Bayside Health Service has welcomed Jason Sandy as its new Cultural Capability Officer, ahead of this year’s NAIDOC Week celebrations.
Mr Sandy is leading delivery of the Cultural Practice Program at Redland Hospital, educating staff about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures and histories to support the creation of culturally safe healthcare spaces.
“My role is about creating understanding,” Mr Sandy said. “By teaching staff about the history of my people and how that history impacts us today, we build respect and trust."
He said cultural safety was vital to improving outcomes and reducing barriers to care.
“It’s about helping staff connect with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients in a respectful
way. When patients feel safe, they are more likely to engage with care and trust the system.”
Mr Sandy runs regular four-hour sessions for teams across the hospital, as well as shorter orientation programs for new starters.
He said seeing the impact of cultural learning first-hand was one of the most rewarding parts of his work.
“I see the lightbulb moments during every session, when someone hears a part of our story and it changes how they think,” he said. “That change creates better care and safer spaces for our mob.”
Mr Sandy encouraged all staff to talk with and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander colleagues, to attend events, and to continue listening and learning.