Education at the centre of Karratha Close the Gap Day

Staff at Karratha Health Campus recently took part in an educational training session that focused on providing culturally safe healthcare.

The Pilbara Cultural Engagement Training session was held on Close the Gap Day and forms part of our commitment to doing all we can to improve Aboriginal health outcomes.

During the session, the local team were able to hear stories from local Aboriginal people on what Closing the Gap means to them and how healthcare staff can be part of the call to action.

“Although this day has helped to implement many changes, there is always room for improvement,” Revena Maher, Karratha Executive Assistant, shared with the group.

“Close the Gap Day, for me, is an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous people to address what is working, what isn’t working and how health services can better meet the needs of Aboriginal people everywhere.”

Importantly, the session also highlighted the concept that Aboriginal health extends beyond the physical wellbeing of an individual to the social, emotional and cultural wellbeing of the whole community.

Regional Aboriginal Health Consultant Helena Murphy said that staff involvement was central to the region’s focus on improving Aboriginal health outcomes and closing the gap.

“We all have a responsibility to do everything we can to provide culturally safe and secure healthcare and close the gap when it comes to health outcomes and life expectancy for Aboriginal people,” she said.

“The staff were really engaged in the session, and it was great to hear people share their own stories in a safe environment.”