Lockridge Medical Centre has started developing its own reconciliation action plan (RAP), and they’re already seeing tangible and substantive benefits for their Aboriginal patients and the local community.
Director Natalie Watts explained that the practice began its RAP journey in July 2022 with team members attending webinars and information sessions through Reconciliation Australia.
“We identified that the framework surrounding the RAP is extensive and it has involved the practice reaching out to the local shire, the City of Swan and the City of Belmont. The meetings have been an excellent source of information and put us in touch with First Nations service providers who have in turn highlighted the benefits and challenges of the RAP journey,” Ms Watts said.
“The past year has been rewarding, we have gained knowledge of grant pathways to support our First Nations initiatives and continued our engagement with Marr Mooditj Training. Our nursing team works alongside Aboriginal student health workers and we have sourced cultural training for our staff which will be completed this year. All our patients can access a safe cultural health service within their local area, and we have completed an increased number of health assessments over the past 12 months,” Ms Watts said.
Developing a RAP is a lengthy process and Lockridge Medical Centre anticipates that it will take a minimum of two years to complete. As part of the practice’s RAP journey, the team has been engaging and collaborating with local service providers to improve local health services for Aboriginal people.
Find out more about how WA Primary Health Alliance is improving the health of Aboriginal people across Western Australia.