Port Stephens Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people will have even greater access to medical services in 2021 thanks to a partnership between Family Planning NSW and Awabakal Health Ltd.
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Starting in February, nurses and medical officers from the Family Planning NSW Hunter clinic will provide fortnightly reproductive and sexual health services to the Awabakal medical clinics in Raymond Terrace and Maitland.
Jodie Duggan, Family Planning NSW's director of Integrated Health Services, said the partnership will provide a clear benefit to Awabakal clients.
"Family Planning NSW recognises that to this day, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience inequities in reproductive and sexual health services and outcomes," she said.
"We're committed to reducing these health inequities and furthering reconciliation by providing safe, respectful and culturally aware health services to our clients who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander."
Awabakal, established in 1977, is the community-led health care, aged care and family services provider for the Hunter's Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population.
Services include the treatment of acute illnesses, emergency care, management of chronic conditions, crisis intervention and referral.
Awabakal's Raymond Terrace clinic, located in Port Stephens Street, opened in March 2018.
Family Planning NSW is the state's leading provider of reproductive and sexual health services and has operated a clinic in Newcastle since 1954.
The first Family Planning NSW outreach clinic will begin at Awabakal Raymond Terrace on February 12, and will continue on a fortnightly basis.
Family Planning NSW clinicians will be on hand to provide Awabakal clients with a range of reproductive and sexual health services including contraceptive implants, IUDs, pregnancy options counselling, STI screening and cervical screening tests.
"By working with Family Planning NSW, Awabakal can assist in supporting the delivery of culturally appropriate, inclusive sexual health services that are safe and accessible for our community," Awabakal spokesperson Simone Jordan said.
The Raymond Terrace clinic is open five days a week. To make an appointment phone (02) 4907 8555.
