Indigenous Hospital Liaison Services Team Leader Neressa Johnston (left) and Indigenous Patient Journey Officer Jarrod Parter (right) with new consumer Aunty Merle Cashman (centre).
TPCH’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Steering Committee has become the first within Metro North to welcome consumers, supporting the hospital to deliver more culturally appropriate care to patients.
Local Elders Aunty Merle Cashman and Uncle Alex Davidson will work with the Steering Committee to provide cultural governance and counsel to TPCH staff on issues that affect the care experience of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients during their hospital stay.
The Steering Committee, which was established September 2019, is responsible for overseeing the implementation of TPCH’s Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), a key document which outlines key initiatives that contribute to a more culturally appropriate environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients who visit TPCH and improve health outcomes.
Aunty Merle and Uncle Alex will attend the Committee’s monthly meetings to provide a consumer perspective on issues such as better approaches to accessing our services, better understanding of delivering cultural appropriate care, engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and organisations.
Aunty Merle, a Nguigi woman from Quandamooka nation and Kunju of the Thaipan people who grew up in Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island), is passionate about becoming a voice for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families.
A strong advocate of human rights and social justice, the mother of six and grandmother of nine has spent the last three decades supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and families through her work with the Education Department.
“For me, it’s about helping create a culturally safe and suitable environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients while they are in hospital,” Aunty Merle said.
“We need to work together to help break down the barriers so that staff are aware of the unique culture and history of patients which can impact on their health care experience and outcomes.
“It’s about respect, understanding and kindness.”
Uncle Alex, a Gubbi Gubbi (Caboolture to Sunshine Coast) and Toorbul man (Brisbane River to Strathpine) is an active Elder of the Kurbingui organisation and advocate for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people within the Queensland Police Service, PCYC, Department of Youth Justice and other community agencies.
“I would like to see staff working in this area to be recognised as part of the community and welcomed as part of this country,” Uncle Alex said.
“We all have a duty of care to acknowledge, protect and be mindful of our sacred sites to ensure they last forever.
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff at TPCH play a very important role in making sure that our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples voices are heard in the hospital environment.”