Providing culturally safe cancer care for First Nations communities

Providing culturally safe cancer care for First Nations communities

Barwon Health and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative have received a Partnerships for Culturally Safe Cancer Care grant to strengthen cancer support for First Nations communities in the region.

This $24.6 million initiative, funded by the Federal Government through Cancer Australia, will connect cancer services with First Nations-led organisations to improve access to culturally safe cancer care.

Barwon Health chief executive Frances Diver says the grant will help reduce barriers to care and will improve access to screening programs for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

“This grant will support our staff in working alongside Wathaurong to ensure cancer care is culturally safe, respectful and responsive to the needs of First Nations communities,” Ms Diver said.

“We are committed to providing culturally responsive care for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing our services throughout each stage of their healthcare journey.”

Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive officer Simon Flagg says the funding will provide better support and comfort to local First Nations communities.

“Partnering with Barwon Health means we can dedicate more staff and resources to providing culturally safe care and comfort to our communities through these challenging times,” Mr Flagg said.

“Our cancer care model has a strong focus on community engagement, yarning and storytelling to promote the voices of Aboriginal people as advocates for change.”

Barwon Health and Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-operative will continue working closely to deliver care that meets cultural, emotional and clinical needs to help reduce the burden of cancer for First Nations people across the Barwon South West region.