It’s been a big week, with a lot said about my hospital, my colleagues, and the work we do.
I just want to say I’m incredibly proud of St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and our team.
Having a policy that is evidence-based, best practice in terms of delivering equitable healthcare, and driven by our St Vincent’s values, brought down by misinformation and ignorance has been very disappointing and upsetting.
But I have to say, alongside the vitriol, it’s been amazing to also receive such warm support from across the health sector – in Victoria and across Australia – from clinicians, administrators, and policymakers. People who understand what we’re doing and back us. I’m very grateful.
I thought I’d finish the week by setting the record straight on St Vincent’s Melbourne’s approach to supporting health outcomes among First Nations patients who present to our Emergency Department.
Why we introduced the policy we have; what impact it’s had; and addressing some of the misinformation and distortion that’s out there.
We found at St Vincent’s that First Nations patients were three times more likely than non-Indigenous patients to leave our ED without being seen. They were also waiting, on average, three times longer compared to non-Indigenous patients.
We worked with the Victorian Aboriginal Health Service and others – including First Nations staff and patients – to implement what’s known as a Minimum Category Three Triage policy.
Under our policy, we decided to assign a minimum Category 3 to all First Nations patients so they would begin their treatment more promptly.
It’s worked without compromising care for patients presenting with a serious or life-threatening emergency – regardless of their background – or upsetting overall ED flow.
This is healthcare equity in action. And I stand by it.
I invite you to read my piece here to find out more: https://lnkd.in/gn8MkcVD
