Apunipima’s Coen Health Care Centre Working to National Standards

Coen increased its community health credentials today when Apunipima’s Coen Health Care Centre received a national award of accreditation, demonstrating its commitment to quality and safety within its health centre, just after celebrating its first birthday in its own health care centre in April this year.

AGPAL (Australian General Practice Accreditation Limited) accreditation is independent recognition that a practice meets the requirements of governing industry standards which are set by the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners.

Apunipima’s Quality and Risk Manager, Roberta Newton said accreditation acknowledged the high standard of care being provided to the community by the Coen team.

‘So stringent are the AGPAL standards that many mainstream clinics need more than one go to achieve accreditation,’ she said.

‘To achieve it first time is a real success, not only for the staff but also for our community.’

While AGPAL accreditation is not mandatory, all Apunipima primary health care centres are either accredited or working towards accreditation.

‘We wanted the community to know that their health and wellbeing is our priority,’ Roberta said.

‘By choosing to attend an accredited practice, our patients know they will get quality and safe care that meets the national standards.’

The Centre offers a full range of culturally appropriate comprehensive primary health care services including doctors, nurse practitioner and maternal and child health workers supported by a range of visiting services.

Apunipima has been providing health care services in Coen for the last nine years, however have only been providing services out of its own Centre since April 2017. Coen Health Care Centre manager, Louise Pratt grew up in Coen and has been working with Apunipima for over 9 years in the community. Through her community consultation and commitment to the health of the community over those years she has gained a firm grasp for the health needs for the Community of Coen.

Louise was ecstatic to hear the news the Centre passed accreditation, sharing how it was the dedication and commitment of her team to get this accreditation.

‘To receive the notification shows our hard work as a team has paid off, and it is only onwards and upwards for the Centre and the community’s health as a whole.’

‘All of our staff played a valuable role in working together meet the AGPAL standards. Receiving AGPAL accreditation is an acknowledgement of the dedication, care and commitment of our staff.’

‘It’s been a privilege to see our team and services evolve over the years, I am incredibly proud of what our team have achieved, not only for ourselves, but most importantly for our community.’