Closing the Gap is a jointly funded initiative of the Commonwealth Government and Council of Australian Governments (COAG). It aims to address the significant gaps in health and education between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.

Through this initiative, the Murrumbidgee General Practice Network (MGPN) is engaged to provide an Aboriginal Health Project Officer.

The MGPN Closing the Gap program works closely with local GP surgeries, local government, the Greater Southern Area Health Service Aboriginal Health program, local Aboriginal Medical Services and other community-controlled organisations.

The MGPN's Aboriginal Health Project Officer focuses on working with the primary care sector and the Aboriginal communities of Darlington Point and Narrandera to promote the health related activities of the Closing the Gap initiative.

The key activities of the MGPN Closing the Gap program are:

• Assist practices with resources and procedures for patient consent and enrolment under the relevant Practice Incentive Program (PIP) item;
• Meet with GP practices, allied health services and community representatives with the aim to increase access to primary care services;
• Work with GP practices improving their capability to deliver culturally sensitive primary care services;
• Promote the use of Indigenous specific MBS item numbers for health checks and follow up

Indigenous patients will be encouraged to self-identify and enrol for the Closing the Gap program.

Click here for program resources including Medical Director templates for patient consent and registration and also information in PIP item numbers.

Program contact: Yvonne Ingram