Congratulations to the Department of Communities' Office of Homelessness for their award-winning partnership with the WA Country Health Service - Country Patient Health Support (Country PatHS).
The partners were presented with the Excellence in Aboriginal Health Award at the 2024 WA Health Excellence Awards.
The Country PatHS service was launched in 2023 in response to the joint Ministers for Homelessness and Health submission to address risks associated with vulnerable people travelling from regional and remote areas to access health care in the Perth metropolitan area.
The service facilitates safe and supported access to metropolitan healthcare, community, transport and accommodation services according to individual need; assists patients to stay connected to family and community whilst away from home, and supports safe return to Country.
Our Office of Homelessness team works with Country PatHS to connect vulnerable individuals who are rough sleeping with the health system. This service is making an impact by increasing appointment attendance and improving health outcomes – a testament to the hard work of the team.
Patients accessing the service say it makes them feel more supported to get where they need to be. It’s backed up by data – the number of people attending appointments has increased significantly since the service began.
"It has been great to work alongside the WA Country Health Service on this journey and bring together existing and new services working in this space to compliment the Country PatHS program.
"I am thrilled that the collaboration and commitment to people needing to return home was recognised through this award," Gayle Mitchell, acting Executive Director - Office of Homelessness said.
Congratulations and thank you to our Country PatHS team for supporting the health and wellbeing of vulnerable Aboriginal people and their Communities.
Visit the Country PatHS website for more information.
