Congress has changed how we see you at town clinics.
We want to support you better by making sure you have a team that knows your health story.
The healthcare you receive from your Congress clinic will still be the same, but from now on when you go to the clinic, you will see your own health team, also called a pod. Your pod is made up of a doctor and two other health professionals.
This will be the team that will see you at the clinic. You will see the same team each time you come to the clinic or book an appointment.
This team will get to know you and your health story, helping Congress to look after you better.
A pod is another name for the team of people who will provide care for you at your usual Congress clinic. Each pod is made up of a doctor and two other team members: Aboriginal Health Practitioners and Nurses. This will be the team that knows your health story and will see you at the clinic. You will see the same pod each time you come to the clinic or book an appointment.
You will be offered a pod when you come to the clinic. Pods will be assigned for you based on who you usually see, who is available, or who you prefer.
This small change is to try to assist you to see the same health professionals as much as possible and improve your experience when attending your usual clinic.
Our reception and clinic staff will work with you to place you in a pod. When you attend the clinic, staff will try to ensure that you see someone from this pod.
This will be considered when assigning your pod. We will try to accommodate you if you need a doctor of a different gender than the one in your pod. Of course, you can also access Alukura (female only) and Ingkintja (male only) if this is preferred.
Congress may have a visiting doctor filling in, or you can see another doctor either from your pod, or any other doctor that is available. Sometimes the nurse from your pod can help.
We will make every effort to have you seen by the right health practitioner, depending on your situation. If your pod is not available, you may be able to see someone else, or be referred to the hospital or urgent care clinic depending on your needs.
Congress is making this change to improve waiting times, because a health professional that knows you well will be able to better assist with health concerns.
We encourage clients to attend the same clinic as much as possible to assist with this process. If you attend another clinic, you will be treated as a visitor for that consultation.
Yes. However, you may not be able to see the doctor of your choice. If any of your details change, please tell reception staff.
If for some reason you need to change the doctor you see, please talk to reception staff.
Congress may have a visiting doctor filling in, or you can see another doctor either from your pod, or any other doctor that is available. Sometimes the nurse from your pod can help.
If you like your pod, ask for your family to be included too.
No. Alukura and Ingkintja can still be accessed the same way.
Please call or visit your nearest clinic.
Yes. There is no change to Congress’ transport services.
© 2022 Central Australian Aboriginal Congress Aboriginal Corporation ICN 7823 Disclaimer and Copyright Privacy Acknowledgements Cultural Warning Facebook Conditions of Use
While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this website, the information on this website does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed, by the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not responsible in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided on this website.
Congress acknowledges the traditional owners of the country on which we work and live and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respect to them and their cultures and to elders both past and present.