The remote Pilbara community of Jigalong now has access to a newly refurbished health clinic providing primary health care on country.
The $1.76 million project is part of the $22.2 million Remote Indigenous Health Clinics Program, developed to fund upgrades to remote clinic infrastructure for Aboriginal communities in the Pilbara and Kimberley regions.
The existing building has had a complete internal remodeling, with an emphasis on emergency triage and treatment spaces, along with pharmacy and clinical support services to improve overall functionality and staff and patient amenity.
The investment brings the facility in line with clinical standards, and has been designed to continue to provide the Jigalong community with a modern approach to health service delivery.
Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service is the provider of primary health care services to the Jigalong community, which had a population of 300 at the 2016 Census.
As stated by Health Minister Roger Cook:
“The McGowan Government is committed to providing access to culturally safe health care that recognises the importance of Aboriginal culture to the health and wellbeing of individuals and communities.
“This investment underpins the Sustainable Health Review’s aim to reduce inequity in health outcomes and improve access to care for Aboriginal people.”
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
“Being able to access health care on country often means the difference between seeking treatment or not, and that will provide both short and long-term benefits to future generations.
“The improved emergency triage and treatment spaces, consult rooms, pharmacy and clinical support services will ensure Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service can continue delivering excellent health care in Jigalong.”
