Government of Western Australia Department of Health North Metropolitan Health Service. Reconciliation Action Plan

Transcription

1 Government of Western Australia Department of Health North Metropolitan Health Service Reconciliation Action Plan

2 The painting used for graphic illustration in this document is the Six Seasons, work of artist Noogali. He is a member of the Balardong clan, part of the Noongar tribe. He has completed studies in community health, working on programs promoting Aboriginal Health. His art reflects the message of Aboriginal culture and how it has lived in harmony with the land for over 40,000 years. AVPU SCGH Ref No:

3 North Metropolitan Health Service recognises, respects and values Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander cultures as we walk a new path together. For more information please contact: NMHS Aboriginal Health Unit on (08) This document can be made available in alternative formats such as computer disc, audio tape or Braille, on request. Department of Health 2012

4 2 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Message from the Chief Executive I acknowledge the traditional owners the Noongar people - the custodians of the land on which we work. I pay respect to their elders both past and present. The North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) is committed to the national reconciliation effort between * Aboriginal and other Australians to create a united Australia that provides equity for all. This includes an effort to close the Aboriginal life expectancy gap and increase the access of Aboriginal peoples to health services that are culturally safe and welcoming. The NMHS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) outlines strategies to address social inequity through employment and learning opportunities, provide direction to embrace change and adopt a cultural perspective to the delivery of health services. As a major health care provider, the NMHS fully endorses and supports the principles and practices of effective reconciliation, through the strengthening of respectful meaningful and equitable relationships with Aboriginal, and other Australians. The ability to work together and form relationships involves an understanding of Aboriginal culture, values, connection to land, and the importance which this relationship has to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people. The RAP reflects the commitment to working in partnership with Aboriginal community members, all levels of government, other key organisations and staff to achieve better training, employment and social participation, resulting in better health outcomes for Aboriginal people. The RAP focuses on the steps we plan to take to improve the delivery of services and programs to the Aboriginal community. The objectives outlined in the RAP are supported by dedicated funding and clear and practical policies to ensure we can increase the engagement with Aboriginal people in the community areas in which we operate. I am proud to present the first NMHS Reconciliation Action Plan. This long awaited plan will strive to improve relations between the NMHS and Aboriginal peoples and other Australians enabling an increased understanding of history, culture and a commitment to overcoming inequity. The Plan will cover the period and has been designed as a living document that will be reported on and updated each year. Dr DJ Russell Weisz CE * Please note that the use of the term Aboriginal within this document refers to Australians of both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

5 Reproduced with permission from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council.

6 4 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Our Vision for Reconciliation Reconciliation is everyone s business. Reconciliation is about building better relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and the wider Australian community for the benefit of all Australians. (1) North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) commitment to reconciliation involves working to overcome the reasons there is division and inequality between Aboriginal, and other Australian people in our health care system. Positive attitudes, a spirit of goodwill, mutual respect and making changes to be more inclusive of Aboriginal people, are the core to NMHS s reconciliation effort. In the NMHS by making Aboriginal culture visible in the physical environments and evident in the daily behaviours of staff, we aim to bring Aboriginal people and health care providers together on the journey of reconciliation by creating awareness and connection. Through our actions, we will create environments that are culturally secure for Aboriginal people. Our staff will ensure access to timely treatment and care that respects and values their culture. The NMHS values the Aboriginal people s holistic view of health in developing a health system that respects the views, beliefs, rights and customs of Aboriginal people. The NMHS RAP affirms the commitment to strengthening partnerships and creating new ways of working with Aboriginal people that are based on shared values of Respect, Acceptance, Honesty, Openness, Transparency, Patience, Trust and Integrity.

