Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation providing culturally safe, holistic healthcare and wellbeing services across the East Pilbara region of Western Australia. Established in 1994, PAMS was created by community, for community, and today continues to serve the Martu and Nyiyaparli peoples across Newman, Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu and Kunawarritji.
Puntukurnu means "belongs to the Martu people".
Our vision is to be the most effective provider of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health care and wellbeing by supporting holistic healing of the community, by the community, for the community, now and for future generations.
Guided by our mission to provide innovative and culturally responsive healthcare, we are driven by values that reflect who we are: community focused, community controlled, transparent, inclusive and committed to leadership.
As an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (ACCHO), PAMS is governed by a locally elected Board of Directors made up of representatives from the communities we serve. This community-led model ensures our services are guided by local knowledge, cultural values and the priorities of community members.
Our approach to health goes beyond treating illness. We recognise that good health is connected to family, culture, Country, community, housing, education and emotional wellbeing. Through our clinics, programs and outreach services, we support people throughout all stages of life with care that is holistic, culturally responsive and person-centred.
At PAMS, culture sits at the heart of everything we do. We are committed to delivering services that are culturally responsive and appropriate, while recognising and respecting the strength, knowledge and traditions of the Martu and Nyiyaparli peoples. We acknowledge the deep connections that communities have to Country, family and culture, and we strive to create welcoming spaces where people feel respected, heard and supported.
We follow the ACCHS Model of Care, which means we exist to:
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Empower
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Build the capacity of Aboriginal communities to design and deliver holistic and culturally appropriate health care
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Promote Collaboration
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Encourage partnerships between WA ACCHS and key stakeholders
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Advocate
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Provide a voice for the ACCHS sector on key issues that impact the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people and their communities
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Provide Leadership
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Enable Aboriginal community leaders to inspire their people to achieve their individual and collective goals and aspirations
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30 Years of PAMS
Over more than 30 years, PAMS has grown from a small service operating out of Jigalong into a regional organisation delivering healthcare, social and emotional wellbeing programs, family health initiatives, preventative health services and community programs across the East Pilbara. This growth reflects the resilience, strength and leadership of the communities we serve and our ongoing commitment to improving health outcomes for current and future generations.
Today, PAMS continues to walk alongside community, delivering healthcare that is grounded in culture, led by community and focused on creating healthier futures for all.
