Central Australian residents in both urban and remote areas are set to benefit from the appointment of three key Primary Health Care professionals.
Catherine Fisher, Margie McLean, and Steve Putz have joined Central Australia Remote Health as Area Service Managers (ASMs) for the Central Australia and Barkley regions. Their appointments come as part of a reform in remote health and continued efforts to Close the Gap in Aboriginal health outcomes.
The new ASMs will oversee a more coordinated system for managing 29 remote health centres spread over 900,000 square kilometres of the NT. The ASM team work closely with Aboriginal Medical Services, Territory and Commonwealth Government services, and non-government organisations as part of a strategic initiative to improve health care delivery in the region.
"We are fortunate to have three very experienced managers in these roles," said Peter Frendin, General Manager of Central Australia Remote Health. "These new managers will be 'jacks of all trades,' their role revolving around the central theme of improving the coordination of health services a community receives.
"This includes ensuring our health services are making a difference, providing increased support for the staff out bush, and making sure the community has an increasing say in how we operate."
The new ASMs each bring different skills and experiences to their roles. Mr Putz comes from a strong background in public health; Ms Fisher has spent four years in nursing management in remote communities; Ms McLean was Health Centre Manager in Elliot for ten years following a career in remote nursing. Ms Fisher and Mr Putz will be based at Alice Springs Hospital, Ms McLean at Tennant Creek Hospital.
"The one thing they all have in common is a strong commitment to improving health and services in remote communities," Peter Frendin said.
"Our new ASMs will provide enhanced support to staff who live and work in some of the most remote communities in Australia. They will play a vital role in improving health outcomes in these areas. This is truly an exciting time for those involved in service provision to remote communities and I'm expecting the value of the ASMs to be evident almost immediately," Mr Frendin added.
The ASMs are part of a Territory-wide roll out of additional Commonwealth funding targeted specifically at Closing The Gap by improving the health of Aboriginal Australians living in remote areas.
Media contacts: Cameron Jackson, 0401 116 144; Darrel Trueman, 0401 116 203
Release date: Monday 25 May 2009