7 For the NMHS reconciliation is: z Acknowledging Australian history and its legacies, both positive and negative, understanding some past government policies have led to present-day problems for Aboriginal peoples z Acknowledging that Aboriginal peoples are the first peoples of Australia, and have unique cultural relationships and deep connection to the land, sea and waterways z Recognising the inherent rights, lore, customs, religions and traditions of Aboriginal peoples and their entitlement to enjoy and express them z Taking action to reduce the inequalities in life expectancy, outcomes and opportunities z Providing fair treatment and transparency in policies, programs and services z Making it clear that there is no place for racism or discrimination in NMHS z Giving Aboriginal peoples a real say in the decisions that affect their lives and communities z Working together to build a stronger future. (1) Reconciliation Australia Reproduced with permission from the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council.

8 6 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Our Business As the largest health service in the metropolitan area, North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) strives to deliver timely access to high quality health care in a fair and equitable manner for all Western Australians. The service strives for improved clinical outcomes in the face of rising challenges. The NMHS provides a comprehensive range of health services across several fully accredited northern and eastern metropolitan hospital sites. These include Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital, Osborne Park Hospital, Swan Kalamunda Health Service, Joondalup Health Campus, Graylands Hospital and King Edward Memorial Hospital. In addition the service has a strong community focus with community based mental health, public health and health promotional services. NMHS is closing the gap, working towards ensuring more patients are able to receive timely, quality care, closer to home, and is focussed on the successful integration with primary health care providers. A range of programs are being implemented as part of the Closing the Gap initiative and NMHS is committed to the delivery of culturally secure services. This is achieved through the ongoing consultation with Aboriginal community groups. The NMHS has a specialist Aboriginal Health Unit that aims to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people through providing a culturally secure service that builds on an integrated approach to health promotion and primary intervention. There is a strong focus on developing leadership and strategic partnerships to best address current community health needs.

9 NMHS has obtained Council of Australian Governments (COAG) funding to address Aboriginal health in the NMHS for a number of programs which include: z Aboriginal Health Liaison Program (AHLP) z Chronic Disease Management Living Improvement For Everyone (LIFE) Program z Tailored Smoking Cessations Program z Aboriginal Men s Health Program z Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice z Yarning It Up Tobacco Program z Aboriginal Podiatry and Nutrition Outreach Program (Moorditj Djena) z Aboriginal Prison Health Program NMHS is directly focusing on increasing Aboriginal employment within its hospitals and community health services. NMHS currently has over 11,300 employees across all sites. Current figures suggest that approximately 54 of these are Aboriginal employees. An objective is to ensure that the NMHS attracts and retains competent skilled Aboriginal staff. NMHS acknowledges the need for the education of the mainstream workforce to increase awareness of Aboriginal culture, beliefs and practices to build a culturally secure workforce. Reproduced with permission from the Swan River Trust

10 8 RAP: RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Our RAP The North Metropolitan Health Service (NMHS) established an Aboriginal Health Reference Group in 2007, with representation from health care providers, consumers and government departments, to identify and plan health care for Aboriginal people. The Reference Group was responsible for the development of the NMHS Aboriginal Reconciliation and Integration Strategy, which was adopted in Building on this foundation, there was an acknowledgement of the need to engage and forge stronger links with the Aboriginal communities within the NMHS and to register a commitment for sustained change with Reconciliation Australia. In 2010, the Reference Group was revised to incorporate Aboriginal community members and Senior Executives from each of the NMHS hospitals, with accountability to the NMHS Area Executive Group chaired by the Chief Executive. The Reference Group is responsible for the development, implementation, updating and reporting of the endorsed RAP. The role of the specifically elected Senior Executives is to ensure that each NMHS hospital site had an identified person accountable to lead the implementation of strategies at the local level. The NMHS RAP is an overarching document, which identifies actions for the area health service as a whole. Consultation occurred with key stakeholders, and it was discussed at Aboriginal community meetings to encourage and enable input and direction. Flowing on from the endorsement of this RAP, each health site will develop an area specific RAP based on these strategies, that has specific actions and targets relevant to its level of service. This tiered approach will ensure that the actions in each RAP are linked strategically to the local Aboriginal community and specific hospital site. The development, actions, progress and achievements of the objectives of the RAP will be reported to the Aboriginal communities via the NMHS Aboriginal Health Planning Forum and to the Area Executive Group (AEG).

