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HUME MEDICARE LOCAL REFLECT RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN 2014 -2015 Artwork from Making Two Worlds Work Resource Kit
HUME MEDICARE LOCAL
REFLECT RECONCILIATION ACTION PLAN
2014 -2015
Artwork from Making Two Worlds Work Resource Kit
About the Reflect RAP
The Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) is about organisations from every sector turning good intentions into real actions and rising to the challenge of reconciling Australia. A RAP is a business plan that uses a holistic approach to create meaningful relationships, enhance respect and promote sustainable opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.
The RAP program includes four types of RAPs, each offering a different level of engagement and support. In developing a Reflect RAP, Hume Medicare Local commits to completing the following actions over the next 12 months to ensure we are well positioned to implement effective and mutually beneficial initiatives as part of future Reconciliation
Action Plans. Our future RAPs will identify relationships, respect and opportunities actions specific to our business and our sphere of influence.
This Reflect Rap will allow Hume Medicare Local to focus on building relationships both internally and externally, and raise awareness with our stakeholders to ensure there is shared and understanding and ownership of our RAP within our organisation. Development of our future RAPs will involve consultation with staff across our organisation including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff and/or stakeholders to achieve our vision for reconciliation.
A message from the CEO
HML believes that all Australians should have the opportunity for a better future. However the fact remains that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ burden continues to be prevalent in Australia today.
In presenting HML’s RAP for 2014 we are undertaking to continue our contribution to issues facing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples now and into the future.
This year’s Reflect plan aims to form the foundation in order to build on the significant gains we have made while also looking to the future and exploring new opportunities that will improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our business
Hume Medicare Local (HML) is a Commonwealth funded, evidence based organisation that is about local people working together to create local solutions to our area’s biggest health problems. Hume Medicare Local focuses on the needs and priorities of each person by supporting the health professionals involved in their care, and improving access to and quality of services. Hume Medicare Local uses an evidence based planning model to identify local service gaps, and aims to prioritise and reduce those gaps through planning, advocacy and innovation.
Program Manager Aboriginal Health (HML), Robyn Marven (L)Aboriginal Partnerships and Planning Officer (DHS) Liz Heta (R)
Hume Medicare Local has 51 employees, with one person identifying as being of Aboriginal descent. Hume Medicare Local has set as a priority, the production of an Aboriginal Employment strategy within this Reflect RAP Hume Medicare Local works with a broad range of health care services within the region and aims to ensure local communities receive the right care in the right place at the right time, making it easier for the community and health care providers to navigate the local health care system. Our goals incorporate the aim to provide more connected care, closing any gaps and making it easier for our communities to get the treatment and services they need. In addition, HML supports local primary health care providers to assist in the provision of services that meet the needs and priorities of patients and the community.
To achieve better access and quality of services we are:
• linking local doctors, nursing and other health professionals, hospitals and aged care, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisations
• working closely with local hospitals to make sure that primary health care services and hospitals work well together
• Identifying where local communities are missing out on services they might need and supporting the coordination of services to fill those gaps where possible.
Hume Medicare Local is committed to supporting all primary health care services in their endeavours to provide high quality, integrated care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our Aboriginal Health Program provides a range of services, including:
• Practice visits • Cultural Education
Aboriginal Outreach Officer (HML), Lyn Bell
• Workshops with a focus on creating Cultural Safety • Support through email, telephone and this website• Supporting General Practice with self-Identification process • Supporting GPs and General Practice staff access to Cultural Education Training • Information and resources regarding local activities • Provision of support from outreach officer to assist mainstream practices with Aboriginal patients that
require additional care or information.
Hume Medicare Local services an area that includes the NSW Southern Riverina, North East Victoria, the Upper Murray and parts of the Victorian High Country. Hume Medicare Local staff travel across the area to work with the health professionals and communities of Jerilderie, Urana, Finley, Berrigan, Tocumwal, Corowa, Henty, Culcairn, Holbrook, Albury, Wodonga, Beechworth, Tallangatta, Corryong, Mount Beauty, Bright, Myrtleford, Wangaratta, Benalla and Mansfield.
Our head office is in Albury, NSW and we have another office in Benalla, Vic.
