitment of the NT Government to transition health services to community control is only strengthened by its commitment to the upgrading and replacing of critical health infrastructure in remote communities.
"On this note we look forward to the commencement of construction activity on the new Gunbalanya Health Clinic to support the pathway to community control for West Arnhem communities."
Both Ms Nadjamerrek and Dr Paterson thanked the NT government for their commitment to community control and local decision-making.