11 The three key areas that are the cornerstone of the NMHS RAP are: z Relationships working together to build a stronger future; z Respect acknowledging, understanding and valuing people; and z Opportunities reducing inequalities in health and maximising health outcomes. Through the achievement of each of these components we move closer to our goal of cultural security, the creation of an environment that is culturally safe for the Aboriginal people. The NMHS RAP is an evolving document. Progress towards achievement will be tracked to determine success and lessons learned will be shared through routine reporting and the approach amended when required. Reproduced with permission from the Audio Visual Production Unit

12 10 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Relationships: Working together to build better relationships Respectful, meaningful and equitable relationships lead to better understanding and communication. This in turn results in quality individual and group experiences and ultimately improved health outcomes. Fostering strong relationships through meaningful and effective consultation between all staff and Aboriginal peoples helps NMHS to; Further enhance the level of understanding and respect for Aboriginal people and culture Provide Aboriginal people with ownership and the decision making power required to improve the health status of Aboriginal people Improved networking and sharing of information to ensure access to quality health services.

13 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 1.1: Implement and maintain the NMHS Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Establish the RAP Reference Group incorporating members from the Aboriginal Health Planning Forum and Aboriginal staff. RAP Reference Group Chair March 2012 RAP Reference Group meets eight times a year to review RAP implementation and report on progress. Aboriginal staff/stakeholders are part of the RAP Reference Group (approximately 50:50) NMHS RAP registered with Reconciliation Australia. RAP Reference Group Chair March 2012 RAP is registered on Reconciliation Australia website. Display RAP on NMHS Website Launch the NMHS RAP sponsored by the NMHS Chief Executive. NMHS Chief Executive Public Relations Manager May 2012 Launch and promote NMHS RAP to all staff in association with national Reconciliation Week. Attendance from 80% Area Executive Group and balanced representation of staff. Area Executive Group Site Executive Directors to successfully launch RAP with a local event NMHS RAP intranet site updated regularly to include details of celebrations, training and positive achievements. Public Relations Manager NMHS Web Manager June 2013 Proactively support the placement of positive stories about Aboriginal people / staff including outcomes of health programs in internal publications and other media promotions (minimum 4 per year).

14 12 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 1.2: Building partnerships between Aboriginal people and NMHS. Seeking opportunities that enable two way communication between Aboriginal people and NMHS service providers Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Identify existing and establish new Aboriginal Health Planning Forums. Director of Aboriginal Health March 2012 Consultation with NMHS Aboriginal Health Planning Forum biannually as a minimum. Include RAP on agenda for community forums with local Aboriginal people to enable input into health service direction and identify needs Promote Aboriginal news and events and achievements via NMHS publications. Director of Aboriginal Health Public Relations Manager June 2013 Increase exposure re Aboriginal events / news items as demonstrated by a minimal of 6 publications per year in either NMHS/site publications. Distributed to all staff electronically. Expansion of distribution to new stakeholders external to the NMHS. Community newsletters published by Aboriginal Health as a hardcopy / mail out.

