Remote Area Indigenous Psychiatry: Not Your Usual Day at the Office

Year: 2006
Author(s): Cord-Udy, N.
Book/Journal: Australasian Psychiatry
Volume and Page Info: Vol. 14, No. 3, pp.295-299
Type: Journal
Topics:
Medical Professionalism and Cultural Safety
Publisher: Australasian Psychiatry
Abstract
Objective: To describe the development since 2001 of visiting psychiatric services for the very remotely located indigenous communities in South Australia. Conclusions: The South Australian experience indicates that visiting psychiatric services can be provided in a sustainable and culturally appropriate manner for the benefit of Aboriginal people who live in the remotest places in Australia. These services are an important part of the broader response by the health sector to the mental and physical health needs of indigenous Australians. The work is professionally rewarding for clinicians.