Partner

Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service

Who are we?
PAMS is very grateful to the Paul Ramsay Foundation for investing in the Upstream Health Project. It will benefit around 52 Aboriginal pregnant women a year who live in Newman and the Western Desert homeland communities. These women have no choice over their pregnancy care and birthing and are overwhelmed by a Western bio-medical model. This funding will enable PAMS to co-design and implement pregnancy care and support that is culturally and clinically excellent.
Robby Chibawe, Chief Executive Officer
Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service
Puntukurnu Aboriginal Medical Service (PAMS) is an Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service located in the very remote East Pilbara region of Western Australia delivering services in communities located in the Great Sandy, Little Sandy and Gibson Deserts. PAMS provides culturally responsive and appropriate fully comprehensive primary health care services in the communities of Jigalong, Parnngurr, Punmu, Kunawarritji and Newman to the Martu and Nyiyaparli language groups. Established in 1994 it provides a range of clinical, National Disability Investment Scheme (NDIS), social emotional wellbeing and health promotion services and supports.
What are we doing?

PAMS: Upstream Health

There is currently no midwifery service in the Eastern Pilbara. Pregnant women are sent to Port Hedland or Perth (450km and 1,200km from Newman respectively) at 36 weeks (or earlier) to give birth off Country. The journey is usually undertaken by 4WD over rough bush tracks. Once in Newman or Perth, these women are left unsupported resulting in high levels of distress.The Upstream Health Project aims to address these problems and create the conditions needed for babies and children to start life with strong foundations and support women in their role as mothers.

What are the impact areas we aim to work within?
Impact Area
Thriving children
Other Areas
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