Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program changing lives in Katoomba

The Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP) in NSW has supported the delivery of a 24 week exercise program delivered by Christine Bolt at Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service (GWAHS) in Katoomba.  

Chronic conditions account for 70% of the total health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and non-Indigenous Australians, and almost half of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people live with at least one chronic condition. 

RDN is funded to deliver The Medical Outreach Indigenous Chronic Disease Program (MOICDP) in NSW and the ACT and has been able to support a 24 week exercise program delivered by Christine Bolt at Greater Western Aboriginal Health Service (GWAHS) in Katoomba.  

A core group of five participated in the program each week, with up to nine people in the classes over the 24 weeks. The daughter of one of the attendees has provided some wonderful  feedback to highlight the significant improvements her mother has made since joining: 

"My aged mother was falling over all the time; she was at risk of seriously injuring herself and ending up in hospital. Since attending the program, my mum has not fallen over, has more confidence and has lost two kilograms! 

She walks into each session with enthusiasm and pride. Mum can now stay at home without me worrying about her falling over. She has recently joined a separate walking group on Tuesdays to continue her journey. She has also formed a friendship with one of the other participants and they have gone and watched a movie together at the cinema. For a person who was isolating and had limited self-confidence she is blossoming. I couldn’t be happier. Thank you." 

The aim of MOICDP is to improve access to health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living with chronic disease. Multidisciplinary clinical services are provided by a range of health professionals including medical specialists, GPs, nurses and allied health professionals, for best practice chronic disease prevention, treatment, management and follow-up. 

RDN is funded by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care (DHAC) to administer the delivery of health Outreach services to regional, remote and Aboriginal communities in New South Wales (NSW) and the Australian Capital Territory (ACT). RDN also collaborates with other organisations and funding bodies to support Outreach projects.

Learn more about RDN’s Outreach programs.