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See the chapter on 'Environmental Health' in Volume 2 |
Territory Health Services recognises that many of the factors necessary for good health are outside the control of our organisation.
"The factors determining good health include a safe and adequate water and food supply, efficient waste disposal systems, adequate housing, sufficient income, educational opportunities, access to primary health care services and a strong cultural base. Most of these factors lie outside of Territory Health Services direct area of responsibility. Departmental staff need to work with other government and non-government agencies to find ways to strengthen coordination, collaboration and cooperation at all levels, across the range of health and community services (Territory Health Services 1998:18 )."
There are some good examples of intersectoral cooperation that involve Territory Health Services staff. One example is the Northern Territory Government (NTG) Environmental Health Task Group. The Power and Water Authority (PAWA), Office of Aboriginal Development (OAD), Department of Housing and Local Government (HLG), THS and the Department of Education are members of this group. The group has worked on The 'Environmental Health Standards for Remote Communities in the Northern Territory' and the 'Environmental Health Housing Survey'.
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See the chapter on 'Environmental Health' in Volume 2 |
Figure 3: Breaking down the walls
Adapted from Ebrahim and Ranken 1988:60
Another example of working intersectorally is the NT Aboriginal Hearing Program described below.
| The NT Aboriginal Hearing Program Ear disease and the resulting conductive hearing loss is a health issue with educational implications. Research has shown that the incidence of chronic ear disease (otitis media) and the resulting permanent conductive hearing loss amongst Aboriginal infants and children are extremely high. Up to 60 per cent of this population suffer from otitis media that results in an educationally significant hearing loss. The NT Department of Education and Territory Health Services (THS) established a joint Departmental Committee to address these issues. In 1990 this committee gained all Aboriginal membership and became the NT Aboriginal Hearing Program Coordinating Committee Incorporated. This Committee represents 15 communities across the NT and provides advice, strategic direction and support to the operational Program. Two of the Committee's recommendations that have been implemented are:
The NT Department of Education and THS agreed that the NT Aboriginal Hearing Program would implement a number of activities
The NT Department of Education funds five education officers dedicated to the NT Aboriginal Hearing Program. These Officers are qualified educators with experience in Aboriginal education and working in rural and remote communities. They are the key to the Program's intersectoral activities across the NT. They provide the link between the Program and communities. Territory Health Services funds a senior Aboriginal Health Worker dedicated to the NT Aboriginal Hearing Program and provides medical and audiological resources that deliver services and support the strategies of the Aboriginal Hearing Program. The Coordinator, an education professional, is located within THS. The Commonwealth agency Australian Hearing Services is responsible for the provision of amplification devices and also provides support to the Program. Information provided by Tony Neale, |
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Look for opportunities to work with other organisations on joint projects |