Revolutionising Health Outcomes for Indigenous Women

Aim

Improve access and continuity of women’s health services in a remote and rural community.

Benefits

• improved cervical screening rates including patient initiated appointments.
• improved access to reproduction, sexual health counselling.
• improved investigation and management of gynaecological conditions.
• improved Sexually Transmitted Disease (STI) screening, management and population health directed care.

Background

Cooktown was the first site in Queensland to establish a Women’s Health Nurse Practitioner role, in 2008. It exemplifies a Nurse Practitioner (NP) model working to the full scope of their ability – especially in rural Queensland. The position itself has grown, and skills acquired to better meet the service’s needs.

Evaluation and results

In addition to improved continuity of care, the heath service has seen a growing trust and even reliance on the service provided to our indigenous communities and success measures.