NQPHN hosted an educational dinner about 715 Health Assessments (HAs) in Cairns (37 participants) on Tuesday 6 December, in Townsville (88 participants) on Wednesday 7 December, and Mackay (41 participants) on Thursday 8 December.

Gurriny Yealamucka Health Services Aboriginal Corporation’s Director of Clinical Services and Senior Medical Officer Dr Jason King, of Yarrabah, gave the presentation which was designed to encourage primary healthcare professions to do more 715 HAs and to do them better.

Dr King, who is a member of NQPHN’s Clinical Council, told diners that the aim of a 715 HA was to help ensure that First Nations people receive primary health care matched to their needs, by encouraging early detection, diagnosis, and intervention for common and treatable conditions that cause morbidity and early mortality.

The HA includes an assessment of the patient’s health, including their physical, psychological, and social wellbeing. It also assesses what preventive health care, education, and other assistance should be offered to the patient to improve their health and wellbeing.

Dr King explained to the participants that to provide a better 715 HA included consideration of cultural safety, community engagement, and clinical yarning.

He emphasised that an HA was bulk billed, there was no time limit, and a practice nurse, allied health, and/or a First Nations Health Practitioner could be involved as well.