Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner project

Overview

Initiative type

Model of Care

Status

Deliver

Published

21 August 2019

Summary

Centre of Rural and Remote Clinical Support Unit, in collaboration with Torres and Cape HHS and Workforce Strategy Branch are leading the development of Queensland Health’s governance process to support and employ Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners. Assisting the transition to new arrangements are a range of supporting tools, including a governance framework, Practice Plan template, and clinical assessment tools.

Key dates

Mar 2018 - Jun 2019

Implementation sites

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service

Partnerships

Rural and Remote Clinical Support Unit (utilising the 4 rural and remote HHS) Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service Workforce Strategy Branch

Aim

Build a strong workforce for a healthy future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

Outcomes

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners now have the ability to administer and supply drugs under doctor orders.
  • Competent and confident Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner with the ability to work within their full scope of practice.
  • Improved health outcomes through the provision of culturally safe and geographically accessible clinical health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities will have timely access to the medicines they require.

Background

Closing the Gap is contingent on a strong culturally appropriate and culturally capable workforce that is effectively positioned to meet the health needs of individuals and communities. A strong workforce for a healthy future for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Queenslanders.

Building the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioner workforce is a key action within the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework 2016-2026, which will contribute to the achievement of Queensland Health's commitment to the whole of Government Moving Ahead Strategy and to grow Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander workforce participation to 3.0 per cent by 2022.

Methods

Candidates complete two units of Cert IV to enable them to have their notations removed from their AHPRA registration. A medication calculation workshop is held to upskill candidates.

These governance tools also meet recent amendments to the Health (Drugs and Poisons) Regulation 1996 (Regulation). These changes will enhance the role of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners working in isolated practice areas in Hospital and Health Services. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Pracitioners will be authorised to use scheduled medicines according to drug therapy protocols, and health management protocols, and as defined in an individual practice plan.

Discussion

The project has successfully navigated healthcare system challenges to deliver change, improvement and innovation in the health service and has presented at the Clinical Excellence Queensland Showcase 2019.

Key contact

Josslyn Tully

Manager Health Worker Services

Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service

Email: Josslyn.Tully@health.qld.gov.au

Last updated: April 2025

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