gp synergy innovate reconciliation action plan june 2017 ...€¦ · gp synergy innovate...

GP SynergyInnovate Reconciliation Action Plan June 2017 - May 2019

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www.gpsynergy.com.au

http://www.gpsynergy.com.au

GP Synergy Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan June 2017 - May 2019

Contents GP Synergy’s vision for reconciliation

Our business

Regional offices

GP Synergy Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Strategic Plan action areas

Our RAP

Our journey

Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit

Relationships

Respect

Opportunity

About the artwork

NSW/ACT nations map

Introducing GP Synergy Aboriginal staff members

Acronyms list

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50

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GP Synergy’s vision for reconciliation

GP Synergy’s vision of reconciliation is to work in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, to develop practices and processes that will help overcome current inequity and provide the same opportunities as enjoyed by non-Indigenous Australians. We aim to achieve a high level of cultural safety for our staff, GP registrars, training practices and the organisations we partner with.

GP Synergy recognises that too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people experience unacceptable levels of health inequality. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is an important aspect of general practice training and experience in this area is key to becoming a clinically and culturally competent GP for the Australian community. Our goal is to develop mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples by building a culturally diverse health workforce and by raising a sense of pride in the awareness of all our stakeholders about the unique culture, heritage and history of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, particularly in NSW and the ACT.

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GP Synergy is the NSW and ACT provider of training for doctors specialising as General Practitioners (GPs). We are federally funded by the Australian General Practice Training (AGPT) program to provide education and training opportunities to these doctors. We have a diverse and comprehensive education program that supports GP registrars through an apprenticeship model during their placements at accredited general practices. We also provide resources and services for training practices, their GP supervisors, practice managers and staff.

Our quality training workshops are delivered centrally and at regional hubs to address the criteria of the Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP) and Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACCRM) curriculum and assessments.

Our business

The GP Synergy team continues to expand. Across our ten offices, we now have over 200 staff, including 94 medical education staff and 94 administrative staff, in addition to a team of casual research assistants.

GP Synergy is overseen by the GP Synergy Board. The 11 board members have considerable experience as health professionals, and many practice as GPs.

Six of our staff and one board member have identified as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people, representing 3% of our workforce.

Regional officesThe GP training program is overseen by the Commonwealth Department of Health and is delivered by nine Regional Training Organisations (RTOs) across Australia. GP Synergy delivers GP training across NSW and ACT. Training is delivered on a regional basis in three regions: Western NSW, Lower Eastern NSW and North Eastern NSW.

We have 10 regional offices throughout metropolitan and regional areas of NSW and ACT: Ballina, Moree, Armidale, Dubbo, Newcastle, Chippendale, Liverpool, Wollongong, Wagga Wagga and Canberra. The locations are aligned with regional community health priorities and challenges, and to access local expert resources. We have deliberately aligned our regions to integrate with NSW Primary Health Networks (PHNs) – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is a key priority for the networks. This delivery model assists with improving patient outcomes, experiences and efficiency by delivering appropriate services where they are needed most.

ChippendaleLiverpool

Wollongong

Newcastle

Canberra

Dubbo

Ballina

Armidale

Moree

Wagga Wagga

Western NSW

North Eastern NSW

Lower Eastern NSW

Training Regions

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GP Synergy Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Strategic Plan Action Areas

As a health training provider, GP Synergy is aware that social determinants of health play an enormous role in the life expectancy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We appreciate there is a strong correlation between the experience of racism and illness including mental health conditions, high blood pressure, infant low birth weight, heart disease and unhealthy behaviours. Through raising awareness and providing training around the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) Closing the Gap targets in life expectancy, child mortality rates, education and employment outcomes, our RAP serves as a tool to support meeting the targets.

The following are the priority areas within the GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategic Plan 2016-2018. These priorities were identified with the Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Committee (comprising representatives from each of the Aboriginal community controlled health services in NSW and ACT where GP registrar training occurs), during two consultation phases in December 2015 and March 2016.

The committee undertook an environmental scan to identify what has been working well and where improvements could be made. Over 40 stakeholders including CEOs, practice managers, administrators and/or key organisation delegates participated in the audit, made recommendations and identified their priorities.

The strategic plan applies a tangible approach to reconciliation. Through this audit process we committed

to developing a cultural education and mentoring unit and to have cultural health mentors and educators in each of our regions. This had been achieved throughout 2016 with dedicated individuals now overseeing this area.

There are four priority areas for the GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategic Plan 2016-2018:

1. Department of Health strategies

2. financial and infrastructure supports

3. cultural awareness and safety

4. professional development and networking.

At the July 2016, Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Committee meeting, interactive workshops determined a series of seven priority areas of work the GP Synergy Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit is to develop and implement with the support of Aboriginal community controlled health services and the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC). The seven priority areas are:

1. media and marketing, webpage development, video conferencing to promote our programs and placements to GP registrars

2. national, and NSW and ACT Aboriginal community controlled health services health educators, mentors network and resources to build up local

cultural health mentorship teaching and maintain established links to the AHMRC

3. provision of cultural safety and health education for GP registrars, board members and senior management via links to our cultural education unit

4. development of practice managers and GP supervisors networks

5. support of the Indigenous GP Registrar Network and Australian Indigenous Doctors Association

6. cultural safety training options and resources for Aboriginal community controlled health services with implementation of a developed cultural resource kit

7. Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) development.

The Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Aboriginal Cultural Education Unit takes a regional approach to managing and ensuring GP registrars and Aboriginal health training posts have the critical support they need to maximise their training experience and outcomes. The unit is fundamental to ensuring strong cultural representation within GP Synergy and developing strong links and support to each of Aboriginal health training posts in NSW and ACT. There is a focus on working with these services in the development of localised cultural health mentoring arrangements and supports for GP registrars in training and provision of support for staff of Aboriginal health training posts.

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Our RAP

Responsibility for implementing our RAP sits with our CEO, our board, our Director of Education and Training (DoET), Marketing and Communications Manager (MCM), Human Resources Manager (HRM), Chief Operations Officer (COO) and our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit. Six members of this governing team identify as Aboriginal.

Our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit members include: Manager, Darren Green; Aboriginal Liaison Officer, Val Dahlstrom, cultural health educators, Grahame Skinner and Christopher O’Brien; administration officers, Wendy Lake and Lucy Adams; and RAP Project Officer, Liz Degotardi.

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education unit tracks our targets against the RAP, reporting quarterly to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee and to each Board meeting via our board RAP representative. External input is provided by a NSW Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council representative. Final responsibility for targets is placed with the board, overseen by the board RAP representative.

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GP Synergy established our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee in 2011. This committee brings together a partnership of all Aboriginal health training posts that are within GP Synergy’s geographic boundary. Membership is offered to all services, and membership may be extended to other properly constituted Aboriginal organisations as accepted by resolution of the committee. The committee plays a critical role in ensuring the development and delivery of effective education for GP registrars in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. It makes recommendations on a range of areas such as Aboriginal health educational delivery, registrar recruitment, identifying ways in which the needs and the aspirations of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities can be incorporated into the governance and operations of GP Synergy, and GP Synergy’s compliance with the GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Strategic Plan. This group meets quarterly and provides advice to the GP Synergy Board. The committee has provided regular feedback on the development of this RAP document.

Our external Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee represents 51 Aboriginal health training posts in NSW and ACT accredited for GP training. They generously provide valuable training opportunities for our GP Registrars.

In 2016, 111 six-month placements were undertaken at these health services by 97 GP registrars, representing 3.5 % of our total GP registrar cohort.

During 2016 we trained sixteen GP registrars who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander. This equates to 30% of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP registrars currently undertaking training throughout Australia.

The services encourage their local Aboriginal community to be involved in their affairs in accordance with protocols determined by the community. Aboriginal health training facilities range from large multi-functional community-controlled services employing several medical practitioners and providing a wide range of services, to smaller auspiced health services with part-time medical practitioners that rely on Aboriginal health worker

and practitioners and/or practice nurses to support primary health care. GP registrars at these training facilities are supported by a multidisciplinary team of dedicated GP supervisors, medical educators, practice managers, Aboriginal health workers and practitioners, practice nurses, allied health staff and cultural health mentors. This support network also provides advice on cultural matters to GPs and other practice staff.

The medicine in these training placements is compelling and richly rewarding. A GP registrar in an Aboriginal health placement has the opportunity to learn about the management of chronic and complex illness as well as participating in community events and outreach services. The skills registrars develop benefits them and their patients, wherever they choose to work in the future. Training in Aboriginal health is a unique opportunity to learn, while making a difference to one of the Australia’s most important health challenges.

Aboriginal Medical Service diploma graduates with GP Synergy CEO, Mr John Oldfield and other GP Synergy and TAFE OTEN staff

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Ourjourney

In the 2014-2015 Federal Budget it was announced there would be an administrative restructure of the Regional Training Provider (RTP) network. In October 2015 GP Synergy become the successful tenderer to deliver GP training in each of the three new training regions in NSW and ACT. GP Synergy recognises the significant contributions made by the outgoing RTPs in NSW and ACT (five of whom had developed RAPs). During this transition, there has continued to be a strong focus on Aboriginal health and training for GP registrars and support of their training practices with the aim of Closing the Gap in health disparity in Australia. As the organisation settles into its new structure, it is timely to capture and build on the extensive previous regional knowledge and educational expertise to formalise an inclusive, endorsed RAP model which is state and territory based.

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GP Synergy has already undertaken significant steps towards our contribution to reconciliation including:

• development of a nationally recognised Diploma in Practice Management for Aboriginal Medical Services to meet the specific needs of practice managers and staff. This customised diploma recognises the important role of practice management in the effective functioning of primary healthcare facilities and the complex social, cultural, and clinical dimensions that need to be coordinated to work in harmony for successful Aboriginal health service delivery.

