Closing the gap

In Australia, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples experience poorer health outcomes than non-Indigenous peoples and face many barriers to good health and equal access to healthcare.1,2

While efforts to close the health gap are underway, there’s still work to be done. Part of that work includes improving both access to healthcare services and delivery of care that understands and respects the unique health and cultural needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.1,2

All patients at GenesisCare will be asked whether they are Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander, both, or neither. Whatever your answer, you will receive the same high levels of healthcare that best meets your needs. You can read more about why we ask this question and why it’s important here.

We’re here to help

When you visit a GenesisCare centre, we want you to feel welcome. That’s why we partner with patients  and local communities to help improve our healthcare services and the physical environment of the care centres.

Our programs to support culturally safe and respectful care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples include:

  • Education and training for our care teams
  • Inclusion of extended family in care planning and delivery
  • Collaboration with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists to help our care centres reflect their local communities

If you identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, please let your care team know so they can offer you relevant support during your care.

Resources

Below are some links to resources and organisations that provide helpful information on cancer designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Our Mob and Cancer

Our Mob and Cancer, was for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It contains information about cancer as well as fact sheets cancer, including cancer types, prevention, diagnosis, treatment living with cancer, finding support, clinical trials and more.  

Cancer council

The Australian Caner Council offers a series of fact sheets about cancer for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. They include information on cancer types, treatment and common cancer terms.  

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations

Each state and territory in Australia has healthcare services that are run by the local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. These are called Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, or ACCHOs. You can find local health and medical services near you on thier website. 

Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights

This is a Australian Government resource that describes the rights the rights that patients can expect when receiving health care in Australia. An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander resource outlining these rights is available on thier site.  

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