Succeed Healthcare Solutions: Closing the Gap in Healthcare Inequity for Rural, First Nations, and Defence Communities
Are you interested in making a positive impact on healthcare inequity in rural, First Nations, and defence communities? Look no further than Succeed Healthcare Solutions. Our goal is to bridge the gap and ensure equal access to high-quality care through culturally inclusive health services that prioritise the unique needs of these communities. Join us on our journey to foster community engagement, empowerment, and cultural safety for improved health outcomes.
Succeed Healthcare Solutions: Closing the Gap in Healthcare Inequity for Rural, First Nations, and Defence Communities
Succeed Healthcare Solutions has been at the forefront of addressing local healthcare needs since its inception in 2010 in Seymour (MM 4), Victoria. Our rural place-based Allied Health Assistant (AHA) service has provided work-based training to AHAs, building local capacity in rural and remote areas. Over the years, we expanded our services to Jundah (MM7), Jandowae (MM 5), and Dalby (MM4), recognising and filling gaps in the market. Click here for more information about our origin story.
Extending Services to First Nations Communities and Prioritising Defence Clients
Building on the success of our AHA model in rural, remote, and urban areas, Succeed Healthcare Solutions has extended its reach to provide services to First Nations communities. We prioritise addressing healthcare inequity and offering culturally appropriate care to First Nations people in Australia. Our program aims to ensure that residents of rural and First Nations communities have equal access to high-quality healthcare services.
Additionally, we are proud to employ local defence spouses as place-based Allied Health Assistants (AHAs), recognising the unique challenges faced by defence families in accessing healthcare services. Our commitment to prioritising defence clients for therapy ensures timely access to the care they deserve.
Culturally Inclusive Health Services for First Nations People
At Succeed Healthcare Solutions, we are dedicated to providing culturally inclusive health services for First Nations people. We understand the importance of incorporating First Nations cultural values, traditions, and community involvement in therapy. To achieve this, we employ community members from local First Nations communities as Allied Health Assistants. They play an integral role in implementing therapy alongside occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and exercise physiologists. See Closing the Gap Implementation Plan for more information.
Addressing Unique Needs and Promoting Holistic Well-being
Our service is designed to address the unique needs and experiences of First Nations individuals, defence families, and the wider community. We collaborate closely with our Allied Health Assistants to ensure that therapy aligns with cultural practices, values, and beliefs. We strive to provide comprehensive care that respects and embraces the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our clients. This includes combining Western evidence-based approaches with First Nations cultural knowledge and understanding the specific challenges faced by defence families.
Closing the Gap by Enhancing Daily Functioning: Occupational Therapy
Our occupational therapists work with clients to enhance their daily functioning, independence, and quality of life. They collaborate with the Allied Health Assistants to develop culturally relevant interventions that support individuals in engaging in meaningful activities. These can include traditional arts and crafts, cultural ceremonies, land-based practices or modern activities. This approach promotes not only physical and cognitive well-being but also cultural identity and connection to the community.
Closing the Gap by Improving Physical Well-being: Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists at Succeed Healthcare Solutions focus on improving physical mobility, strength, and overall well-being. They work in partnership with the Allied Health Assistants to design exercise programs. These can incorporate traditional movement practices, outdoor activities, cultural games or modern activities. By combining evidence-based exercise therapy with First Nations cultural practices, individuals can experience physical improvements while fostering a deeper connection to their cultural heritage.
Closing the Gap by Managing Chronic Conditions: Exercise Physiology
Exercise physiologists at Succeed Healthcare Solutions focus on the prevention and management of chronic conditions through tailored exercise programs. They collaborate with the Allied Health Assistants to develop exercise plans. These can incorporate traditional physical activities, such as bushwalking, traditional dance, or hunting and gathering practices or modern approaches. This approach improves physical health while honouring and revitalising First Nations cultural practices and addressing the specific needs of defence families.
Fostering Community Engagement, Empowerment, and Cultural Safety
Our multi-disciplinary health service fosters community engagement, empowerment, and capacity building. By employing local community members, including First Nations individuals and defence spouses as Allied Health Assistants, we create an environment where clients feel culturally safe, respected, and understood. The involvement of community members ensures that therapy is grounded in cultural knowledge, wisdom, and sensitivity, enhancing its effectiveness and relevance.
We prioritise ongoing cultural competency training for all staff members to continuously improve our understanding of First Nations culture, history, protocols, and the specific needs of defence families. This commitment enables us to provide high-quality care that reflects the unique needs and aspirations of First Nations people and defence clients.
At Succeed Healthcare Solutions, we are proud to have started in Seymour to address the healthcare needs of defence families and expanded our reach to include First Nations communities. Our aim is to close the gap in healthcare inequity by offering culturally appropriate, inclusive, and empowering therapy. We combine professional expertise with First Nations cultural knowledge, community involvement, and an understanding of the challenges faced by defence families. Hence, we strive to support individuals in achieving their physical, emotional, and spiritual health goals while fostering a strong connection to their cultural heritage.
Helpful Information
- Government Health Service:
- Link to the official website of the Australian Government Department of Health.
- Indigenous Health Organisation:
- Link to the National Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (NACCHO).
- Defence Family Support:
- Link to Defence Community Organisation (DCO) Family Support.
- Cultural Awareness Training:
- Link to Cultural Responsiveness Training by Indigenous Allied Health Australia.
- Research Study:
- Link to a research study on healthcare disparities in First Nations communities: Social determinants and the health of Indigenous peoples in Australia – a human rights based approach.
- Uluru Statement from the Heart:
- Link to Uluru Statement from the Heart.
- Information about the Indigenous Voice to Parliament:
Succeed Healthcare Solutions acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the original inhabitants of Australia and recognises these unique cultures as part of the cultural heritage of all Australians. We pay our respects to the Elders of this land; past, present, and emerging, and extend that respect to all First Nation’s people.