Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health
At Bass Coast Health we strive to offer care that is culturally-safe, respectful and appropriate for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families.
Our dedicated team includes an Aboriginal Health Clinical Nurse Consultant and Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer, guided by our Elder-in-Residence.
It is important that you let your medical team know if you or your family identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander to ensure the Aboriginal Health Team can support you during your medical treatment.
We are here to help you receive the care you need to remain healthy.
What Is The Service?
Our Aboriginal Health program includes:
- Ensuring culturally responsive care for Aboriginal people and their families
- Improving access to health services and preventative care for Aboriginal people
- Increasing our understanding of, and cultural sensitivity towards Aboriginal health issues
- Maintaining positive relationships with the local Aboriginal community, other service providers and government departments.
If you’re admitted to hospital, you can request to see our Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO). The AHLO can be present when treating teams are speaking about your medical condition, and can advocate, liaise and support you throughout your admission. The AHLO can contact your family and friends, and help with internal and external referrals for services you may require.
Aboriginal Health team. Darelle Van Haaster (ACNC), Aunty Doseena Fergie (Elder-in-Residence) and Rob Nelson (AHLO).
First Nations Inclusion and Reconciliation
Bass Coast Health is committed to providing a culturally safe environment for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, including families and children. We work closely with our First Peoples Advisory Committee to provide extensive support to our Indigenous community.
Bass Coast Shire is within the clan estate of the Yalloc Bulluk Bunurong and the Lowandjeri Bulluk Bunurong.
Inclusion criteria:
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
• Spouses or carers of Aboriginal families
• Inpatients
• Outpatients.
Bass Coast Health provides services to residents of neighbouring Shires and the numerous visitors to the region. Our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) will shape our initiatives and
actions in providing culturally accessible, responsive and safe health services.
This RAP is an ongoing commitment to progress reconciliation at Bass Coast Health, to create respectful and safe environments and services for
patients/clients, visitors and staff. We are committed to engaging with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities to progress the actions
outlined.
Aboriginal Employment at Bass Coast Health
Aboriginal Employment Strategy
As part of our Reconciliation Action Plan we are developing an Aboriginal employment strategy which focuses on:
- increasing employment opportunities for Aboriginal people
- valuing and supporting Aboriginal staff
- professional development, such as mentoring and education
- as well as training new and existing BCH staff in Aboriginal Cultural Safety.
Aboriginal Employment
Bass Coast Health recognises the importance of creating a culturally diverse and supportive workplace for Aboriginal people.
We aim to increase Aboriginal employment and education at Bass Coast Health and encourage Aboriginal job seekers to apply for opportunities advertised.
See current job opportunities on our careers page.
The launch of the First Nations artworks at Wonthaggi Hospital by Wonthaggi artist Aunty Patrice Mahoney OAM, left, pictured with Aboriginal Health Clinical Nurse Consultant Darelle Van Haaster, and Midwifery Unit Manager Relle McMillin.
The single artwork of three panels is called "Our places, our people, from summer to winter, the sky to the sea."