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 for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
For information about cancer, its diagnosis and treatment, and support services written for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, visit the Cancer Council website at: www.cancer.org.au/support-and-services/information-for-aboriginal-and-torres-strait-islanders
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 by clicking on this searchable map of Australia at: https://healthinfonet.ecu.edu.au/key-resources/health-professionals/health-workers/map-of-aboriginal-and-islander-healthmedical-services/
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information
Coronavirus (COVID-19) remains an ongoing health risk for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. It’s important to keep protecting yourself and your mob from the virus by getting vaccinated and following other good health advice from the Department of Health.
For updates about COVID-19 vaccines and other information for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, visit the NACCHO website.
If you are sick and think you have COVID-19 symptoms, seek medical advice. You can call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080 for support or information – this operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Radiation therapy for cancer
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- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2018. Australia’s health 2018. Australia’s health series no. 16. AUS 221. Canberra: AIHW. Available: https://www.aihw.gov.au/reports/australias-health/australias-health-2018/contents/overview (accessed July 2023).
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2023. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Performance Framework: summary report July 2023. Canberra: AIHW. Available: https://www.indigenoushpf.gov.au/report-overview/overview/summary-report?ext= (accessed July 2023).