• establishment of the GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee

• establishment of the GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit to oversee the implementation of our Aboriginal health strategic plan

• support of local cultural health educators with capacity to provide training for staff and GPs

• placing and supporting GP registrars in accredited Aboriginal community controlled health services

• staff and stakeholder audit of RAP initiatives

• created GP director of training for Aboriginal community controlled health services

• Increased the number of accredited Aboriginal community controlled health services participating in GP training

• provision of cultural education at GP registrar and staff training workshops

• supporting GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee attendance at annual national GP training conventions

• provision of Aboriginal community controlled health services CEO governance training by the Australian Institute of Governance to over 40 delegates

• staff RAP training October 2016

• continued support of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) RTO project officer role for NSW

• support and resources for Indigenous GP Registrar Association (IGPRA) and Indigenous GP Registrar Network (IGPRN) 2016

• held NSW and ACT Aboriginal community controlled health services practice manager and GP supervisor forums to support and build on existing capacities for GP registrar training

• assisting NSW and ACT Aboriginal community controlled health services with development of their cultural frameworks

• provision of videoconferencing ‘Zoom’ subscriptions and infrastructure to all Aboriginal community controlled health services

• funding general practice training teaching of term 3 GP registrars at all accredited Aboriginal community controlled health services

• development of Medicare and practice incentive programs training aimed at GP registrars at accredited Aboriginal community controlled health services.

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Hello everyone my name is Val Dahlstrom and I am a Kamilaroi woman from the New England Tablelands of NSW. I welcome you all to the land of my people, both past and present.

I acknowledge the tribal groups across NSW and ACT and invite them to join us in a journey of empowerment and enlightenment to enable our people and GP Synergy to work together in reconciliation.

We are pleased and honoured to be presenting GP Synergy’s Reconciliation Action Plan.

Following boundary changes implemented by the Department of Health, GP Synergy’s geographical region now covers both NSW and ACT. The area that lies within these geographic boundaries covers

a wide and diverse area, ranging from the history laden regions of Sydney to the isolated hinterland of the New England North West and the land of the Ngarigo/Ngarmal people of the ACT.

As an organisation, our first step towards reconciliation is to understand and accept what reconciliation means to us and to the Aboriginal people. In this statement “Us” means the GP Synergy Board, management, educators, GP supervisors, GP registrars and staff.

In 2008 the then Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Kevin Rudd made a national apology to the families and members of the “Stolen Generations”. An apology for the pain, the suffering and the loss that they have endured over the years. We feel that an understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and the rationale underlying the national apology is the beginning of the reconciliation process.

For us, the first steps in the long road to change and acceptance are to start to act to close the gaps in equity of and access to, health and social services to change the unacceptable differences in health status between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians.

We will use the Reconciliation Action Plan and the frameworks for general practice training in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health to guide us and to ensure that we follow a road of high expectation and do not detour along the way.

Welcome from Aunty Val - Aboriginal Liaison Officer

Val DahlstromAboriginal Liaison Officer

On 12 February 2008, the Prime Minister of Australia Mr Kevin Rudd, made a national apology for the laws and policies of successive parliaments and governments which have inflicted pain, suffering, and hurt on the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community. Particularly for the families and members of the ‘Stolen Generations’ whose suffering has been profound and enduring for the individual and the broader community.

The Prime Minister’s apology is an invitation for all Australia to reconcile with its past. It is a ‘bridge’ between our communities that opens opportunity for spiritual, physical, and psychological healing.

John OldfieldCEO

A message from John Oldfield - Chief Executive Officer

We are proud to present our Reconciliation Action Plan, a demonstration of our desire and commitment to embrace this healing process. This is our ‘bridge’ towards understanding and accepting what reconciliation means to us, individually and collectively; and what reconciliation means to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

GP Synergy’s vision is to work in partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community towards reconciliation. Our intention is to enculturate values and practices that tackle the continuing state of inequity in the health and social opportunity of Indigenous Australia. We will ensure that our actions towards reconciliation are meaningful and result in demonstrably positive outcomes for the benefit of the community.

To all people and organisations connected with GP Synergy, I hope this Reconciliation Action Plan serves as an invitation to join us in achieving a deeper understanding of our cultural heritage, and a deeper level of care for our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians.

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Dr Marles is the Director of the Hornsby - Brooklyn GP Unit and is particularly interested in medical education and Aboriginal health. Liz has previously been a lecturer at the University of Sydney and is the Immediate Past President of the RACGP. Liz is also a member of the Pharmaceutical Benefits Advisory Committee.

The GP Synergy Board is committed to the implementation of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Reconciliation Action Plan. Acknowledgement of cultural diversity, building of trusting relationships, and respect are central to

the organisation’s ability to effectively develop a collaborative partnership with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community.

Maintaining an awareness of the RAP through all board decision making will assist in working towards reconciliation. Keeping the RAP as a standing item on the board agenda will ensure that the board is regularly checking GP Synergy’s progress in achieving the RAP. Similarly having a board member who is also a member of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee will facilitate communication and feedback regarding the implementation of the RAP.

As part of its commitment to the RAP, the board of GP Synergy will treat the RAP as a living document that requires continual evaluation and feedback. The board will take ultimate responsibility for the success of the RAP.

