WA Tuberculosis Control Program
The Western Australian Tuberculosis Control Program (external site) (WATBCP) provides a statewide outpatient public health service. The program accommodates the needs of adult and paediatric clients and promotes family-based care. Although the target clientele for the program is the entire community, emphasis is invariably on the following high-risk groups:
- People from high tuberculosis (TB) prevalence countries (especially migrants on health undertakings or of refugee status, residency applications, illegal entrants)
- People who have had contact with infectious TB
- Socially disadvantaged groups
- Those with medical conditions known to predispose to TB
- Special occupational groups (e.g. health care workers).
The program offers a comprehensive service; a medical assessment, pathology collection and radiology (chest X-ray) are usually performed within the centre. All clients suspected of having TB or on TB treatment are assigned a nursing case manager who provides support on an individual basis, ensuring effective care delivery through the implementation and evaluation of the case management plan.
Celebrating the WA TB Control Program’s 75th anniversary