Improving Health in the NT: Executive Learning Set’s Visit to Darwin
30 Sep 2024
Earlier this month, one of our Executive Learning Sets travelled to Darwin where they learnt about the initiatives the Northern Territory PHN and NT Health are leading to improve the health and wellbeing of the NT population.
Darcy Godden, a member of the Set who is the Executive Manager of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health at the Northern Territory PHN, and Dr Christine Connors the Northern Territory Chief Health Officer, spoke with the group about the work being done to improve health outcomes across the NT.
Dr Connors shared with the Set that the life expectancy of aboriginal men and women has increased over recent years, by 9 years for men and 5 years for women.
A contributing factor to this improved life expectancy was the creation of a Preventative Chronic Disease Strategy, using a systems approach.
A key factor that contributed to the improvement in health outcomes was the development of an effective recall system, which sends regular reminders to keep community members connected to care. Darcy shared with the group the further advances that AI could bring to recall systems, where AI generated phone conversations and chats can guide patients to get the care they need.
The Set also discussed successful strategies to reduce sugar consumption in communities, given diabetes is so prevalent.
The Arnhem Land Progress Aboriginal Corporation (ALPA) are doing great work in this area. ALPA Stored began in 1978 with a commitment to providing a reliable source of nutritious food in Arnhem Land. It has grown into a thriving network of Member Stores and has recently expanded into Queensland. ALPA partner with public health dieticians on their store layout and contents, encouraging health food options. Dr Connors also referenced the research that Menzies School of Health Research are in doing in this area.
Menzies are based in Darwin and partner with over 60 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Northern Australia and the Asia Pacific region on research relating to issues effecting their communities such as indigenous health and tropical diseases.
The Set also discussed to other health issues such as alcohol and substance abuse, effective health promotion in schools and sporting clubs, the Burden Of Disease and workforce challenges in remote communities.
HG are grateful to Dr Connors for making the time to meet with the Set to share such valuable insights.
