Bass Coast Health (BCH) is committed to providing culturally safe care to the First Nations People of the Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
In a sign of this commitment, BCH launched its first Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) at Wonthaggi Hospital during Reconciliation Week.
The RAP lists BCH’s actions over 12 months towards providing culturally accessible, responsive and safe health services to the community.
Health is an area of significant disadvantage for First Nations Peoples and BCH is committed to improving the community’s health outcomes.
BCH Interim CEO Simone Alexander said the plan was endorsed by Reconciliation Australia to guide BCH on furthering its efforts in fostering reconciliation with First Nations Peoples.
“Reconciliation action plans recognise that at the heart of reconciliation is the relationship between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples,” she said.
“The plans contribute to creating opportunities for these meaningful relationships to be established and nurtured. This plan demonstrates our aspirations to enhancing the health of our First Nations People, knowing that good health is vital to them enjoying their lives to the fullest.”
As examples of creating culturally safe and welcoming places, two wards at Wonthaggi Hospital bear First Nations gifted names and First Nations artwork proudly hangs in public places at the hospital. The new Phillip Island Community Hospital at Cowes will also feature First Nations artworks.
“To optimise the care we provide, we have a dedicated Aboriginal Health team of an Aboriginal Clinical Nurse Consultant and Aboriginal Health Nurse, who are supported by our Elder-in-Residence Aunty Professor Doseena Fergie and guided by our First Peoples Advisory Committee who are community representatives,” Ms Alexander said.
Other actions implemented by BCH so far have been:
• the increased identification of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on admission
• the formation of the First Peoples Advisory Committee, which has been consulted about the expansion of the health service
• an Aboriginal representative on the Bass Coast Health Community Advisory Committee, which reports to the Board
• the development of a culturally-safe environment for patients and staff through the ongoing education of all staff
• the display of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the front of Wonthaggi Hospital.
The RAP launch featured a Welcome to Country, Smoking Ceremony and speeches.
Uncle Mik Edwards of Bunurong Land Council said, “Reconciliation is not just a word we make up for one week a year; it lasts forever. It lasts for every blink you take, every step you take.”
Dion Triptree, Co-Chair of BCH’s First People’s Advisory Committee, said, “I’m proud to see how Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices are not only present but are guiding Bass Coast Health towards being culturally safe and towards genuine reconciliation.
“Bass Coast Health is not just committed to listening but committed to walking alongside our First Nations People with respect and courage.”
Darelle Van Haaster, BCH’s Aboriginal Health Clinical Nurse Consultant, read a message on behalf of Aunty Professor Doseena Fergie, who is also Co-Chair of BCH’s First People’s Advisory Committee.
“I am pleased to say that this health service is committed to collaborating with the community to bring about positive culturally appropriate changes within its system so that Aboriginal and Torres Strait community members will feel culturally safe to participate.
“The outcome has been a steady increase in First Peoples utilising this service, thereby contributing to closing the gap in health inequities.”
The RAP is available on BCH’s website: basscoasthealth.org.au/reconciliation-action-plan