Celestine Fisher is an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Capability Officer in Metro South Health undertaking some important interventions in the Spinal Injuries Unit to improve cultural capability and cultural safety.
She has been interviewing patients in the unit and analysing the Patient Reported Experience Measures (PREMS) to make the spinal space a more culturally safe space for patients who are admitted from all over Queensland.
“Cultural safety is a feeling of security that is more like home. The important part for us is support to make that happen because patients are based in the hospital away from home for such a long time for their rehab.”
She said that feedback emphasised support from staff members who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and the importance of art.
“We will be introducing some traditional artwork to add to the amazing works already donated by former patient Billy Dodd, and even inviting patients to create some artwork or participate in weaving sessions with the Hospital Liaison Officers,” Celestine said.
One of the key activities to come from feedback is a focus on yarning. With quite a few patients coming from Torres Strait, feedback suggested that the introduction of a yarning mat from their lands would be more culturally inclusive to add to the options already orientated to Aboriginal patients.
“The concept is yarning around the island mat, and our patients who identify as either Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander – or both – have welcomed it.
“The island mat is a special piece from Torres Strait which we can bring out for these yarning sessions, and we have a former SIU patient from the Islands who attends the unit who is keen to be part of these sessions.”
As a First Nations Health Practitioner, Celestine is a key advocate on a new artwork committee at PA Hospital and is an active member of the Compassion co-design group which is a new strategy for improving workforce culture and service delivery across the Queensland Spinal Cord Injury Service.
PAH is proud to highlight the amazing rehabilitation work undertaken across the statewide service from Quickstart in-reach, inpatient care, long term therapy and rehabilitation, Transitional Rehabilitation Program and Spinal Outreach Team. Spinal Injury Awareness Week is 2-8 September this year.