Cultural safety in healthcare

Racism and discrimination have contributed – and continue to contribute – to distrust in the healthcare system and disparities in health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Understanding Australia’s history and the impact of colonisation on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people is critically important for health practitioners. It better equips them to deliver care that is not only clinically effective but also culturally appropriate and respectful.

The Healing Foundation, a national Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisation that provides a platform to amplify the voices and lived experience of Stolen Generations survivors and their families, provides valuable resources on intergenerational trauma, including a short, animated video illustrating how trauma affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across generations. We encourage everyone to watch the video and explore their resources as part of expanding your learning about cultural safety.