Open AccessA multidisciplinary primary healthcare clinic for newly arrived humanitarian entrants in regional NSW: model of service delivery and summary of preliminary findings
Author(s) -
Gould Gillian,
Viney Kerri,
Greenwood Michele,
Kramer John,
Corben Paul
Publication year - 2010
Publication title -
australian and new zealand journal of public health
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.946
H-Index - 76
eISSN - 1753-6405
pISSN - 1326-0200
DOI - 10.1111/j.1753-6405.2010.00535.x
Subject(s) - multidisciplinary approach , medicine , family medicine , refugee , service delivery framework , health care , nursing , community health , medical emergency , primary health care , service (business) , business , public health , environmental health , geography , political science , population , archaeology , marketing , law
Objective:To describe a multidisciplinary primary healthcare clinic for newly arrived humanitarian entrants in regional New South Wales and report health problems and issues encountered during the initial period of operation.Methods:A quality assurance study of the Coffs Harbour Refugee Health Clinic (a collaboration between the Area Health Service and general practitioners) was undertaken from February to December 2006.Results:Seventy‐six patients received a comprehensive health assessment: 69 of these within 12 months of arrival. The median time from arrival in Australia to the first clinic visit was five days. Problems detected were categorised according to their management options. GP clinic providers expressed concern about referring patients to GPs in the community for ongoing care.Conclusions:The Coffs Harbour Refugee Health Clinic represents a successful collaboration between relevant stakeholders. It was well utilised by the target community.Implications:The service delivery model used in the clinic could be replicated in other areas in regional Australia, provided financial and human resources are available.