There is a significant disparity in healthcare for Aboriginal communities in Australia compared to the general population, with higher rates of chronic diseases, lower life expectancies, and higher infant mortality rates. Factors such as poverty, inadequate housing, limited access to healthcare services, and cultural barriers contribute to this disparity, making it difficult for Aboriginal people to access necessary medical care.
Efforts to address these disparities include initiatives to increase the number of Aboriginal healthcare workers, improve access to culturally appropriate services, and address social determinants of health. However, there is still a shortage of healthcare professionals in remote Aboriginal communities, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment and poorer health outcomes.
With this in mind, our Unity project supporting A/Prof Sam Heard
and his amazing team at the Central
Australian Aboriginal Congress, done in partnership with I-MED Radiology Network and Siemens Healthineers is so important. It is multifaceted including a large component of ultrasound training. As ultrasound is so readily accessible it is a key imaging modality in supporting our indigenous communities. Please watch the video of the trip just completed by two of our incredibly passionate and talented senior sonographers Catherine Scott and Catherine Robinson. It very much captures the significance of this training but also I believe illustrates well the reasons why our indigenous communities have such a connection with their beautiful land.
Cathy and Catherine provided all their teaching on Siemens machines including the portable Acusonp500 machine gifted to the charity by Siemens, very much fit for purpose for our outreach work.
It is only the tip of the iceberg, but collaboratively we are doing our little bit in addressing the disparity in healthcare.
A special callout and thank you to the individuals as well listed below.
Saheeda Zotter Ben Kwan Ron Shnier Shrey Viranna Trina Shnier Steven Bell David Brown Deb Carmody Sanjeev Bhatia Daniel Frisch Gayathri Sivaraman
#first nations
#radiology
#equality
![View organization page for I-MED Radiology Network, graphic]()
At I-MED, we proudly support the Radiology Across Borders (RAB) UNITY program, dedicated to enhancing healthcare for Australian First Nations People. This holistic initiative addresses immediate needs while fostering collaboration within our healthcare community.
In July 2024, the RAB team partnered with the Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation in Yulara, NT, to provide essential ultrasound training. This empowers local healthcare professionals with vital imaging skills, equipping them to address the unique challenges faced by First Nations communities.
Our commitment to this cause is reflected in the impact we've seen firsthand. Watch this video for an inside look at how the UNITY program is transforming remote communities.
I-MED is committed to improving healthcare access for all Australians, especially in rural and remote areas. Supporting our First Nations communities is a key part of our mission to create a diverse, equitable, and inclusive service for all.
#HealthcareEquality #CommunityImpact