A message from Dr Elizabeth Marles

Dr Elizabeth Marles GP Synergy Board RAP

Representative


Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit

The GP Synergy Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit has been created through a series of consultative forums as an innovative approach to committing to both the reconciliation process and the Closing the Gap campaign. The GP Synergy Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit is committed to working collaboratively to improve the understanding and processes for improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health through the GP registrar training program.

The work of the unit so far has been focused on the GP Synergy Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Health Strategic Plan 2016-18 and the priorities within. Our team of cultural health educators and administrative staff have commenced work in several project areas which engage internal and external stakeholders to ensure the GP Synergy registrar training program is supported, promoted and incorporates the aspirations of all working together in this critical area of work for improving Aboriginal health through GP registrar training.

Our team

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RelationshipsSharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture is important to enhance culturally appropriate heath care delivery resulting in improved health outcomes. Acknowledging cultural diversity and responsibilities builds relationships of trust through effective communication. This trust will increase engagement between our organisation and our stakeholders, encouraging mutual learning where we can share in creating the future directions of GP Synergy.

Action Deliverable Timeline Responsibility

1. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit actively monitors RAP development and implementation of actions, tracking progress and reporting by liaising with and supporting relevant GP Synergy unit delegates who are responsible for action outcomes.

a. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit supports the development, endorsement and launch of the RAP.

b. Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are represented in the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit.

c. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit meets at least twice per year to monitor and review RAP implementation, by consulting an established terms of reference.

d. Ensure adequate resourcing of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit to oversee RAP implementation.

e. Ensure GP Synergy Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training Committee input to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit to provide cultural advice and guidance.

f. Seek to appoint RAP champion(s) from senior management/board.

a. June 2017

b. January, 2018 & 2019

c. February, May, August & November 2017, 2018 & 2019

d. June 2017

e. February, May, August and November 2017, 2018, 2019

f. June 2017

a. CEO

b. CEO

c. RAP Project Officer

d. CEO

e. CEO

f. CEO

2. Celebrate and participate in National Reconciliation Week (NRW) by providing opportunities to build and maintain relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and other Australians.

a. Organise at least one internal event for NRW each year.

b. Register our NRW event via Reconciliation Australia’s NRW website.

c. Support or host an external NRW event by partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community organisations.

d. Ensure our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit staff participate in an external event to recognise and celebrate NRW.

e. Encourage all staff including senior leaders to attend a NRW event during work hours to help build relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community members.

27 May- 3 June, 2017, 2018 & 2019

a. Marketing and Communications Manager

b. Marketing and Communications Manager

c. Marketing and Communications Manager

d. CEO

e. CEO/Human Resources

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3. Develop and maintain mutually beneficial relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, communities and organisations to support positive outcomes.

a. Meet with local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander organisations to implement an engagement plan, including Primary Healthcare Networks (PHNs), Local Health Districts (LHDs), NSW Health Education and Training Institute, and Aboriginal community controlled health services.

b. Develop and maintain our long term relationships with Aboriginal health training posts and create new links with potential GP training services based on guiding principles for engagement.

c. Continue to support the Aboriginal Health Medical Research Council rural training organisation project officer role helping to develop important programs and initiatives to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health training in the AGPT program.

d. Begin to implement our cultural resources kits across participating Aboriginal community controlled health services as well as at GP registrar and medical educator training opportunities.

e. Develop a database of available Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and organisations that can assist us with our RAP initiatives e.g. local performers/ Elders/ artists/ cultural health educators /caterers /cultural centres/ National Parks and Wildlife Service.

f. Engage with NSW and ACT Aboriginal community controlled health services to create a state network of practice managers as a peer networking exercise to enhance, develop and support GP registrar training at these services.

a. June & September 2017, 2018 & 2019

b. June & September 2017, 2018, 2019

c. June 2017

d. June 2017

e. July 2017

f. July 2017

a. Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit Manager

b. Practice Liaison Support Officers

c. Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit Manager

d. Director of Education and Training

e. Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit administration

f. Practice Liaison Support Officers


4. Raise internal and external awareness of our RAP to promote reconciliation across our business and sector.

a. Direct all staff to our RAP as part of their induction.

b. Implement and review a strategy to communicate our RAP to all internal and external stakeholders through GP Synergy’s regular GP training update newsletters, staff meetings and a link to our RAP from our website where RAP activity updates and celebrations are posted.

c. Promote reconciliation through ongoing active engagement with all stakeholders at national and internal event opportunities.

d. Share our RAP with other organisations and services where GP training takes place, including mainstream general practices.

e. Promote our RAP on our learning platform GPRime.

f. Explore opportunities to support the Recognise campaign.

g. Support Reconciliation Australia and the NSW Reconciliation Council by attending their events where appropriate.

a. January 2017, 2018 & 2019

b. March 2017, 2018 & 2019

c. August 2017, 2018 & 2019

d. June 2017, 2018 & 2019

e. June 2017

f. June 2017, 2018 & 2019

g. June 2017, 2018 & 2019

a. Human Resources Manager


c. Marketing Coordinator

d. Marketing and Communications Manager

e. Chief Information Officer

f. Marketing and Communication’s Manager

g. Senior Management Team

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RespectSharing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ culture is important to enhance culturally appropriate heath care delivery resulting in improved health outcomes. Acknowledging cultural diversity and responsibilities builds relationships of trust through effective communication. This trust will increase engagement between our organisation and our stakeholders, encouraging mutual learning where we can share in creating the future directions of GP Synergy.