Our RAP
The impetus for the Hume Medicare Local developing a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) was based on heightened awareness of the imbalance in all aspects of the social determinants of health. The statistical data that has been collected not only within the HML boundary but across Australia provides evidence that more work is required to close the gap particularly in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
To this end the HML has been developing initiatives that support reconciliation prior to embarking on the development of this Reflect RAP. These include the instigation of the Black Border Theatre project, the writing of “Dhurany” an Aboriginal newspaper insert that reaches over 40000 households in the region. Currently HML utilises Aboriginal catering business when available particularly for Cultural Training sessions.
Our ambition is to contribute to closing the gap and developing positive and sustainable change and we are proud to see the progress that has been made. HML remains committed to addressing all the social determinants of health whilst ensuring cultural safety.
The RAP is championed by committed individuals at every level of the organisation. Integral to the development of the RAP were Liz Heta Board Member of the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service and Aboriginal Partnerships and Planning Officer for the Victorian Department of Human Services, the Board, CEO and Director of Clinical Services of Hume Medicare Local and dedicated support has been received along the way from Aboriginal Elders of the local community. HML has an Aboriginal Cultural Advisor who mentors members of the HML staff ensuring culturally safe education is implemented.
Working group members:
Robyn Marven – Program Manager Aboriginal HealthLyn Bell - Hume Medicare Local Aboriginal Outreach OfficerZoe Gephart –Immunisation Project Officer HMLDean Valente – Program Manager Afterhours GP ProgramLiz Heta – Aboriginal Partnerships and Planning Officer DHSRobin Haberecht – Director Clinical Services HML
Our partnerships
Hume Medicare Local has developed over time a range of partnerships with both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander controlled agencies and mainstream agencies. A key partnership is the participation with key primary health providers via the Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Reference Group (AWAHRG). This group is comprised of CEO’s from Albury Wodonga Health, Gateway Health (incorporating Ovens and King Community Health) Mungabareena Aboriginal Corporation, Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Service and Murrumbidgee Local Health District. This group meets regularly and formulates strategic health plans that focus on improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in the region.
The AWAHRG is an important group considering the strength of the membership. Not only are CEO’s represented but each organisation has an Aboriginal representative who attends to ensure that conversations and consultation with Aboriginal community members are integral to decision making.
It is through the group that activities and approaches are devised to increase awareness and understanding of relevant issues relating to equity and access and review the impact of activities and approaches used to improve the capacity of mainstream primary care to deliver culturally sensitive services for Aboriginal community members.
1. Relationships
Hume Medicare Local believes that strong relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities are imperative to make meaningful changes to the health system that will meet the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities we serve.
Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable target1.1 Establish a RAP Working Group
HML Aboriginal Health Program
August 2015 Hume Medicare Local will establish a RAP Working Group to support the development of our RAP comprising of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.
1.2 Develop external relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations
Aboriginal Outreach Officer September 2014 Develop a list of Aboriginal organisations and stakeholders within our local area that could assist with understanding the potential activities and programs that could be developed for future RAPs.
1.3 Encourage and provide the opportunity for all HML employees to celebrate National Reconciliation Week
BoardDirector Primary Health ServicesProgram Manager Aboriginal HealthAboriginal Outreach Officer
27 May - 3 June 2015
Staff and members of HML’s RAP working group to attend an NRW event and/or acknowledge NRW through RAP communications plan.
1.4 Raise internal awareness of the RAP and the importance of reconciliation
Director Clinical ServicesProgram ManagerRAP Working GroupCommunications Manager
September 2014 Develop and implement a communication plan to raise awareness of Hume Medicare Local RAP and reconciliation generally across the organisation.
Provide a presentation on HML’s RAP commitment to all areas of business to ensure that all employees have an understanding of how their area can contribute to the RAP.
2. Respect
Hume Medicare Local will increase knowledge, understanding and appreciation of Australia’s First Peoples. Hume Medicare Local believes that by lifting the veil of ignorance and raising awareness of the social inequities that have oppressed the First People of this nation, a greater respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can be facilitated.
Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable target2.1 Investigate and Iimplement cultural development within Hume Medicare Local
Working GroupManager Human Resources – Learning and Development Plan
November 2014
September 2014
May 2015
Scope and develop a cultural awareness training strategy for HML.
Through the HML induction process, ensure all new staff completes the online modules on Reconciliation Australia’s ‘share our pride’ website. (www.shareourpride.com.au).
