Logan Hospital’s Perioperative Services team has marked Harmony Week by celebrating the cultures that make up their workforce, while highlighting their commitment to culturally safe care.
Anaesthetic nurses Amanda and Angela created a colourful display featuring flags and the word ‘hello’ in the languages spoken by their team and the diverse Logan community.
They said the display reflected a team with connections spanning nearly every corner of the globe, with heritage and family ties stretching from Scotland and Ireland through Greece and Ukraine, to Zimbabwe and Sierra Leone, alongside proud Māori and First Nations heritage, and many places in between.
Amanda and Angela said the display was more than a Harmony Week activity.
“It reflects values that guide our team’s safe and inclusive care every day,” they said. “Logan is a very multicultural community, and it is important that our patients feel respected, comfortable and understood as they prepare for surgery.”
The nurses shared several examples of culturally safe care.
“Where possible, patients are encouraged to keep their religious or cultural headwear on until they are under anaesthetic,” they said. “We then ensure it is placed back on before the patient wakes in recovery.”
On another occasion, the team paused activity in the operating room following a caesarean section so a family could observe a traditional prayer in complete silence.
“We believe these moments help patients feel that their beliefs and traditions are respected during what can be a very vulnerable time.”
The Harmony Week display also connected with another initiative led by Amanda and Angela, aimed at improving the experience of patients travelling to theatre.
The pair have been brightening the once stark white hallway with changing monthly themes designed to lift spirits and provide a welcome distraction.
Currently one side of the hallway is decorated for St Patrick’s Day and will soon be replaced by an Easter theme. The other side features the ever-popular pet wall where the animals wear matching miniature accessories. For the current display, this means leprechaun hats.
Amanda and Angela said they were proud to see their initiatives making a difference to their team and patients alike.