The Development of an ‘Indigenous Team’ in a Mainstream Mental Health Service in South Australia

Abstract

The Social Justice Report 20051 recommended that the governments of Australia commit to achieving equal health status for all Australians “within a generation”. Improving the accessibility of mainstream health services for Aboriginal people is highlighted as a central requirement. This paper describes the establishment, roles and functions of the ‘Indigenous team’ embedded within the South Australian Rural and Remote Mental Health Service (RRMHS) as one strategy to improve access and responsiveness of mental health services to Aboriginal patients in South Australia. We report on our progress to date and possible future directions for the team.