15 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 1.3: Improving the patient journey through better communication Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Implement strategies to improve Aboriginal peoples access to and attendance at NMHS services. NMHS Executive Director of each site. RAP Reference Group Site Representative July 2015 NMHS sites / services to undertake a process of active engagement with Aboriginal people with regard to health care delivery and report progress on implementation. Each site to identify the number of Occasions Of Service (OOS) attended by Aboriginal people. Determine numbers of Do Not Attend (DNA). Undergo an analysis of reasons for DNA. Report recommendations / strategies for improving attendance specific to each site. Annual measurable targets: Demonstrated increase in Aboriginal OOS (site specific). Demonstrated decrease in DNA (site specific) Development of suitable feedback mechanisms for compliments and complaints. Make recommendations as to how Aboriginal people can have an opportunity to reflect on their health care experience Provide access to an Aboriginal interpreting service consistent with other interpreting services. Director of Aboriginal Health September 2012 Development of a NMHS policy that provides guidelines for accessing an Aboriginal interpreter. Add Aboriginal interpreting service information to existing interpreter service databases. NMHS staff education regarding the need to use Aboriginal interpreters. NMHS and sites / services guidelines in place and reported usage of interpreter services Ensure that clinical treatment and care along with its impact is correctly understood by Aboriginal people. Director of Aboriginal Health September 2012 Allocation of COAG funding for the Hospital Liaison Program, currently allocated until Secure ongoing funding for Aboriginal Liaison Officers within the NMHS.

16 14 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Respect: Acknowledging, understanding and valuing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Culture Delivering just healthcare for all requires us to understand and respectfully acknowledge Aboriginal people and their culture. Increased staff awareness and understanding of Aboriginal history, culture and values will in turn foster trust, and mutual respect enabling the delivery of health outcomes.

17 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 2.1: Recognising the traditional owners of the land and Aboriginal culture Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Implement the Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Traditional Ownership: Guidelines and Protocols for WA Health 2008 in conjunction with the South West Aboriginal Land and Sea Council s publication Living Cultural-Living Land and its people. Area Chief Executive & AEG Public Relations Manager June 2012 All NMHS sites meaningfully apply government protocols for working with Aboriginal peoples, including protocols relating to Welcome to Country and Acknowledging Traditional Owners. Traditional Owners, Elders and Community Leaders are engaged to provide Welcome to Country at official functions. Acknowledgement of Traditional Ownership script published on the intranet for use by staff and NMHS services Reconciliation statements and a Noongar welcome are clearly visible in the front entrance at all NMHS sites and services. RAP Reference Group Site Representative May 2012 Each hospital entrance displays an Aboriginal welcome and a reconciliation statement Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags are displayed at all NMHS sites. RAP Reference Group Site Representative June 2012 All NMHS sites display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Flags Promotion and active recognition of significant Aboriginal events to all NMHS sites such as National Reconciliation Week Sorry Day National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week Closing the Gap anniversary Public Relations Manager RAP Reference Group Site Representative Director of Aboriginal Health NMHS Web Manager June 2013 All sites receive and display promotional material NMHS sites hold a cultural education or celebration event to celebrate at least one of the events significant to Aboriginal people annually. Staff notices developed and released advertising significant events and celebrations. Website and newsletter report on each event completed.

18 16 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 2.2: Building cultural security across the NMHS by recognising the holistic health principles that Aboriginal people use to define wellness Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target NMHS implements a plan for developing cultural security Director of Aboriginal Health July 2013 The Aboriginal community determines who and what is culturally secure. Health care delivery to be done in consultation with Elders and key stakeholders within the community. Endorsement of the NMHS Cultural Security Implementation Plan by NMHS Area Executive July 2012 Evaluation of the outcomes of the NMHS Cultural Security Implementation Plan Focus Area 2.3: Build and foster a culturally aware workforce that ensures they are confident to engage meaningfully with Aboriginal people Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Develop orientation programs for staff that include cultural awareness training and acknowledgement of Aboriginal culture NMHS Executive Director of Workforce RAP Reference Group Site Representative NMHS Learning and Development January 2013 Incorporate the Aboriginal Cultural Awareness online interactive package as compulsory induction / orientation for all new staff across the NMHS. Cultural Awareness video to be viewed by all new staff at any NMHS induction. Incorporate into NMHS induction plan. All NMHS site orientation manuals to include a cultural security statement and links to cultural awareness training. Reported uptake of training in service accreditation: 100% of new employees to have viewed orientation video by 2013