5. Engage employees in cultural learning opportunities to increase understanding and appreciation of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, histories and achievements.

a. Develop and implement a cultural awareness and safety training strategy for our staff which defines cultural learning needs of employees in all areas of our business including information around working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health contexts; introduction to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health (cultural, social, political); communication; prevention, health checks, chronic disease; primary healthcare; leadership in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and social determinants of health.

b. Consider various ways cultural learning and ongoing support can be provided (online, face-to-face workshops or cultural immersion).

c. Investigate opportunities to work with local Traditional Owners and/or Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander consultants to develop and deliver cultural awareness training and immersion opportunities.

d. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Committee members, RAP champions, HR managers and other key leadership staff to participate in cultural training and increase understanding of managing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and/or staff.

e. Develop GP Synergy resources with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural information to encourage staff to continue to develop their own cultural learning outside of formal cultural education programs e.g. texts, DVDs and art.

f. Encourage all staff to visit the Reconciliation Australia “Share Our Pride” cultural learning module and to include this with the induction package for new staff.

a. October 2017

b. July 2017

c. July 2018

d. June 2018

e. July 2018

f. July 2017

a. Director of Education and Training

b. Director of Education and Training

c. Director of Education and Training

d. CEO

e. Director of Education and Training

f. Human Resources Manager

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6. Engage employees in understanding the significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country, to ensure there is a shared meaning.

a. Develop, implement and communicate a cultural protocol document for Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.

b. Communicate to employees the meaning and significance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural protocols, such as Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement of Country.

c. Develop a list of key contacts for organising a Welcome to Country and maintaining respectful partnerships.

d. Invite a Traditional Owner to provide Welcome to Country at significant events including regional registrar, supervisor and practice manager workshops.

e. Include Acknowledgement of Country at the commencement of important internal and external meetings.

f. Support staff to recognise the significance of taking time to build trust when developing organisational links with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and health services.

a. June 2017

b. June 2017

c. July 2017

d. June 2017

e. June2017

f. December 2017, 2018 & 2019


b. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit Manager

c. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit Manager

d. Directors or Education and Training

e. CEO

f. Chief Operations Officer

7. Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to engage with their culture and communities by celebrating National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) Week.

a. Provide opportunities for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to participate with their cultures and communities during NAIDOC Week celebrations of history, culture and achievements.

a. First week of July 2017, 2018 & 2019

a. CEO and Human Resources Manager


8. Celebrate and participate in NAIDOC Week.

a. Review HR policies and procedures to ensure there are no barriers to staff participating in a NAIDOC Week event during work hours.

b. Encourage staff and senior management to acknowledge NAIDOC week and its importance by participating in external events such as a local celebration march or health promotion day.

c. Support an external NAIDOC Week community event such as local NAIDOC week ball, sporting event or art exhibition.

a. July 2017, 2018 & 2019

b. July 2017, 2018 & 2019

c. July 2017, 2018 & 2019



c. Marketing and Communications Manager

9. Create a culturally safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and community.

a. Display the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags at the reception at each GP Synergy office.

b. Source an Aboriginal Australian language areas map to display at each GP Synergy office.

c. Display an Acknowledgement of Country and Welcome in each GP Synergy office or on office buildings.

d. Include an acknowledgement of Traditional Owners in GP Synergy email signature blocks.

e. Ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures are represented by considering the inclusion of appropriately acknowledged art in offices, on letter heads, brochures, logo, uniforms and promotional merchandising.

f. Provide education to staff and registrars regarding the purpose and advantages of Aboriginal health services and community controlled health services.

g. Place a GP Synergy RAP placard at each GP Synergy office.

a. June 2017b. June 2017c. September 2017d. June 2017e. November 2018f. December 2017g. October 2017

a. Procurement Officerb. Procurement Officerc. Procurement Officerd. Chief Information

Officere. Marketing and

Communications Manager

f. Director of Education and Training

g. Chief Operations Officer

10. Celebrate and recognise significant dates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

a. Develop a calendar in Outlook with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ dates of significance and inform staff of significant dates to raise awareness of upcoming events.

b. Encourage staff to participate in community events or reflection on significant dates such as National Sorry Day, National Close the Gap Day, 1967 Referendum anniversary, Mabo Day, NAIDOC Week and National Reconciliation Week.

a. June 2017b. June 2017


b. CEO

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OpportunityEngaging with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sector creates sustainability, improves GP Synergy’s standing within the community and builds our commitment to reconciliation. With improved mutual understanding and cultural sensitivity our training GPs can be provided with great exposure to a wide variety of learning opportunities whilst being proactive in helping to Close the Gap in health disparities.


