From acknowledgement to accountability in Closing the Gap
Elders, clinicians and community leaders came together at The Alfred recently to explore how strong relationships and accountability are essential to closing the gap in health outcomes for First Nations people.
With more Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Bayside Health catchment than in Alice Springs, the group explored the systemic barriers driving inequitable outcomes, and the need for self determination, genuine partnership and culturally safe care.
“Culturally safe care doesn’t always look obvious, but it starts well before a patient or family is in front of you,” said Dr Jess O’Brien, Alfred cardiologist and Medical Aboriginal Advisor.
“It begins with learning the history — the role hospitals and healthcare have played in colonisation, and the mistrust and suspicion that still exists because of that.”
Dr O’Brien said understanding this history while taking the extra time to build rapport, trust and engage in shared decision making with patients and families is crucial for better health outcomes.
“Too often we blame the person or their culture, when really it’s a failure of us as health professionals.”
Recognising the importance of meeting patients where they are, Bayside Health has recently partnered with Monash Health and Aboriginal community health partners to deliver specialist diabetes education and endocrinology care within Aboriginal health services—addressing access barriers that contribute to poorer health outcomes.
The prevalence of, and mortality related to, diabetes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is almost double that of non-indigenous people across Australia, yet they are half as likely to access care.
The initiative takes specialist services into the community setting, where Aboriginal people prefer to access their care, reducing barriers to access and leading to better health outcomes for the Aboriginal community.
Extending on this work, Bayside Health is establishing a First People Sub-Board Committee, which will be responsible for providing culturally informed, strategic, and practical advice to the Bayside Health Board and Executive Team to drive improved health outcomes, cultural safety and self-determination for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
Recently appointed to the inaugural Bayside Health Board, proud Wamba Wamba woman Karinda Taylor said there is an opportunity to ask tough questions at a higher level.
“Aboriginal people didn't create the gap. We're not responsible for fixing the gap and we shouldn't be celebrating a small shift in the dial on a gap that shouldn't exist … it’s about accountability.”
The conversation was facilitated by Seona James from Indigenous Cultural Connections, with panellists Boon Wurrung Senior Elder N’arweet Prof Carolyn Briggs AM, Victorian Department of Health Deputy Chief Aboriginal Advisor Craig Taylor, Ms Taylor and Dr O’Brien joining us to acknowledge Closing the Gap Day.
