Chronic Disease

Chronic disease refers to long-term health conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, which usually last six months or more.

These conditions can develop from a mix of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. If you’re unsure whether you have a chronic condition, it’s important to check in with your doctor.

Managing chronic disease means balancing cultural practices with healthy lifestyle choices to support your overall wellbeing. Regular health checks and open, honest conversations with your healthcare team can make a big difference in improving quality of life.

Integrated Team Care (ITC)

Looking after your Health, Together

Bidgerdii’s Integrated Team Care (ITC) program helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members living with long-term complex health conditions across our region.

The ITC program provides supportive care across Rockhampton, Yeppoon, Mount Morgan, Blackwater & Central Highlands.

Our Health Advocate (Care Coordinator) works closely with you, your doctor, and local services to make sure you can access the care you need. They provide additional support, advice, and practical strategies to help you self-manage your chronic health every day.

The ITC program is here to give you extra care and resources so you can feel your best and stay healthy.

Our ITC Program Covers

Allied Health: Individual and Group Sessions

Our program offers culturally safe Allied Health services through both individual and group sessions. These sessions are designed to support community members in managing chronic health conditions, promoting healing and wellbeing through collaboration with our ITC team.

Mobility Aid Support

The team provides holistic support for mobility aids to ensure our community have access to the necessary equipment that enhances mobility and independence. Our team collaborates with you to assess your needs and facilitate access to suitable mobility aids.

Appointment Co-ordination

Our program includes appointment coordination services to streamline access to healthcare. Our team will help arrange and manage appointments with various healthcare providers, ensuring that you receive the care you need in a timely manner.

Visiting Specialists 

Through our partnerships with trusted healthcare providers, we bring culturally safe, high-quality specialist care to our region. Our healthcare team works closely with visiting specialists to ensure coordinated, comprehensive support for our community.

Your Care Coordinator can assist in accessing visiting specialists as required:

  • Indigenous Cardiac Outreach Program (ICOP)
  • Indigenous Respiratory Outreach Program (IROC)
  • Gastroenterologist – Dr Kevin Nanda (via telehealth)
  • Endocrinologist – Dr Tom Dover
  • St. Johns Eye Van – Visits to Wellness Hub (Rockhampton & Blackwater) booking via 1800 224 700 (press #3)

Want to yarn about our programs? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!

Exercise Physiology

Keeping Active!

Through tailored support and guidance, we help clients build strength, mobility, and confidence in their health journey.

Gym Sessions are held fortnightly

Our Exercise Physiologist:

  • designs personalised exercise programs to improve physical health
  • manage chronic conditions to enhance overall wellbeing.

Hydrotherapy group sessions are held weekly. 

  • Hydrotherapy is beneficial for chronic musculoskeletal conditions ie. back pain, arthritis and join problems. The warm water therapy relaxes muscles, reduces pain and stiffness and can improve circulation.

If required (for qualifying clients), Physiotherapy can be organised to restore movement, relieve pain and manage chronic conditions.

Want to yarn about our programs? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!

Our Support

Your Health Advocate (Care Coordinator) can assist you by:

  • Guiding you through the details of your Care Plan.
  • Helping to arrange services recommended by your GP (where possible).
  • Assisting with scheduling health appointments, if needed.
  • Coordinating specialist appointments.
  • Facilitating access to medical equipment and aids as indicated in your Care Plan.

Are You Eligible?

To be eligible for this program you must meet the following criteria:

  • You are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Island descent.
  • You have one or more chronic health conditions.
  • Your doctor has provided you with a current Care Plan.
  • You have undergone your Health Check (715) in the last 12 months.

Want to yarn about our programs? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!

How to Access the Program?

To access the program, follow these steps:

  1. Visit Your Doctor: Your doctor will assess your eligibility for the program.
  2. Complete Your Health Check: Your regular GP will ensure you have had a Health Check (Item 715) in the last 12 months.
  3. Develop a Care Plan: If eligible, your GP will work with you to create a Chronic Disease Management Plan (Care Plan).
  4. Obtain a Referral: Your GP will complete a referral form and refer you to Bidgerdii’s Integrated Team Care (ITC) program.
  5. Confirm Your Enrolment: A Care Coordinator will contact you to arrange an assessment of your healthcare needs and confirm your acceptance into the ITC program.
  6. Transport is available for eligible clients to attend Wellness Hub Programs & Services.

Want to yarn about our programs? Fill in the contact form and we’ll be in touch!  

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