Bidyadanga Health Centre

Health Centre - Clinic

Discussion about community control of Bidyadanga Health Centre or the “Clinic” has been around for many years. From 1 July 2025, this aspiration became a reality. With the strong relationship between BACLG and Kimberley Aboriginal Medical Services (KAMS), the transition of staff occurred with further work being done to lead to full independence in the next couple of years.

Bidyadanga Health Centre has provided services to community since the 1980s, has a strong track record, established partnerships and experienced staff that have managed and addressed risks at the operational level.  From an organisational level, BACLG also has the support of KAMS when required to manage and address any risks. This strong and long-standing relationship is the key to mitigating risk. KAMS has an experienced board and staff to support BACLG in managing issues that arise.

 

Service Delivery Model

BACLG service delivery model for primary health care at Bidyadanga Health Centre is:

  • Culturally secure and aligned to the ACCHS Model of Care’s holistic approach to physical, social, emotional, and cultural wellbeing built around community engagement, aboriginal workforce, cultural safety and multi-disciplinary teams 
  • Community controlled and governed by locally elected members from the Karajarri, Juwaliny, Mangala, Nyangumarta and Yulparitja language groups; Council meetings are held 6 times a year
  • Quality accredited and focused to meet quality standards as well as continually improving to respond to community needs and changing context through clinical auditing, feedback, surveys and management review
  • Comprehensive care: clients receive a range of health and support services including health promotion, transport, preventative programs, screening, diagnosis, treatment, chronic disease-management provided Monday to Friday 8am to 4:30pm and emergency care provided 24 hours day.  The health centre is staffed by Aboriginal Health Workers, Nurses, General Practitioners, Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Patient Transport Drivers, Receptionists, Centre Manager and Centre Coordinator
  • Integrated with visiting health and community services including:
    • KAMS – Psychiatrist, Podiatrist, Midwife, School Health Nurse, Child Health Nurse, Social and Emotional Well Being staff, Population Health programs (Sexual Health, Tackling Indigenous Smoking, Rheumatic Heart Disease)
    • Boab Health Service – Diabetes Educator, Dietician, Psychologist, Exercise Physiologist
    • Kimberley Supports – Speech Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, NDIS programs
    • Kimberley Renal Services – Chronic Kidney Disease Educator, Nephrologist, Pre-Dialysis Coordinator
    • Kimberley Mental Health & Drug Services
    • WA Country Health Service – Paediatrician, Physician, Dentist, ENT, Emergency Telehealth Service
    • Hearing Australia - Audiologist
    • Lions Eye Institute – Optometrist
    • Royal Flying Doctor Service – emergency care and evacuations from community