27 February 2020
It’s important to have a health check every year, even when you feel well, to stay healthy and strong.
Having a regular health check provides important details to your doctor to keep you and your family in good health.
All Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are eligible for an annual 715 health check which are free at Aboriginal Medical Services and bulk billing practices. The 715 health check can help you better understand your health and help you access follow up services to improve your health and wellbeing.
Find out more at ‘Your Health is in Your Hands’ website >
Download 715 Health Checks Fact Sheet 
Watch this video to find out how a 715 health check can support your health.
https://youtu.be/-kbmok_gR74
14 February 2020
SWSPHN has commissioned the training of 11 Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Instructors.
Aboriginal identified staff from a range of organisations, including Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation, South Western Sydney Local Health District, Lifeline Macarthur, NSW Police, Justice Health and St Vincent de Paul Society NSW, undertook the training and became accredited by Mental Health First Aid Australia.
Prior to completing the training, there were no accredited Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid Instructors based in South Western Sydney.
The new instructors are working together to coordinate delivery of training across the region, in the hope of increasing the mental health literacy and capacity of community members and workers who assist people from an Aboriginal background who are experiencing a mental health problem or mental health crisis.
Find out more about the Aboriginal Mental Health First Aid course
For enquiries or to be put in touch with an instructor, please email jade.weidner@swsphn.com.au.
04 February 2020
GPs are being encouraged to provide input into plans for the Bankstown Health Neighbourhood, a new $1.3 billion integrated health precinct within Bankstown.
Opportunities are available to get involved in two projects:
- Bankstown Health Neighbourhood Models of Care Project
- Digital Transformation Strategy
To find more information, including how to get involved.
04 February 2020
The Department of Health has developed a webpage to support practices to encourage their Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to have a health check. The Your Health is in Your Hands webpage aims to increase the uptake of the MBS 715 (Aboriginal Health Assessment).
The page describes what a 715 is and the purpose of and the benefits of having the health check.
To find more information, and for posters and brochures which can be downloaded or ordered, visit the Your Health is in Your Hands webpage. There is also a YouTube animation you can play in your practice.
If you have any questions please contact Jackie Caton at Jacqueline.Caton@swsphn.com.au
