A New Chapter in Care at IWC
From 1 July, IWC will be introducing a new way of delivering primary health care through what we call the Pod Model.
While the name may be new, the heart behind it isn't.
At IWC, we have always believed that the best care starts with strong relationships. Taking the time to know people, understand their stories, and walk alongside them throughout their health journey is central to who we are as an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation.
The Pod Model has been designed to strengthen this approach even further. Built around our values of Respect, Connection and Kinship, the model brings together small teams of health professionals who work closely with one another to support patients and their families. Rather than care happening in separate parts of the organisation, our teams will work together in a more coordinated way to ensure each person receives culturally safe, holistic care that reflects their individual needs.
What is a Pod?
A Pod is a dedicated team of health professionals who work together to support a group of patients and families.
Depending on your needs, your Pod may include:
- Aboriginal Health Workers
- Aboriginal Health Practitioners
- Nurses
- General Practitioners (GPs)
- Administration
Your Pod will also be supported by access to IWC's broader services, including Allied Health, Dental, Social and Emotional Wellbeing, and other specialist programs. By working as one team, your care providers can communicate more effectively, share information appropriately, and ensure you receive the right support at the right time.
What Does This Mean for Community?
For community members, the Pod Model means having a dedicated team who understand your story and work together to support your health and wellbeing.
The goal is to make your experience with IWC more connected, more personalised, and easier to navigate. Instead of feeling like you are moving between different services, your Pod will help coordinate your care and ensure you feel supported throughout your health journey. Most importantly, the Pod Model recognises that health is about more that appointments. It is about people, families, relationships, culture and community.
Why Are We Making This Change?
As our organisation continues to grow, we want to ensure we maintain the strong relationships and community-centred approach that have always been at the heart of IWC.
The Pod Model allows us to strengthen continuity of care, improve communication between health professionals, and provide a more coordinated experience for patients and families.
This change reflects our ongoing commitment to delivering care that is connected, culturally safe and responsive to the needs of our community.
Looking Ahead
The launch of the Pod Model on 1 July marks an exciting new chapter for IWC.
While the way our teams are organised may be changing, our commitment to community remains the same. We look forward to continuing to walk alongside individuals and families, building stronger relationships and supporting healthier futures together.
Because when care is connected, communities grow stronger.