A plan for reconciliation this NAIDOC week

The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has chosen its NAIDOC week celebrations as the ideal time to launch its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2019 – 2021.The Townsville Hospital and Health Service (HHS) has chosen its NAIDOC week celebrations as the ideal time to launch its Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2019 – 2021.

The RAP outlines practical steps the Townsville HHS can take as an organisation to improve health outcomes for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Townsville Hospital and Health Service Board Chair Tony Mooney said he was delighted to endorse the document.

“This is an important document that will pave the way for healthier, longer and more rich lives for our large and proud Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across North Queensland,” he said.

“Our health service is strongly committed to the national ‘Close the Gap’ agenda and we are the first to recognise there is more to do.

“It is perfect that the theme of this year’s NAIDOC week is about listening to the voices of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. We’ve listened and through this document we are acting.”

Mr Mooney said he was optimistic about achieving improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island communities across North Queensland.

“In the past 12 months, we have delivered a 10-year action plan to improve health outcomes on Palm Island including the centrepiece of that plan – the $16.5 million Palm Island Primary Healthcare Centre opened earlier this year,” he said.

“We’ve also established an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Advisory Committee which will give these communities a stronger and clearer voice in developing and delivering health services across North Queensland. This committee provides advice and recommendations directly to health service management and the Board.”

Townsville HHS executive director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Dallas Leon said the document set an agenda of respect and collaboration to improve health outcomes. 

“The actions in this document have been informed by consultation from communities and health workers right across North Queensland and sets specific targets to improve the care we provide,” he said.

“It establishes an annual health summit hosted by the health service and formally embeds a mechanism for us to better engage with our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“The RAP is about outlining the steps the hospital can take with work better with, and achieve better outcomes for, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.”

The Townsville HHS will hold its annual NAIDOC week celebrations following the launch. The celebrations include traditional dances, the presentation of awards and lunch.

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