11. Investigate opportunities to improve and increase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment outcomes within our workplace.

a. Develop and implement an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employment and retention strategy which includes professional development for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff.

b. Engage with existing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to consult on employment strategies, including professional development.

c. Advertise all vacancies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander media.

d. Collect information on our current Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff to inform future employment opportunities.

e. Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to ensure there are no barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander employees and future applicants participating in our workplace at all levels of the organisation.

f. Educate all staff on HR commitments relating to cultural and ceremonial leave to ensure organisational wide understanding of the importance of community and family responsibilities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff such as Sorry Business.

a. June 2018

b. January 2018

c. January 2018

d. June 2017

e. January 2018

f. December 2017


b. Human Resources Manager

c. Human Resources Manager

d. Human Resources Manager

e. Human Resources Manager


12. Investigate opportunities to incorporate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander supplier diversity within our organisation.

a. Review procurement policies and procedures to identify barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses to supply our organisation with goods and services.

b. Develop and communicate to staff a list of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses that can be used to procure goods and services for the delivery of our programs e.g. catering, entertainment, design, merchandising.

c. Develop one commercial relationship with an Aboriginal/Torres Strait Islander owned business.

d. Investigate Supply Nation membership: The leading directory of Indigenous businesses for procurement teams.

a. February 2018

b. February 2018

c. March 2018

d. March 2018

a. Chief Finance Officer and Procurement Officer

b. Chief Finance Officer and Procurement Officer

c. Chief Finance Officer and Procurement Officer

d. Chief Finance Officer and Procurement Officer

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13. Increase support for cultural health mentors and educators.

a. Employ a minimum of one cultural health educator and cultural mentor in each GP Synergy training region.

b. Create and facilitate a network of regional cultural health mentors from NSW and ACT Aboriginal health training posts for peer support.

c. Provide and develop resources to enhance mentoring in NSW and ACT Aboriginal health training posts .

d. Educate GP Registrars about working in Aboriginal health contexts e. Engage with site visits to Aboriginal health training posts to provide

sessions around cultural mentoring.f. Develop mentoring agreement/plan for GP registrars and cultural

health mentors.g. Develop a peer network calendar of events for cultural health

mentors.h. Investigate creating a scholarship targeting Aboriginal and Torres

Strait Islander students of health through partner university facilities.

i. Identify one cultural health mentor at each accredited Aboriginal health training facility.

j. Support flexibility in how cultural health mentors can be employed.k. Support cultural health educators and mentors to attend and

present as expert facilitators at the annual national GP training convention.

a. June 2017b. June 2017c. December 2017d. February 2018 &

2019e. February, May,

August & November 2017, 2018, 2019

f. June 2018g. July 2017h. July 2018i. July 2018j. March 2018k. August 2017, 2018,

2019

a. CEO and Human Resources

b. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training Committee chair

c. Cultural Education Unit Manager


e. Cultural Education Unit Manger


g. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training Committee

h. Chief Operations Officer

i. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Training Committee

j. Human Resources Manager

k. CEO

14. Support cultural health educators at GP Synergy.

a. Employ a minimum of one cultural health educator and one cultural mentor per GP Synergy training region.

a. June2017 a. CEO and Human Resources

GP Synergy Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan for the years June 2017 - May 2019


15. Continue to implement the objectives included in the GP Synergy 2016 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Heath Strategic Plan.

a. Continue support of telehealth videoconferencing systems and infrastructure at relevant GP training practices.

b. Continue to support the GP Synergy Diploma in Practice Management for Aboriginal Medical Services project.

a. June 2017b. June 2017

a. Chief Information Officer

b. CEO and Board RAP representative

16. Support GP registrars to undertake training with Aboriginal Health Services.

a. Create and market hard and soft resources to promote GP registrar training in NSW and ACT Aboriginal community controlled services as Aboriginal health training posts.

b. Provide Medicare and practice incentive program training aimed at GP registrars at Aboriginal health training facilities.

c. Continue to facilitate and administer the GP Registrar Salary Support Program for registrars undertaking placements in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health services within the limitations of funding while providing ongoing advocacy for increasing funding and supporting longer GP registrar placement to ensure training program success through continuity of care.

d. Continue to provide funding to general practice training teaching for term 3 GP registrars at all Aboriginal health training facilities.

a. December 2017b. June 2017, 2018,

2019c. July 2017d. June 2017


b. CEOc. CEOd. CEO

17. Development of GP supervisors and registrars networks for doctors working at Aboriginal community controlled health services.

a. Support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical educators and supervisors to attend Australian Indigenous Doctors Association (AIDA) national peer support network.

b. Investigate the development of networks for GP supervisors and registrars working at Aboriginal health training posts.

c. Undertake an adequately resourced consultative process to determine the relevance of these networks.

a. June 2017b. February 2018 &

2019c. November 2017

a. CEO b. Rural Support

Officersc. Rural Support

Officers

18. Explore opportunities to increase and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander representation in management or governance roles.

