Update on reconciliation at the Eye and Ear

Creation of visual assets supporting cultural training 

These resources further support our staff and ensure we are capturing accurate data and encouraging the community to feel culturally safe and identify.  

Tangible progress includes: 

• The development and implementation of a new ‘Ask the Question’ video training package in partnership with the North East Metro Health Services Partnership (NEMHSP) which is being used in staff training across the organisation 

• The creation of an Aboriginal patient journey video which highlights the importance of Asking the Question and the positive impact that cultural support through our Mirring Ba Wirring Unit has for patients at the Eye and Ear. This video is also being used in staff training across the organisation. 

Learnings – Reinforcing training with a patient story strengthens the impact of messaging and staff understanding. 

Support for a visually culturally safe environment  

We have supported cultural understanding across the hospital of the relationship between art and healing by incorporating more Aboriginal art across the hospital via: 

• The installation of our Eye and Ear Aboriginal Artwork collection in clinic waiting areas, Welcome Space, Emergency Department and cafe area to support a culturally safe environment for community 

• The creation of a dedicated Aboriginal Art page on our website where visitors can view our collection online 

• The offer of Aboriginal art tours across the hospital for staff and volunteers during Reconciliation Week to celebrate the artists and their stories which reflect and relate to the work we to at the hospital 

Learnings – There is increased interest from staff for additional tours for those who were unable to attend the sessions during Reconciliation Week. 

Supporting Aboriginal business and community 

We are committed to finding opportunities to engage Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander suppliers in our hospital procurement process. Recent examples have included: 

• The purchase of three customised glass panels from Wathaurong Glass which have been installed in the Cafe 1863 area within the hospital 

• The commissioning of a Womindjika (Welcome sign) from Uncle Mick Harding to add to our Welcome Space 

• Engaging a cultural consultant, Girraway Ganyi by the Mirring Ba Wirring team to run a session for our Board and Executive to support cultural knowledge 

• A performance by the Djirri Djirri dancing group to perform at the opening of our re-developed hospital
• Engaging Elder Uncle Herb to give an Acknowledgment of Country and gumleaf performance at our NAIDOC event

Providing support for regional patients 

We continue to explore ways we can extend our models of care to support regional Aboriginal Patients. This includes investigating opportunities to implement the VAHS Ophthalmology model of care into regional Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (VACCHO). 

Challenge – To secure staffing to deliver services at ACCHOs in a timely manner. Navigating logistics and provision of state-of-the-art equipment and funding to enable full range of service delivery. 

• The Eye and Ear has successfully partnered with Bendigo District Aboriginal Cooperative (BDAC) to provide paediatric hearing screenings. Our audiologists will provide this service alongside and ENT specialist from Austin Health. 

Challenge – The negotiation of ongoing funding for this program and organising logistics for this service and the coordination with ACCHO for a room with equipment to allow for hearing testing. 

Maintaining a sustainable Aboriginal workforce 

The Eye and Ear is dedicated to creating a culturally safe environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff: 

• The implementation of our Aboriginal Employment Plan 

• Conducted an Aboriginal Employment Plan workshop with key internal stakeholders to identify and discuss implementation strategies for actions and deliverables in the Aboriginal Employment Plan. This training was targeted across all departments within the hospital to nurture the creation of positive employment and education opportunities to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates. 

Challenge – To identify how we can implement a sustainable employment plan with a focus on attracting and retaining Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander candidates 

Learnings – Understanding the importance of engagement with other organisations to grow and strengthen our existing Aboriginal workforce which requires an organisational approach. We must engage employment agencies to explore opportunities for traineeships in non-clinical areas and work with tertiary partners to look at the possibility of nursing placements for Aboriginal student cohorts. 

Some other achievements are: 

• Increasing cultural learning opportunities for Eye and Ear staff and graduates to promote delivery of culturally appropriate care of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. 

• Encouraging internal and external participation of staff in significant cultural events. 

• Completion and submission of the 2023-2024 Cultural Safety Plan to the Department of Health. 

• The inclusion of Elders in culturally significant events. 

Next steps 

There is still a lot of important work to be done. Our vision for reconciliation is for a future where The Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, actively promotes an ongoing culturally respectful environment that reflects equitable and inclusive access to services for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. We believe our active acknowledgment of our achievements, challenges and learnings contributes to this ongoing vision.  

We will continue to work with patients, consumers, staff and volunteers as we look forward to advancing reconciliation within the community.