19 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Implement education programs for all staff in the NMHS that includes cultural awareness training and acknowledgement of Aboriginal culture NMHS Executive Director Workforce RAP Reference Group NMHS Learning and Development May 2013 Amendment of NMHS Mandatory Training Policy HRM19 to include mandatory Aboriginal Cultural Awareness training (include electronic links); All Staff: Aboriginal Cultural Awareness, online interactive package (developed in association with Aboriginal Health Service/Western Australian Country Health Service / NMHS funded by COAG). Staff with managerial / supervisory responsibilities: NMHS Workforce Aboriginal Cultural Awareness Training Strategy. This package was developed by a project funded by the Disability Services Commission and WA Country Health Service, and undertaken by the Combined Universities Centre for Rural Health (CUCRH). Additional cultural awareness training: Aimed specifically for areas of the health service where Aboriginal people are most likely to access. E.g. Community Health, Emergency Department, Renal Dialysis, Outpatients. NMHS Executive Director of each site. Incorporation of Aboriginal Cultural Awareness mandatory training into performance management for all staff. Reported uptake of training in service accreditation: 10% of NMHS staff completed Cultural Awareness training by July % of NMHS staff completed Cultural Awareness training by 2015.

20 18 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 2.4: Celebrate Aboriginal cultures through the display of artwork and imagery Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target NMHS public buildings and public spaces to feature Aboriginal arts, or designs and include explanation of their significance and meaning. RAP Reference Group Site Representative Site Art Curator June 2012 Develop culturally secure protocols for the acquisition, storage, and display of local Aboriginal artworks and imagery in NMHS. Identify and catalogue all Aboriginal art and imagery. Aboriginal art is displayed prominently acknowledging the story, the art and the artist. Focus Area 2.5: Culturally appropriate policy Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target NMHS policies, programs and services are developed and revised incorporating an Aboriginal focus NMHS Executive Director Quality and Safety Performance Public Relations Manager July 2012 Aboriginal representation on the NMHS Policy Coordination Committee. Terms of reference are modified to reflect this inclusion. NMHS policies are written / reviewed ensuring they are inclusive and non discriminative to Aboriginal people. Use of grammatically correct appropriate and accepted terminology when referring to Aboriginal people in all NMHS documents and dealings Establishment of NMHS policy that provides guidelines for correct Aboriginal terminology regarding patient information pamphlets and promotional material. NMHS Executive Director Quality and Safety Performance Public Relations Manager August 2012 Endorsement of NMHS policy that provides guidelines that reflect appropriate culture content and positive visual representation and health literacy. All new or revised written patient information adheres to the policy. Demonstrated Aboriginal specific / friendly resource information for patients and their families.

21 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 2.6: Maintain a culturally safe health care environment Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Design health facilities that incorporate the needs of Aboriginal communities in relation to cultural security and respect. Executive Director Clinical Planning and Redevelopment Site Facility Manager June 2014 All new facilities are to incorporate Aboriginal design, art and way finding Construction of indoor / outdoor Aboriginal meeting places suitable for large groups on existing campuses Ensure redeveloped facilities, where appropriate, include Aboriginal design, art and way finding principles Develop criteria for naming meeting rooms using traditional Aboriginal names or after people who have made significant contribution locally. RAP Reference Group Executive Director Clinical Planning July 2012 Key NMHS locations recognised by traditional names. When naming new areas, Aboriginal people are consulted regarding suitable names.

22 20 RAP: RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Opportunities: reducing inequalities in health and maximising health outcomes NMHS recognises the value of employing more Aboriginal people to better support the needs of their communities. Innovative and purposeful recruitment and retention practices will promote attraction and retention of Aboriginal employees within a culturally sensitive work environment. NMHS is committed to providing long-term, sustainable employment, training, education and the development of new skills for Aboriginal people.

