One problem was the unavailability of health related data based on ethnicity. The statistics obtained from Territory Health Services were based on country of birth and converted to approximate NESB groupings in accordance with Australian Bureau of Statistics categories. Survey data revealed that NESB people in Darwin and Palmerston will seek medical help from their private doctor in the first instance. The lack of an after hours or emergency service at Palmerston was also raised. Statistics from THS indicated that the incidence of Lung Cancer, Pelvic Inflammatory Disease, Hypertension, Diabetes and Ischaemic Heart Disease at Royal Darwin Hospital were disproportionately high for NESB patients.
Mental health is an area still surrounded by stigma and innuendo.
It is an area that many NESB people are reluctant to bring into the open or to seek treatment. In many instances mental health issues are dealt with within the family situation. Care of the aged is also largely regarded as a family responsibility and the use of nursing homes and other aged care services is often still regarded as an abrogation of responsibility. The use and lack of use of interpreters for health related purposes is problematic. There is the issue of choice between using accredited interpreters and family or friends.