a. Scope the potential to recruit new board members who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander persons.

b. Promote board vacancies to appropriate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholder groups.

c. Offer governance training for CEOs of all Aboriginal health training facilities.

a. June 2017b. November 2017,

2018 & 2019c. June 2017

a. Board RAP representative and Human Resources

b. CEO / Board RAP representative

c. CEO

37



19. Support of the Indigenous GP Registrar Network (IGPRN).

a. Support recruitment and selection of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander registrars.

b. Identify Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander GP registrars and fellows and offer professional mentorship by allocating medical educator and cultural health educator support.

c. Explore partnership opportunities to encourage and support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students to pursue a career as a general practitioner.

a. June 2017, 2018, 2019

b. June 2017c. December 2017




20. Provide and promote GP training opportunities for aspiring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander medical practitioners.

a. Incorporate the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health RACGP/ACRRM curriculum into all GP Synergy educational events by increasing culturally safe content of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and culture in educational release days and residential workshops.

b. Provide information at GP registrar training events on the benefits and support available when working in an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health training facility.

a. February & August 2017, 2018 & 2019

b. February & August 2017, 2018 & 2019





21. Increase access to culturally safe medical practitioners for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

a. Capture registrar interest in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health at enrolment intake and during training.

b. Identify medical educators who have expertise and passion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health who will provide input to education program and represent GP Synergy at state and national level.

c. Incorporate traditional medicines and practices within GP training to raise awareness of patients’ belief systems and their relevance to health care.

d. Support workforce sustainability at Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health training facilities by advocating for placement of experienced registrars.

e. Increase the number of accredited Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health training facilities available for GP registrar training to produce more culturally safe medical practitioners.

f. Ensure cultural health educators and mentors are involved in the design and delivery of training and assessment in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health training.

a. February & August 2017, 2018 & 2019

b. February & August 2017, 2018 & 2019

c. February & August 2017, 2018 & 2019

d. February & August 2017, 2018 & 2019

e. February & August 2017, 2018 & 2019

f. February & August 2017, 2018 & 2019

a. Chief Operations Officer




e. Accreditation Officerf. Director of Education

and Training

39



22. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings to Reconciliation Australia.

a. Complete and submit the RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire to Reconciliation Australia annually.

b. Investigate participating in the RAP Barometer.c. Define available resourcing for our RAP (budget, people, time).

a. 30 September 2017, 2018 & 2019

b. May 2018c. June 2017

a. Quality, Safety and Compliance Manager

b. Quality, Safety and Compliance Manager

c. CEO

23. Report RAP achievements, challenges and learnings internally and externally.

a. Senior Management, CEO and board RAP representative to set in place a GANTT chart for action and review of actions.

b. Report and celebrate our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings.

a. June 2017b. March, June,

September, December 2017, 2018, 2019.

a. Senior Management


24. Review, refresh and update RAP. a. Ensure input and feedback is sought from all staff and stakeholders by circulating the RAP during review and evaluation stages.

b. Liaise with Reconciliation Australia to develop a new RAP based on learnings, challenges and achievements.

c. Send draft RAP to Reconciliation Australia for formal feedback and endorsement.

a. June 2018b. December 2018c. February 2019


b. Board RAP representative

c. RAP Project Officer



About the artwork

The artwork for our RAP is a collaborative piece produced by GP Synergy staff with the guidance of artist Danny Eastwood. The artwork aims to be reflective of traditional styles of art across NSW and ACT Aboriginal communities and incorporates the earthy tones of ochre applied in traditional art works. Through symbolism we aimed to express a link between ancient and western medicine.

Danny Eastwood is a descendant of the Ngemba Tribe of Western NSW on his mother’s side. Danny was NSW Aboriginal Artist of the year in 1992 and in 1993 won the National Aboriginal Artist of the Year Award. He has been commissioned by local councils in Sydney to create murals which can be seen in southern Sydney and Parramatta. A cartoonist for the Koori mail, Danny also teaches visual art in schools and prisons throughout NSW.

43

NSW and ACT nations map

45


Introducing GP Synergy Aboriginal staff members

Mr Darren Green | [email protected](Former) Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit Manager

Darren Green is the manager of GP Synergy’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit. As head of this team, Darren is instrumental in driving the implementation and development of GP Synergy’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Strategic Plan. Darren has come to GP Synergy from the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council NSW (AHMRC) and has brought with him valuable GP training skills and knowledge plus extensive experience working in Aboriginal health in rural and remote NSW. He is a passionate and committed Kamilaroi man who genuinely cares for his people and their communities.

