Aboriginal health services expand to northern suburbs

11/10/00
New Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service premises were officially opened in Mirrabooka today by Health Minister John Day.
The Mirrabooka service is the second decentralised Derbarl Yerrigan facility, sister services to the new Midland site and the central East Perth site.
Mr Day said the facilities would provide Nyoongar families in the northern suburbs access to a comprehensive range of primary health care services.
"Derbarl Yerrigan has played a critical role in bridging the gap between Aboriginal health services and mainstream health services," Mr Day said.
"The health profile of the metropolitan community must be of a concern to any society."
Mr Day said the Health Department of Western Australia had provided funds of more than $5.69 million to medical services for Aboriginal people during 1999.
The Perth metropolitan area is the fastest growing Aboriginal community in Western Australia, with the Nyoongar community having grown 50 per cent between 1991 and 1996, with the northern suburbs having the largest share.
The Minister said Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service had always been a strong and articulate advocate on behalf of Aboriginal people while always willing to try new ways of doing things.
"The results have been that the level and quality of services offered to Aboriginal citizens has improved markedly over the years, directly impacting on improved health outcomes," he said.
"We are now in the fortunate position of having a number of Aboriginal medical services throughout the State, in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Goldfields, Gascoyne, Murchison, Mid-West, South-West and the central desert area."
Mr Day said the State Government was committed to providing care closer to home for all West Australians and would continue to support Derbarl Yerrigan as it moved to get services closer to Nyoongar families.
Media contact: Carole Cowling on 9213 6600