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Can Boab help me?
Foot care, food and nutrition, and diabetes support for people living with a long-term condition. Across the Kimberley, at no cost to you.
Can Boab help me with...
Start with what is going on for you
Four things people come to us with. If yours is here, we can most likely help.
- 18 or over
- Living with a long-term condition
- Your GP or clinic is involved in your care
...my diabetes
Diabetes Education
Type 1, type 2 or gestational. Understanding it, managing it day to day, and keeping on top of the things it affects.
- Diabetes education, one on one or in a group
- Food and eating that works for you
- Regular foot checks
You would see a diabetes educator, and a dietitian or podiatrist if you need them.
...my feet
Podiatry
Diabetes, kidney disease or Hansen’s disease, with a foot problem on top: a sore that will not heal, numbness, poor circulation, a change in shape.
- Foot assessment and a plan to keep you walking
- Wound and ulcer care
- Footwear and pressure advice
You would see a podiatrist.
Urgent foot problem? An infection, a wound that is getting worse. Go to your nearest hospital or clinic now.
General foot care in the West Kimberley is with Outback Care.
...food and eating issues
Dietetics
Diabetes, a heart or kidney condition, weight that affects your health, or a gut condition that needs a careful diet.
- A food plan built around what you actually eat
- Reading labels, shopping and cooking on country
- Support for the whole family where it helps
You would see a dietitian.
...a heart, lung or weight condition
Care Coordination
Heart disease, a long-term lung condition, or a body weight that is making your health harder to manage.
- Food and nutrition support
- Foot checks and diabetes support if those apply to you too
- Help joining up your care if you see a lot of people
You would see a dietitian, and other team members as you need them.
How can I access the service
What actually happens, step by step
See your doctor
Yarn to your doctor about a referral to the ICDC Program for the West or Allied Health Service for the East.
Do your plan together
Your doctor writes a GP Chronic Condition Management Plan with you. Talk about your goals, what matters to you, and the things you need a hand with.
Your doctor sends it in
They send the plan and the referral form to Boab Health Services. Your consent is part of that form.
We call you
Within a few days of the referral arriving.
Broome and the WestA care coordinator rings to work out with you what you need, and puts the plan and the appointments together.
Kununurra and the EastWe ring to book you in with the person you need to see.
The people you would see
The A team
Podiatrist
Feet at risk from diabetes, kidney disease or Hansen’s disease. Assessments, wounds, footwear.
Dietitian
Food and eating for a long-term condition, built around what is in your kitchen and your community.
Diabetes educator
Understanding your diabetes, your numbers, your medicines and what to do when things change.
Care coordinator
Your first call after a referral. Works out what you need, books the team and keeps your GP in the loop.
Where: we work from Broome and Kununurra and visit clinics across the Kimberley. Ring us to ask about your town.
Looking for private allied health?
Outback Care, our sister service in Broome
If you do not have a long-term condition, want routine foot care, or would rather see someone privately, Outback Care sees everyone.
- Podiatry
- Dietitian
- Diabetes education
- Sleep support
Common questions
The things people ask first
Your GP or clinic sends the referral so your care plan and your medical history come with it. If you are not sure who your GP is, ring us and we will help you work out the next step.
No. Boab Health allied health services are free for the people they are for. Outback Care, our private sister service, has fees and Medicare rebates; they will tell you before you book.
It depends on where you live and how urgent your situation is. We ring you after the referral arrives and tell you honestly what to expect. An urgent foot problem goes to the hospital or clinic the same day, not to a waiting list.
Only if your feet are at risk from diabetes, kidney disease or Hansen’s disease. For routine foot care, toenails, corns or general check-ups, Outback Care in Broome sees everyone.
Just the person you need. One appointment with one of us might be all it takes. If it turns out more would help, we offer it; you decide.
We visit clinics across the Kimberley on a regular cycle, and some appointments work by phone or video. Ring the office and ask about your town; the schedule changes, so we would rather tell you the current one than print an old one.
Referring a client to our allied health team?
Forms, eligibility and how to send a referral are on the Referrer Hub.
This service is supported by funding from the Australian Government under the PHN Program and commissioned by WA Primary Health Alliance. Allied health in the East Kimberley is funded by WA Country Health Service and delivered from Kununurra.
Ring the office and tell us what is going on
Reception can tell you whether a referral makes sense, what we are doing in your town, and who to ask for.