23 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 3.1: Increase the number of Aboriginal people employed by NMHS in clinical and nonclinical positions. Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Develop an Aboriginal employment plan for the NMHS, focusing on recruitment, participation and retention of Aboriginal staff. NMHS Executive Director Workforce November 2012 NMHS Workforce Services implement strategies from the WA Health Aboriginal Employment Framework ( ). NMHS Workforce Services develop and implement specific Aboriginal employment guidelines and recruitment strategies to be accessed by supervisory staff. NMHS Workforce Services develop a data collection method that accurately identifies the number of Aboriginal employees within the NMHS. Each NMHS site to set Aboriginal employment targets and determine roles within the service where the position holder needs to be a person from Aboriginal descent. Described by the EOI Act as 50(d) positions. A target of 2% increase (~230 individuals across the NMHS) in the recruitment of Aboriginal employees by June 2013 (In-line with the targets set by the WA Health Reconciliation Action Plan ). Workforce Services to report annually to Area Executive Group on target achievements. Identify and address issues impacting the retention of Aboriginal staff in NMHS employment. NMHS Workforce Services to develop partnerships with registered training organisations and other tertiary institutions to develop a graduate program for Aboriginal health workers. Target 2 per year. Identify and implement plans to achieve targets relevant to employment of Aboriginal employees. NMHS site recruitment managers to review existing scholarship arrangements and identify potential for nomination. Nominate 2 applicants / year for the Office of Aboriginal Health Scholarship Program.

24 22 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 3.2: Provide leadership opportunities for Aboriginal staff Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Organisational restructure of NMHS Aboriginal Health Unit lead by a Director of Aboriginal Health. NMHS Public Health and Ambulatory Care Executive Director November 2012 Appointment by July 2012 of NMHS Director of Aboriginal Health accountable for identifying service need, program implementation and evaluation. Director of Aboriginal Health to sit as a member of the Area Executive Group to inform and influence policy and decision making Invest in the professional development of Aboriginal staff, through training, mentoring and leadership development opportunities. NMHS Executive Director Workforce June 2013 NMHS Workforce Service in association with supervising staff to identify development opportunities for Aboriginal staff. Establishment of Aboriginal workforce support groups Nomination of greater than 1 position each year to the WA Health Leadership program. Monitor and report on Aboriginal leadership and development training achievements Encourage Aboriginal community members to participate on committees and meetings. Director of Aboriginal Health RAP Reference Group Site Representatives July 2012 Identify priority meetings / committees for participation. Report the number of Aboriginal representatives and on which committees.

25 4. Tracking and Reporting: As NMHS progresses the RAP, we will learn from the experiences and share these lessons across our business and other agencies within health. Tracking and reporting progress ensures the NMHS has an excellent picture of where achievements have been made, where challenges still remain and what opportunities exist for future development and implementation that make the RAP a true living plan.

26 24 RAP: Reconciliation Action Plan Focus Area 4.1: Accountability for changes and reporting Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable Target Undertake annual progress report to Reconciliation Australia and Area Executive Group on progress against the RAP targets. RAP Reference Group June 2013 Submit an Annual RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia and Area Executive Group. Annual RAP report available on the NMHS website Report on RAP outcomes and achievements. RAP Reference Group June 2013 Quarterly progress reports to: Aboriginal Health Planning Forum, Aboriginal community groups Area Executive Group Review and report on the current RAP and develop succession plans. RAP Reference Group June 2015 Investigate opportunities to embed reference to RAP in Business Planning activities as a standard requirement. The RAP is refreshed and new targets set as required, in collaboration with Aboriginal staff/stakeholders Inclusion of the RAP initiatives into the integrated analysis of quality improvement across the NMHS. NMHS Executive Director Quality and Safety As to site/service ACHS EQuIP cycles Initiatives included as part of the supportive evidence necessary for Accreditation with the Australian Council on Healthcare Standards (ACHS) with particular reference to criteria The organisation meets the needs of consumers / patients and careers with diverse needs and from diverse backgrounds.

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28 Our Noongar people stories reflect the way the seasonal movements and the importance to their natural environment. Spiritual values of kinship, fertility, childbirth, and cultural lore are how the Noongar lived their every day life.