Abstract E-Posters

1

2

3

Bridging the Diagnostic Gap: A Culturally-Integrated Imaging Service for Aboriginal Communities in Regional WA

Supporting Aboriginal Health through Locum GP Placements: Strengthening Care in Rural and Remote Remote WA

Moorditj Djena- Improving Aboriginal Foot Health through Community Driven Solutions  

Pete Tually
Spartan First

Beth McEwan and Guy Rotheram
Rural Health West

Helen Russell
Moorditj Djena - East Metropolitan Health Service

Access to timely and locally available diagnostic imaging remains a critical barrier to managing chronic disease in many remote Aboriginal communities. A new culturally-informed imaging service in Kalgoorlie-Boulder, developed through a partnership between Indigenous-owned health provider Spartan First and TeleMed Health Services, represents a community-led response to this challenge, embedding Aboriginal leadership, sustainability, and cultural safety at its core.  

For the first time, Aboriginal patients in the Goldfields region can access high-resolution CT imaging locally, including coronary angiography and calcium scoring, significantly improving opportunities for early diagnosis of cardiovascular and lung disease. The addition of a bone mineral densitometry scanner will also support future research into the prevalence and characteristics of bone health conditions in Aboriginal populations, an area that remains a neglected area despite growing concern around musculoskeletal burden and fracture risk  

The initiative also prioritises environmental stewardship. The imaging facility features Australia’s first fixed “Green CT” system: a next-generation scanner powered via battery storage recharged during off-peak hours, with solar integration underway. The scanner's construction uses 99% recyclable materials, and its ultra-low radiation output reduces risk while supporting regular monitoring of chronic disease with minimal environmental or health impact.  

Cultural safety has been intentionally designed into the space. Both the CT and BMD scanners are adorned with artwork by local Aboriginal artist Carol Thompson, fostering a healing environment that reflects culture, connection to Country, and community identity. This culturally integrated setting supports greater trust in healthcare systems and promotes stronger engagement with diagnostic services.  

By combining clinical excellence with cultural responsiveness and environmental responsibility, this model demonstrates a sustainable, community-led pathway for improving chronic disease outcomes and healthcare equity in Aboriginal communities. 

Workforce shortages in rural and remote Western Australia continue to impact the delivery of culturally safe and consistent healthcare to Aboriginal communities. Aboriginal Medical Services (AMSs) are vital in providing holistic, community-led care, yet many face ongoing challenges in securing General Practitioners (GPs), particularly during periods of leave, staff transition, or peak demand. 

In response, Rural Health West delivers a dedicated GP Locum Placement Program that supports AMSs across Western Australia by sourcing, preparing, and placing experienced locum GPs in short-term roles. This poster presentation will outline the structure and delivery of the program, highlight key partnerships, and showcase outcomes achieved in collaboration with AMSs. 

We will present:

  • An overview of the placement process, including engagement with health services and locums
  • Program reach, including number of placements, repeat participation, and geographic distribution
  • Quantitative data illustrating locum coverage trends over time
  • Qualitative feedback from AMS staff and participating GPs
  • Challenges encountered and lessons learned in delivering the program 

Importantly, this poster will demonstrate how locum GP placements contribute to sustaining access to primary care in Aboriginal communities, while also supporting culturally safe service delivery and building long-term relationships between locum GPs and AMSs. Attendees will gain insight into how flexible, well-supported locum programs can form a critical part of the rural health workforce solution, and how collaboration with Aboriginal health services ensures that local needs are respected and met. 


This abstract explores the Moorditj Djena program, a unique culturally appropriate podiatry, diabetes education and dietetic outreach service for Aboriginal people in the Perth metropolitan area.

Recent evidence has highlighted that chronic conditions such as diabetes, as well as the amputation rate for the Aboriginal community within Western Australia are significantly higher than for non-Aboriginals. Access to foot health education, screening and preventative podiatry services are also limited. Recognising the urgent need to identify Aboriginal people at high risk of foot problems and amputations, particularly due to chronic conditions like diabetes, Council of Australian Government funding was provided to establish the Moorditj Djena program in 2010 to address this need.

Moorditj Djena (“Strong Feet” in Noongar language) provides comprehensive Podiatry, Diabetes and Dietetic services, focusing on the prevention and management of diabetic foot complications and associated risk factors. The program operates through community clinics and mobile van clinics, ensuring accessibility and convenience for clients.  This multidisciplinary team collaborates to deliver holistic care, emphasising prevention, education and support. Aboriginal Health Practitioners are essential in integrating traditional knowledge and contemporary medical practices. Moorditj Djena fosters a culturally safe environment for clients, ensuring that care is respectful and responsive to cultural needs.  

The program's shared-care approach, in partnership with various agencies and community stakeholders means that the program is being constantly evaluated and transformed to meet the evolving needs of the Aboriginal community. This ensures that Aboriginal ways of knowing and being are embedded in healthcare delivery.   

By focusing on prevention, culturally safe care models, and innovative community-driven strategies, Moorditj Djena demonstrates how Aboriginal communities can achieve better health outcomes. The program stands as a testament to the power of community-led healthcare solutions in addressing chronic disease challenges. 


4



Health Professionals Networks



Tess Air and Hayley Selleck
Health Professional Networks



The HPNs undertake a vital role in supporting health professionals in WA’s rural areas. The services provided in professional development, education and networking are essential to attract and retain health professionals outside the metropolitan area. HPNs are a key element in the strategy to develop and maintain a stable, long-term health workforce in rural and remote areas.

Background:

The regional HPNs were developed in response to a recommendation in the Towards a medical workforce strategy for rural WA report, completed in 2019. The goal of the HPNs was to support a healthy and effective health workforce for WA’s rural communities. 

Research on rural health sectors has consistently shown programs and interventions that deliver continuing professional development, personal support and financial incentives are vital to maintaining an effective rural health workforce. 

It also shows that local connectivity, collegiate support and professional relationships can have the most positive impact on a health professional’s decision to live and work in a particular rural location over a long term. 

To establish the HPNs, a Statewide Partnership Agreement commenced between Rural Health West, WAPHA and RCSWA. Partnerships have since been formed with WACHS, St John WA, UDRHs and RFDS. 

The seven HPNs are now established in each of the rural regions in WA.

Health Professionals Networks Activities: 

The regional HPNs’ purpose is to “connect people working in health in regional, rural and remote Western Australia through high quality local professional learning, networking and social engagement.”

The HPNs create a supportive collegiate environment for rural health professionals, which will aid the longevity of service from rural and remote health professionals, in turn improving continuity of primary health care services for rural communities.

Each HPN aims to provide rural and remote health professionals with better support and greater opportunities to network, upskill, share information, and collaborate in their local community. This is achieved through the delivery of around 10 educational, professional development and networking events each year by each HPN.

Membership is currently free for health professionals, including medical and health students, and medical administrators. The majority of events are also free.

Rural Health West and partners share the common aim of improving health outcomes for rural and remote communities. By building a stable, long-term health workforce in these communities, we can improve their continuity of care, and the delivery of vital health and medical services.