Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners milestone

A record number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners are now working across Australia, with 1000 registered with Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHRPA).
 
AHPRA revealed the key milestone this month, describing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners as ‘one of the smallest, but critical registered workforces in the health sector’.  
 
Dr Karen Nicholls, Chair of RACGP Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health, described the numbers as ‘absolutely fantastic’.
 
‘The growth of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners within our healthcare system can only contribute to creating culturally safe healthcare environments for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islands patients,’ she told newsGP.
 
‘As GPs, we can refer to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners too … there is a lot we can learn from their expertise.
 
‘How they communicate, advocate and deliver care for Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islander patients can’t be undervalued or underestimated – it’s critical.’ 
 
According to the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare, just 247 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical practitioners were practising in Australia in 2013.
 
Additionally, enrolments in health-related courses for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people has increased from 931 students to 4227 students over the past 20 years.
 
Dr Nicholls said there is much GPs can learn from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners and their insights into improved outcomes and provision of culturally safe care.
 
‘Their contributions can’t be underestimated,’ she said.
 
‘I’d really encourage doctors to engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners whenever they get the opportunity.’ 
 
Bardi and Jabirr Jabirr woman and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practice Board of Australia Chair, Iris Raye, said these crucial health practitioners are a unique profession founded on traditional values, complemented by modern medicine.  
 
‘This milestone gives us a moment to pause and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners for their incredible sacrifices to care for our families and communities’ health and wellbeing,’ Ms Raye said.  
 
‘To honour our trailblazers who we stand on their shoulders. To recognise our key stakeholders and allies who champion this profession.’  
 
‘We empower mob to make them feel welcome, safe and comfortable when using health services and to make self-determined decisions about our health and wellbeing. We are critical to closing the gap in healthcare disparities.’  
 
As she looks to the future, Dr Nicholls said she is already looking forward to the day when there are 2000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners registered.
 
‘It’s an opportunity for GPs not working in the community controlled sector, for example GPs working in private practice, to consider how Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander healthcare practitioners might become part of their team,’ she said.
 
‘I have worked most of my career in the community controlled sector and worked closely with many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners.
 
‘For the outcomes to be positive for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, the health practitioners are critical for that multidisciplinary care.’ 
 
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Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander AHPRA GP workforce