BRHS recognises that our patients, workforce and communities are diverse.

We are committed to providing an inclusive and equitable environment where people are respected and supported regardless of their background, culture, language, age, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, ability, religion or circumstances.

We believe all people should have equitable access to care, resources and opportunities to achieve the Best care experience for every person, every time.

This means:

• providing healthcare that is accessible, inclusive, culturally safe and responsive to individual needs
• creating a workplace free from discrimination, harassment, bullying and racism
• listening to patients, families, carers, staff and community members and using their experiences to improve our services
• supporting equitable employment, development and career opportunities
• identifying and addressing barriers that may prevent people from accessing care or participating fully in our workplace
• continuing to build the knowledge and capability of our workforce in cultural safety, inclusion, equity and respectful practice.

Discrimination, racism, sexism, ableism, homophobia, transphobia and other forms of discriminatory behaviour are not acceptable at BRHS.

Bairnsdale Regional Health Service acknowledges the Gunaikurnai people as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we provide our services. We pay our respects to Elders past and present and recognise their continuing connection to land, waters, culture and community.

BRHS has a vision to foster a community and workplace where all people are valued, respected and feel safe to participate in all aspects of care and community.

We are committed to providing culturally inclusive and culturally safe health services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and to addressing cultural bias, racism and discriminatory behaviour.

Our Cultural Safety Improvement Plan is guided by Remembrance, Recognition and Unity and supports ongoing work to strengthen cultural safety across BRHS.

We recognise that cultural safety is determined by the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person receiving our care. This means listening deeply to the experiences of Aboriginal people, learning from local history and truth telling, recognising the impact of historical, structural and institutional racism, and continuing to improve the way we provide care.

Racism and Discrimination

BRHS has a zero-tolerance approach to racism and discrimination. Allegations or complaints of racism are taken seriously and investigated.

Our commitments include:

• creating welcoming, respectful and culturally safe environments
• listening to and working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and communities
• supporting our workforce to provide culturally responsive care
• recognising and respecting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural beliefs, practices and connections
• identifying and addressing cultural bias, stereotyping, racism and discrimination
• embedding culturally safe practices across our services
• supporting reconciliation through our Reconciliation Action Plan
• continuing to learn from the experiences of the Gunaikurnai people and Aboriginal communities across East Gippsland.

Cultural safety is the responsibility of everyone at BRHS.

Patients, families and carers are important partners in healthcare.

We are committed to listening to the people who use our services and involving consumers and community members in the planning, design, delivery and evaluation of care.

We encourage patients and families to ask questions, participate in decisions about their care and provide feedback about their experiences.

Our approach is supported by the Australian Charter of Healthcare Rights, which sets out your rights to access, safety, respect, partnership, information, privacy and giving feedback.

BRHS is committed to the safety and wellbeing of every child and young person who uses our services.

We have zero tolerance for child abuse and are committed to creating environments where children and young people feel safe, are listened to and are supported to participate in decisions that affect them.

We are committed to:

• preventing child abuse and identifying and responding to risks
• respecting and listening to children and young people
• providing culturally safe environments for Aboriginal children and young people
• recognising and responding to the diverse needs of children and young people
• maintaining appropriate recruitment, screening and employment practices for staff and volunteers
• ensuring staff and volunteers understand their child safety responsibilities
• providing accessible ways for children, young people and families to raise concerns
• regularly reviewing and improving our child safety practices.

BRHS is committed to protecting the privacy and confidentiality of your personal and health information.

We collect, use, store and share information in accordance with relevant privacy and health records legislation.

For information about privacy, accessing your health information and Freedom of Information, please visit our Privacy and Legislative Requirements page.

BRHS believes everyone has the right to feel safe and that family violence in any form is unacceptable.

Healthcare services have an important role in recognising and responding to family violence.

BRHS is committed to:

• supporting patients and staff affected by family violence
• providing a safe and sensitive response when someone discloses family violence
• supporting our workforce to recognise indicators of family violence and respond appropriately
• providing information and referral to appropriate support services
• working with community partners to strengthen referral pathways and coordinated responses.

BRHS is committed to advancing gender equality in our workplace and in the services, programs and policies we provide to our community.

We consider how gender and other intersecting factors can affect people’s experiences, opportunities and access to healthcare and work to identify and address inequality.

BRHS is committed to improving access to our services, facilities and information for people with disability and people with different communication, language and accessibility needs.

We aim to identify and remove barriers wherever possible and support people to access information and healthcare in a way that meets their individual needs.

Everyone has the right to feel safe at BRHS.

We are committed to providing an environment free from violence, aggression, harassment, bullying, racism and discrimination.

We expect staff, patients and visitors to treat each other with courtesy and respect.