Logan Hospital recently celebrated Multicultural Month with staff and patients coming together to recognise the richness of cultural diversity in our community and health service.
Maori Pacific Islander Hospital Liaison Officers Fox Inivale and Rochelle Kosega opened the event and spoke of the importance of culturally safe and inclusive care.
“Logan is one of the most culturally diverse communities in Queensland, with people from more than 217 different ethnicities, speaking over 50 languages,” they said.
“At Logan Hospital, cultural safety is not optional, it’s essential. Our patients trust us with their most vulnerable moments, and that trust can only be built when care is inclusive and respectful.
“Ultimately, culturally safe care leads to better outcomes, stronger partnerships with the community, and a healthier Logan.”
Rehabilitation Physician Dr Gan then shared her personal journey and reflections on culturally sensitive health care.
The Malaysian-born doctor came to Australia to study medicine when she was 18-years-old.
“Even though I was extremely comfortable with the English language, it was still an immense cultural shock when I arrived,” Dr Gan said. “The Australian accent was a huge challenge, and I struggled with reading body language.
“I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult it must be, if you are unable to converse in the local language, and if your life also has psychosocial complications.”
Since joining Logan in 2015, Dr Gan has seen the hospital become increasingly more diverse and highlighted that culturally safe care goes beyond offering language services.
“I realised very quickly, that successful health care delivery for culturally and linguistically diverse peoples, was not going to be as simple as overcoming the language barrier. In the long run, we would also have to improve our understanding of cultural sensitivities.”
Dr Gan also praised her rehabilitation team for their creativity in adapting therapy to patients’ cultural needs.
“When we care for patients of diverse cultures in our health service, we add a pizzazz of colour to our professional and personal lives.”
The event also included Logan Hospital’s inaugural Multicultural Awards Ceremony.
Fox Inivale and Director of Nutrition and Dietetics James Bartholomew were named winners in the Individual category, while the Pharmacy and Palliative Care teams each won the Team category awards.
Congratulations to our winners and nominees and thank you to everyone who made the 2025 Multicultural Month event such a success.