Providing culturally sensitive, accessible healthcare for Aboriginal people through strong community partnerships
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Team
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, Aboriginal Health Nurse 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 our 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
The Aboriginal Clinical Nurse Consultant (ACNC) and Clinical Team Lead has advanced and up-to-date specialist clinical and nursing knowledge and provides culturally safe healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
What we offer
The Aboriginal Clinical Nurse Consultant can reach out to you to perform Aboriginal health assessments, case manage patients with chronic conditions, liaise with other services and contribute to quality improvements across the region.
They also help patients navigate the healthcare system, connect them with specialist services and remove barriers to accessing care. They educate staff and community members about Aboriginal health and cultural safety and improve clinical practice.
The Aboriginal Health Nurse is a Registered Nurse who provides culturally safe and holistic healthcare to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, supporting the physical, social, and emotional wellbeing of individuals, families, and communities.
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.
The team
The Aboriginal Health team for the Bass Coast region is:
- Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer - Sariba Bin Garape
- Elder-in-Residence - Aunty Doseena Fergie
- Aboriginal Clinical Nurse Consultant - Darelle Van Haaster
- Aboriginal Health Nurse - Lauren O’Dwyer.
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."
First Nations inclusion and reconciliation
Bayside Health Regional 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
Bayside Health Regional provides services to residents of Bass Coast and South Gippsland, including neighbouring shires and 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 Reconciliation Action Plan is an ongoing commitment to progress reconciliation at Bayside 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 Bayside Health
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, and training new and existing Bayside Health staff in Aboriginal Cultural Safety.
Bayside Health recognises the importance of creating a culturally diverse and supportive workplace for Aboriginal people.
We aim to increase Aboriginal employment and education at Bayside Health Regional and encourage Aboriginal job seekers to apply for opportunities advertised.
See current job opportunities on our careers page.
First Peoples advisory committee
Elevating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voices within Bayside Health has been a long-term aspiration for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
Learn how the First Peoples Advisory Committee supports safe healthcare in Bass Coast and South Gippsland.
How to access this service
Where: Wonthaggi Hospital
Who: Darelle Van Haaster
Phone: (03) 5671 3333
Email: aboriginalhealth@basscoasthealth.org.au
Clinic consultants
- Darelle Van Haaster - Aboriginal Clinical Nurse Consultant
Wonthaggi Hospital
Address
235 Graham St
Wonthaggi VIC 3995
Phone:
(03) 5671 3333
Email: