By Jed Lanyon
Eastern Health’s Closing the Gap family sports day was a great success, with the community team taking out the football match (18.20.128 to 3.0.18) and the Eastern Health team winning the netball competition.
While it was a fun day out for all involved, Eastern Health said that the impact events like this has on the community is vital.
“Our sports day is part of our broader commitment to closing the health gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-indigenous Australians,” Jo Voce, Eastern Health’s Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer said.
“Many people in our community find hospitals and health services daunting. Their fear can be a barrier to seeking healthcare,” Ms Voce said.
“Days like this show the community that doctors, nurses and other health professionals are real people. They are not scary, and they have a range of ways they can help improve your health in a really safe, welcoming environment.”
Eastern Health has a range of initiatives in place to help close the health gap, and have been working towards improving health outcomes for the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community for a number of years.
“In the last 12 months, Eastern Health has made a significant effort in ensuring we have the necessary plans in place to continue this work now and into the future,” Ms Voce said.
“Key highlights in this area include the success of our annual sports day and continued plans for this event, as well as successful recruitment of two Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander traineeships roles which support opportunities for Aboriginal employment and Eastern Health’s ability to care for Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander peoples,” she said.
Eastern Health’s focus has been on creating a welcoming and culturally appropriate environment, and engaging the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community actively in decision-making regarding initiatives to help Close the Gap.
Eastern Health has also committed to the development of a Reconciliation Action Plan.
“We are proud of the progress we have made so far, and excited to continue this work to ultimately improve the health status of our Aboriginal community,” Ms Voce said.
