HEALTH services in the region have agreed to combine their resources to create better health and wellbeing for Aboriginal people.
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The Mid North Coast Aboriginal Health Accord and Aboriginal Health Plan was launched on Wednesday.
It involves the region’s key health organisation, the Mid North Coast Local Health District (MNCLHD), as well as Durri, Galambila and Werin Aboriginal health services.
MNCLHD chief executive Stewart Dowrick said the region's Aboriginal people were disadvantaged by poorer health and well-being than the rest of the community.
“The Local Health District, and Durri, Galambila and Werin Aboriginal health services have acknowledged this situation in recent years,” Mr Dowrick said.
“The accord marks a further step towards shared responsibility in Aboriginal health care.
"The Mid North Coast Aboriginal Health Accord is adding the North Coast Medicare Local to the partnership and re-committing all partners to greater efforts and improved collaboration on health services for better health outcomes.”
Durri Aboriginal Corporation Medical Service (Durri ACMS) CEO Traven Lea said for the first time in history, Aboriginal health services in the Macleay would not be competing for valuable Aboriginal health dollars.
“This accord distinguishes us from any other partnership and it actually makes us all accountable,” Mr Traven said.
“It’s really about access to services.
"As an Aboriginal health service we service 5000 people, but in our calculations there are about 9000 Aboriginal people in the service area.
“About 4000 aboriginal people are still not attending our services with many going to other services.
"We need to make sure that those services can appreciate the needs of Aboriginal people."