Capture baseline data on HML employees current level of knowledge and understanding around Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and contributions.
Royal Australian College of General Practitioners National Faculty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health definitions
Cultural awareness is: “An understanding of how a person’s culture may inform their values, behaviours, beliefs and basic assumptions…(it) recognises that we are all shaped by our cultural background, which influences how we interpret the world around us, perceive ourselves and relate to other people”.
Cultural Safety is ‘An outcome of health practice and education that enables safe service to be defined by those who receive the service’. Strategies aim to create an environment that is safe for people: “where there is no assault, challenge or denial of their identity, of who they are and what they need”, where there is “shared respect, shared meaning, shared knowledge and experience, of learning, living and working together with dignity and truly listening”.
Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable target2.2 Provide the opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and other employees to celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements through participating in NAIDOC week.
HML Program Managers and staff
1st Sunday to 2nd Sunday 2015
HML RAP Working Group and staff to participate in local NAIDOC week events. Continue to support NAIDOC awards via Latrobe University.
2.3 Raise internal understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols.
Program Manager Aboriginal HealthCommunications Manager
October 2014 Scope, develop and implement a RAP communication plan to raise awareness and understanding of the meaning and significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander protocols such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country protocols.
The RAP Communication Plan will include links to all HML Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Policy documents.
2.4 Build capacity of mainstream primary health care services to meet the needs of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islandercommunities.
Director Primary ServicesDirector Clinical ServicesProgram Manager Aboriginal Health
August 2014, September 2014, February 2015, April 2015, June 2015
Provide cultural safety training to service providers through the delivery of RACGP accredited training program to GP’s and Practice Staff. Aboriginal trainer endorsed by Aboriginal Reference Group to facilitate program.
Support General Practices to deliver culturally safe and appropriate services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the provision of information, education and advice relating to local Aboriginal cultural mores.
3. Opportunities
Hume Medicare Local recognises the rich cultural inheritance, beliefs, values, spirituality and connection to the land of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Hume Medicare Local believes it is this rich cultural heritage which will provide a foundation to develop a flexible, diverse range of health services to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable target3.1 Investigate opportunities within Hume Medicare Local to increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment opportunities.
Program Manager Aboriginal Health
December 2014 Scope, develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
Investigate the opportunity to capture baseline data of current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees within HML to inform future developments.
3.2 Consider supplier diversity within HML.
Program Manager Aboriginal Health
November 2014 Scope and develop a broader business case for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity.
4. Tracking progress and reporting
Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable target4.1 Build support for the RAP
Director of Corporate ServicesProgram Manager Aboriginal Health
August 2014
July 2015
November 2014
Investigate and define available resourcing for HML RAP.
Submit HML RAP progress and achievements through the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually.
HML RAP Working group to report RAP progress and achievements to HML Executive and Board, Albury Wodonga Aboriginal Health Reference Group (AWAHRG), and the Commonwealth Department of Health.
Action Responsibility Timeline Measurable target4.2 Collate Feedback and evaluation of the RAP and prepare and refresh a new RAP for HML.
RAP Working Group,, HML Staff, Board, Executive
Program Manager, RAP Working Group
June 2015 June 2015 June 2015
June 2015
June 2015
November 2015
Evaluation of this RAP will be undertaken in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members and local Aboriginal elders.
Staff feedback and learnings will be implemented with a quiz in consultation with Aboriginal Elders as a part of HML’s training evaluation process.
Provide feedback of evaluation outcomes to all stakeholders via internal communication networks and face to face engagement with Elders.
Develop a second RAP based on feedback, challenges and learnings from previous RAP and improved level of organisational understanding of reconciliation.
Submit draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for review and formal endorsement.
In consultation with internal and external stakeholders, scope and develop a paper that considers HML core business and sphere of influence, outlining other future RAP opportunities for HML
4.3 RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire
Program Manager July 2015 Complete and submit questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia.
Wiradjuri Elder Nancy Rooke speaking on Sorry Day 2014.
Notes:
For further enquiries please contact:
Robyn Marven, Program Manager Aboriginal Health
e: [email protected] t: 02 6041 0010
w: humeml.org.au594 Hovell Street Albury NSW 2640
Medicare Locals gratefully acknowledge the financial and other support from the Australian Department of Health.
