A pod is another name for the team of people who will provide care for you at your usual Congress clinic. Each pod is made up of a doctor and two other team members: Aboriginal Health Practitioners and Nurses. This will be the team that knows your health story and will see you at the clinic. You will see the same pod each time you come to the clinic or book an appointment.

You will be offered a pod when you come to the clinic. Pods will be assigned for you based on who you usually see, who is available, or who you prefer.

This small change is to try to assist you to see the same health professionals as much as possible and improve your experience when attending your usual clinic.

Our reception and clinic staff will work with you to place you in a pod. When you attend the clinic, staff will try to ensure that you see someone from this pod.

This will be considered when assigning your pod. We will try to accommodate you if you need a doctor of a different gender than the one in your pod. Of course, you can also access Alukura (female only) and Ingkintja (male only) if this is preferred.

Congress may have a visiting doctor filling in, or you can see another doctor either from your pod, or any other doctor that is available. Sometimes the nurse from your pod can help.

We will make every effort to have you seen by the right health practitioner, depending on your situation. If your pod is not available, you may be able to see someone else, or be referred to the hospital or urgent care clinic depending on your needs.

Congress is making this change to improve waiting times, because a health professional that knows you well will be able to better assist with health concerns.