Mrs Lorraine Harry1, Ms Jessica Gatti1
1Malala Health Service Aboriginal Corporation, Maningrida, Australia
Biography:
A Registered Nurse with extensive experience in emergency and remote health care. Holding qualifications in nursing, emergency care, education and training, Lorraine currently serves as Coordinator of Quality & Safety for Malala Health Service Aboriginal Corporation. Lorraine was awarded for excellence in remote and isolated health practice (CRANA 2022) and Excellence in CQI (AMSANT 2025). Lorraine is an advocate for patient safety and champions education in the remote setting.
Abstract:
Maningrida is a remote indigenous community in Arnhem Land, Northern Territory. It is located approximately 520 km east of Darwin and 300 km north east of Jabiru. Malala Aboriginal Health Service Corporation was chosen as one of three sites to develop innovative models of care funded by the Commonwealth. Corresponding to the needs of our community, Manayangkarirra Primary Health Care Centre developed and implemented an innovative after-hours model of care to address gaps in healthcare access. In designing any new or enhanced service delivery streams we are guided by our community consultation framework and dedicated to servicing the community needs within a culturally safe, best practice framework.
Traditionally, after-hours services in remote settings are limited to life-threatening emergencies only, creating barriers for populations with diverse health needs. This model is a deterrent to accessing timely healthcare which delays assessment and critical interventions that may prevent clinical deterioration. Our model of care introduced permanent after-hours staffing to provide phone advice, first aid guidance, and in-person care beyond normal clinic hours. By providing 24 hour a day access to health care, we are responding to the way our community live and work. This 24-hour service model aimed to improve timely assessment and interventions, reduce medical evacuations, and deliver culturally safe, responsive care.
Almost two years post-implementation, outcomes have been positive, with enhanced health outcomes, many avoided medical evacuations and increased community satisfaction. This model also improved staff recruitment and retention by eliminating on-call fatigue and maintaining a focus on primary health care during business hours.
Malala’s experience highlights the difference tailored solutions in remote settings can achieve. This pilot underscores the importance of appropriate funding, community consultation, cultural safety and flexible models of care that meet local needs, challenging the “one size fits all” approach to health care in remote Australia.