Thank you to SESLHD’s Aboriginal health workers

The inaugural National Recognition Day for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners was celebrated on 7 August 2021.

Across SESLHD there are 26 Aboriginal health workers dedicated to working with, and for the local Aboriginal community.

Tim Croft, Manager, SESLHD Aboriginal Health Unit, said these staff work to improve health outcomes, promote equity and Close the Gap for their mobs. “The Aboriginal Health Unit acknowledges that working in this space often poses many professional, personal and cultural challenges,” Mr Croft said. “We thank each and every one of the Aboriginal health workers for the amazing work they do.”

The National Recognition Day coincides with the founding of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heath Workers and Practitioners Association (NAATISHWP). NAATISHWP, the peak body for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners, believes that these workers deserve a formal day of recognition for the crucial work they do.

SESLHD’s Aboriginal health workers provide a wide range of services, including care, advocacy, and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and their families at many different stages of their health journey. This ranges from patients in our hospitals, to mums, babies and children, community members with chronic and mental health conditions, and individuals and their families during the last stages of life.

“As many Aboriginal health workers also live locally, they are often approached by local Aboriginal community members for support well beyond both normal business hours and their scope of practice. This means the extent of their role is always demanding,” Mr Croft said.

In addition, Aboriginal Health Workers work together and in partnership with the District to plan events, implement programs, support and educate staff, and enhance the cultural safety of the health system for the local community.