Leading workforce change
For system reform efforts to be successful, First Nations peoples must be empowered to lead the design and delivery of care in their communities. There is still a long way to go to realise representation of the First Nations workforce and leadership commensurate with population and health need. However, Queensland Health is investing in leadership development through:
- Enhancing First Nations leaders' voices through dedicated identified positions on each hospital and health service board and First Nations health leads on the executive of every hospital and health service.
- The Tjurtu: First Nations Nurse and Midwife Leadership Program, designed to empower First Nations leaders in nursing and midwifery, privileging First Nations knowledges, cultural leadership, nation-building, mentorship and transformative leadership. The program fosters self-determining, ethical and strategic leadership practices that prioritise self-determination, collective governance and systemic change.
- With Queensland Health funding, the University of Southern Queensland developed a suite of mini courses in First Nations health leadership, which provide credit towards a new Graduate Certificate in First Nations Health Leadership. The graduate certificate is designed to equip all healthcare professionals with the specialised knowledge and skills required to effectively lead and deliver culturally safe healthcare to First Nations peoples across diverse settings.
‘Other than money, the workforce is the single biggest resource that the health system has got to tap into. If we’ve got a workforce that is trained and skilled and committed then we will have better outcomes.’
Professor Cindy Shannon AM FAICD
Board Chair, Gold Coast Hospital and Health Service
Leadership in action
Story | Sunshine Coast
The Preventable Health Pathways program helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people with chronic conditions stay out of hospital. By offering culturally safe, community-based care, hospital admissions for chronic conditions have dropped by 57% and length of stay by 88%.
Luke Snabaitis is the Clinical Team Manager for the program and has seen the difference this program has made to patients.
‘We’ve got more than 20 staff now and we’re seeing real change,’ Luke said.
‘It’s not just about avoiding hospital. It’s about walking with people on their health journey.’
Luke Snabaitis
Unfortunately, the fear of hospitals still runs deep for many First Nations families. Senior Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Worker Jordy Darney has experienced this firsthand in his work.
‘We’re trying to change that perception, and we’re seeing it happen every day. If we can shift one person’s attitude, it can ripple through families and whole communities,’ Jordy said.
‘We’re going to keep working till we close that gap, and one day we will.’