Accurate Identification

In 2016, the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team (A&TSILT) launched phase 1 of the campaign focused on encouraging staff to ask the question every time a patient is admitted for accurate recording and linkage to culturally supportive services for the patient.

The initial campaign included ‘proud to identify’ t-shirts for consumers, ‘Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Origin’ shirts for Metro North Health employees/champions, stickers to prompt health professionals to initiate referrals to culturally appropriate services and a training package for staff to educate Metro North Health staff on the importance of identifying Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and the correct processes.

To ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people receive services, cultural support and care the right way, health staff must ask the question – “Are you of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin?”.

Hundreds of staff members from across administration, clinical and operational areas signed up to support the message within their workplace by attending specific training and creating a safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients through signage, brochures and wearing the specially designed staff shirts.

In 2019, a tailored Accurate Identification workgroup was established to investigate the current level of accuracy of the “Indigenous Status (Not Stated/inadequately described)” and a tailored training package has been developed for Administration stream staff.

There are number of facilitators conducting Identification training to administration staff throughout Metro North Health. If you are interested in attending this training, please contact your local Cultural Capability Officer.

Metro North Health has now unveiled phase 2 of the Accurate Identification Campaign designed to encourage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers to feel safe, supported and proud to identify when accessing our hospitals and facilities.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership Team have developed several resources including posters, fact sheets and brochures for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and consumers to educate on why staff must ask the question and to assist with any hesitancy in answering the question. Due to historical impacts and inter-generational trauma, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consumers can feel unsafe, distrust and shame when identifying their heritage due to stigma and fear of the health system.

The Accurate Identification Campaign phase 2 messages, promotions and education to consumers and community are all supported via online platforms including the Better Together Health Van external website and Better Together Health Van Facebook page created to increase health literacy knowledge and important health promotion messages and Metro North Health initiatives and events for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.