Derbarl Yerrigan
Health Service Inc

DYHS is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation. DYHS is overseen by a Board of Directors who are elected by the Aboriginal Community at the Annual General Meeting. Full financial membership is available to Aboriginal & or Torres Strait Islander people. Associate Membership is available to non-Aboriginal staff.
 
DYHS plays a critical role in providing culturally appropriate Primary Health Care Services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Perth Metropolitan area.

In addition to servicing communities in the Perth metropolitan area, DYHS also provides ear and eye health services to rural regions.

DYHS operates clinics in East Perth, Maddington, Mirrabooka, Mandurah (Waangkiniy Health in Peel) Medina,  Elizabeth Hansen Centre

In the year 2008/2009 over 50,000 client contacts were undertaken.

History

Derbarl Yerrigan Health Service Inc (formerly Perth Aboriginal Medical Services) was established in 1973.

Under the direction of the Aboriginal committee, volunteer doctors and medical students conducted part-time clinics from the office of the Aboriginal Advancement Council in Beaufort Street, Perth.

In October 1980, PAMS moved to premises in Edward St, East Perth.   By this stage there were about 55 staff working full and part time.

The service continued to grow and by 1995 had about 75 staff and an annual budget of $3.1 million.  In 1998 PAMS moved to the present East Perth premises in Wittenoom St.  In 2000 the Mirrabooka and Maddington facilities were opened.

The Elizabeth Hansen Autumn Centre has been running for 40 yrs, and has been managed by DYHS since 2000.

The Maddington clinic was granted the Australian General Practice Accreditation (AGPAL) for providing safe, high quality health care in 2007. DYHS aims to have East Perth and Mirrabooka clinics accredited in 2008.

Mission

To provide an Aboriginal Community Controlled holistic health care network, which develops, promotes and maintains Aboriginal Peoples’ physical, spiritual, social, economic and cultural wellbeing.

Vision

To provide a cultural model of health service delivery that meets the needs of Aboriginal people and Aboriginal communities in the Perth metropolitan region.

Objectives

• To provide Primary Health Care Services to Aboriginal Communities
• To improve the Social Well-being of Aboriginal People and Communities
• To enhance the Cultural Well-being and Security of Aboriginal People and Communities
• To commit to Good Governance and Continuous Improvement