Northern Territory PHN’s Shared Medical Appointments (SMA) service model has secured continued funding through mid-2026, marking a significant step forward in community health engagement in the NT.
SMA offers a group healthcare environment that changes how health care services are delivered to Aboriginal communities. The program fosters a two-way exchange of knowledge and puts community input at the heart of healthcare delivery.
The new service model has made significant strides. As of June 2024, 738 people had been oriented to the SMA approach with 236 individuals trained to facilitate these collaborative sessions. The program engaged 61 professionals including Aboriginal Health Workers, Practitioners, and Registered Nurses, who have been consulted and trained.
The SMA model has conducted over 55 group medical sessions by directly engaging more than 270 Aboriginal people in a comprehensive and inclusive healthcare experience. Twenty-two community consultations have ensured that the program remains responsive to local needs and priorities.
NT PHN is proud to continue our supports until mid-2026 as the program continues to grow and reshape healthcare delivery through building health literacy and creating supportive networks in Aboriginal communities.
