Memorandum of Understanding between NAACHO and the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) |
| Date: | 1 January 2003 | |
| Sub Category: | Memorandum of Understanding |
| Place: | |
| State/Country: | Australia |
| |
| Subject Matter: | Health and Community Services |
| URL: | https://web.archive.org/web/20050620075924/http://www.naccho.org.au/Files/Final_NACCHOADGP_MoU___.pdf | |
| Summary Information: | |
| The Memorandum of Understanding between the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO) and the Australian Divisions of General Practice (ADGP) (MOU) was developed to 'provide the framework for these two organisations to work together, and to support the Divisions of General Practice, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) and Aboriginal communities to work together to provide quality, sustainable primary health care.'
The MOU recognises that the improvement of the health status of Aboriginal communities is a priority at all levels of the health system. The MOU represents an opportunity for each organisation to learn from the other as well as to support their respective members to deliver high quality and culturally appropriate health care services to the community. |
| Detailed Information: | |
| The MOU is based on the recognition of a range of principles which include:
- Aboriginal health as a national priority;
- The achievement of health outcomes for Indigenous people through the empowerment and adequate resourcing of community controlled health services as well as access to mainstream services;
- Recognition of the fundamental right of Indigenous peoples of ownership of their own knowledge and information;
- Recognition that improved health outcomes will result from decision-making at the local level and from the development of local Aboriginal community health plans;
- Development of programs concerning Aboriginal health issues by NACCHO and ADGP working in partnership;
- The importance of community development and capacity building as a essential element of Indigenous health;
- Consultation of NACCHO by ADGP on general practice financing issues as they relate to Indigenous health; and
- Agreement between NACCHO and ADGP to identify common areas of interest in which to engage in joint advocacy.
The MOU commits NACCHO and ADGP to work togther for a period of three years with the common purpose to achieve six goals. These are:
1. Development of protocols and guidleines for Divisions of General Practice and NACCHO affiliate members to engage in consultation and partnerships;
2. Support of the development and provision by Divisions of General Practice of opportunities for general practitioners (GPs) to learn about Indigenous health;
3. Promotion of the philosophy that Divisions of General Practice have a role in the support of GPs and the primary health care team in Indigenous health;
4. Working to achieve the goal of each Aboriginal community to have its own community-based primary health service;
5. Encouraging Divisions of General Practice and Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHSs) to understand the population demographics within their local communities and to cater to holistic health care needs accordingly; and
6. Support the involvement of Divisions of General Practice and ACCHSs in initiatives that encourage Indigenous people to engage in careers as health care providers.
NACCHO and ADGP will meet twice per year to discuss progress and establish priorities. The two organisations will develop an annual workplan identifying specific areas for action. Joint Working Groups of both organisations will be established. These will be required to implement action under the MOU. The present MOU will be reviewed six months before its expiration with a view to the negotiation of a further three year term. | |
