Clinical Services
Miwatj Health operates a clinic at its premises in Nhulunbuy.
Recently opened, this service is primarily for the Aboriginal people who live in and around Nhulunbuy and for those visiting from outlying communities and homelands but is open to the whole community.
The clinic is intended to complement the existing services in Nhulunbuy by offering an alternative to the Gove District Hospital Casualty Department, which mainly deals with emergency cases, and the only General Practice in the town.
Many Aboriginal people are uncomfortable using these services and Miwatj aims to provide an environment that is more attuned to the needs and cultural values of the Yolngu people.
The Miwatj clinic facility also provides clinical training placements to Aboriginal Health Workers through courses being offered by Miwatj from 1998.
Provision of Medical Officers to Homelands and Communities in East Arnhem
Miwatj Health provides the services of medical officers to communities and homelands in the East Arnhem region.
Communities and homelands currently serviced are:
- Laynhapuy Homelands
- Gapuwiyak Community and Homelands
- Galiwin’ku
- Marngarr Community
Typically, a doctor will visit each of these areas two or three days per week. An effort is made for the same doctor to visit each community, ensuring continuity of care and the development of familiarity and trust between the patients and the doctor.
Each doctor also works in the Miwatj clinic, enabling patients visiting Nhulunbuy to see a doctor whom they know.
Health Improvement Programs
Health Improvement Programs focus on health promotion and the development of healthy lifestyles and living environments.
This is achieved by developing health promotion resources, or adapting existing ones, to be appropriate for the Yolngu people.
Resources are made available to communities, schools, health centres and other interested parties, who are also provided with training in how to use them. The support continues with these groups being able to seek further support from Miwatj staff and access Miwatj’s library of videos, pamphlets, posters, publications and other materials.