First Nations Health

Nukal Murra Support Service

The Nukal Murra Support Service (NMSS) is facilitated by the Nukal Murra Alliance, bringing together WQPHN and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services (AICCHS) in a regionally focused, culturally informed partnership to improve the health, social and emotional wellbeing of our Western Queensland communities.

The name "Nukal Murra" holds significant cultural meaning, combining two traditional languages from the Western Queensland region: "Nukal," which signifies 'plenty or many' in the language of the Lower Gulf, and "Murra," meaning 'hand or hands' in the language of Central West and South West. This name reflects our shared commitment to fostering greater service alignment, integration, and consumer engagement to advance the health outcomes of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the region.

WQPHN facilitates the alliance contract to support innovation and co-commissioning of mental health and chronic disease support services, further reinforcing our dedication to addressing the diverse needs of our communities.

The NMSS operates as a patient-focused service, intended as a last resort option after all other alternative programs have been exhausted. Services include:

• Gap fees associated with health appointments e.g., allied health, specialist appointments;
• Travel and accommodation to attend health appointments;
• Assisted breathing equipment – asthma spacers, nebulisers, CPAP & CPAP accessories;
• Blood Sugar/Glucose Monitoring Equipment;
• Medical footwear prescribed and fitted by a Podiatrist;
• Mobility aids; and
• Spectacles.

NMSS is not designed to address crisis or acute issues. To effectively manage referrals, a minimum notice period of 48 hours is required to review, assess, and respond, as well as to arrange or procure agreed-upon services.

NMSS is available for Indigenous patients who live in the WQPHN region and have a diagnosed chronic disease. There is no cost to the patient for services provided by NMSS.

NMSS prioritises the coordination of scheduled, planned care well in advance, with a focus on the key lifestyle diseases causing excess mortality and morbidity:

• Cancer;
• Cardiovascular disease;
• Chronic kidney disease;
• Chronic respiratory disease;
• Diabetes; and
• Mental Health.

Exceptional circumstances that do not fit the eligibility criteria will be considered on a case by case basis.