Primary Health Care
Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) over 30 years’ experience delivering holistic health promotion and education, early intervention and prevention, case management, 24/7 emergency care, chronic disease management and community based activities. We aim to deliver high quality culturally appropriate primary health care through an integrated service delivery model staffed by a multidisciplinary team of both resident and visiting health professionals.
Majority of day to day care is provided by:
- A team of skilled remote area nurses that also provide after-hours emergency care as required.
- Medical practitioner based at Jigalong providing fortnightly support to our Punmu, Parnngurr and Kunawarritji clinics.
PAMS provides a broad range of comprehensive primary health services to the Martu and Nyiyaparli people of our communities. We work to advance positive health and wellbeing outcomes of families, children and young people.
AHCWA Model of Care
Our core primary health care programs include:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People’s Health Assessment
- Child and school health
- Adult and child immunisations
- Chronic disease management
- Well person checks
- Men’s and women’s health
- Medication services
- Acute Care (GP Services)
- After hours emergency care (remote sites only)
- Rheumatic heart disease
715 Health Check
The 715 Health Check is free at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk billing clinics and is available annually to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people of all ages. Further information, including resources for patients and health practitioners, is available at www.health.gov.au/715-health-check
What happens at the health check?
Health checks might be different depending on your age.
Having the health check should take between 40-60 minutes. If you are comfortable, a health practitioner might check your:
- blood pressure
- blood sugar levels
- height and weight
- urine
It is also good to tell your health practitioner about your family medical history or any worries you have about your health.
Follow up care
Once you finish the check, the Practice Nurse, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner/Health Worker or might tell you about other ways to help look after your health. They might suggest services to help you with your:
- heart
- vision
- hearing
- movement
- mental health
You may also get help with free or discounted medicines you might need. Your Doctor can give you information about Closing the Gap scripts if you have or at risk of having a chronic disease.
Where can you access a health check?
You can choose where you get your 715 health check. If you can, try to go to the same doctor or clinic.
This helps make sure you are being cared for by people who know about your health needs.
Do I need to pay for the health check?
The health check is free at your local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. It is also free at bulk billing health clinics. If you are unsure whether it will be free at your local health clinic, give them a call to ask about the 715 health check before you book.
Why Should I Identify?
It is important to tell the Doctor if you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander so that they can make sure you get access to health care you might need. Medicare can help record this for you, and their staff are culturally trained to help.
Call the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Access line on 1800 556 955. This line can help to get services that match your needs. Staff are culturally trained and can match you to the right Medicare services.