Ms Val Dahlstrom | [email protected] Liaison Officer

Val has been employed by the area health service in the field of Aboriginal health for over thirty-five years. She was the Aboriginal Health Service Manager for twenty-two of those years and was elected to the central council of the NSW Public Service Association for a three-year term. She was elected to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission (ATSIC) on three of the four year terms and chairperson for the first three-year term. Val helped develop the first Aboriginal Health Worker Award and was involved with the two reviews that followed. She represented Aboriginal health on a number of reviews of the health services and following the ‘Brereton Report’ was involved with the hand-over by the Catholic Diocese of Pius X Medical Service to an Aboriginal Management committee, becoming their longest serving chairperson. Val was also a member of the NSW Aboriginal Advisory Committee to the NSW Bi-Centennial Committee and a member of the National Aboriginal Advisory Group to the National Bicentennial Authority. She was elected as a representative to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission for the Kamilaroi Region and was chairperson for the first three-year term.

47

mailto:Darren_Green%40gpsynergy.com.au?subject=

mailto:Darren_Green%40gpsynergy.com.au?subject=


Miss Lucy Adams | [email protected] Support Officer

Lucy began her role with GP Synergy in 2010. As well as being the primary contact at GP Synergy’s Moree office, Lucy also provides support to the Aboriginal liaison officer and the special education programs manager. Currently Lucy is undertaking a diploma in practice management to expand on her current skills and her interest in Aboriginal health.

Mr Grahame Skinner | [email protected] Educator

Grahame has been involved in Aboriginal health for 30 years, including service coordinator for Aboriginal health with North Coast Area Health Service for 3 years and previous to that Aboriginal health education officer. He has been on a number of state and national health committees including as chairperson of the first Aboriginal health work forum in NSW. He has a strong commitment to the implementation of Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service, of which he is Chairperson and to see the service grow. Grahame worked as cultural educator for North Coast GP Training before joining the cultural education unit at GP Synergy. Grahame has fantastic knowledge of Aboriginal culture, particularly within Bundjalung - the homelands of his mother’s people and Gunbayngirr - his father’s homeland, on the North Coast of NSW. His passion is to see Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples become doctors and for Aboriginal and Torres strait Islander staff achieve in health services.

mailto:Lucy_Adams%40gpsynergy.com.au?subject=

mailto:Grahame_Skinner%40gpsynergy.com.au?subject=

Mr Christopher O’Brien | Christopher_O’[email protected] Educator and Acting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit Manager

Christopher J O’Brien, is a Yorta Yorta Aboriginal man from ‘Country’ Cummeroogunja (aka Cummeragunja) located across the famous Murray River of New South Wales and Victoria – he is a ‘freshwater’ man. He is the direct descendant of “William Cooper” – ‘Gentle Warrior’ world renowned Aboriginal and human rights activist who was a founding father for NAIDOC Celebrations (National Aboriginal and Islanders Day Observance Committee).

Christopher has over 20 years of combined experience working in varied Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organisations within housing and development; hospitality – alcohol and gaming; aged, disability care and community services; primary, preventative and chronic healthcare, and cultural and Aboriginal health education.

He has obtained a Certificate III in Aboriginal Health Worker, Aged and Disability Care and Services, in addition to a Certificate IV in Frontline Management, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Primary Health Care Practice and Training and Assessment, and is a registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health practitioner, and Justice of the Peace NSW.

He has transitioned to GP Synergy’s Aboriginal Cultural Education Unit as the cultural educator for Lower Eastern NSW from previous employment with the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service for 11 years where he held the positions of Aboriginal Health Practitioner and Health Services Team Manager (Practice Manager) for eight years and remains as Director of the Association Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Corporation.

Ms Wendy Lake | [email protected] Educator

Wendy works from our Dubbo office as administrative assistant supporting our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Cultural Education Unit. Wendy has a strong background in Aboriginal mentorship, health, casework and teaching with great experience in community engagement, policy development and program management.

49

mailto:Christopher_O%E2%80%99Brien%40gpsynergy.com.au?subject=

mailto:Wendy_Lake%40gpsynergy.com.au?subject=


ACCRM – Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine

AHMRC – Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (NSW)*

AHW/P - Aboriginal Health Worker/Practitioner

AIDA – Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association

AMS – Aboriginal Medical Service

ATSIC - Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Commission

ATSIH – Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health

COAG - Council of Australian Governments

COO – Chief Operations Officer

CEO – Chief Executive Officer

CE/CMs – Cultural health educators/Cultural health mentors

DoH – Department of Health

DoET – Director of Education and Training

EO – Executive Officer

GP – General Practitioner

HR – Human Resources

IGPRN - Indigenous GP Registrar Network

LIME – Leaders in Indigenous Medical Education

ME – Medical Educator

NAIDOC – National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee

NRW - National Reconciliation Week

OTD – Overseas Trained Doctor

RACGP – Royal Australian College of General Practitioners

RAP – Reconciliation Action Plan

RLO – Registrar Liaison Officer

RTO – Registered Training Organisation

SLO – Supervisor Liaison Officer

* The Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council (AHMRC) New South Wales is the peak body and voice of Aboriginal communities on health in NSW. They represent the Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services (ACCHS) that deliver culturally appropriate comprehensive primary health care to their communities

Acronyms list


Contact details

Aboriginal Torres Strait Islander Cultural Education Unit Manager

Phone: 1300 477 963

[email protected]

1300 477 963 [email protected] www.gpsynergy.com.au

Copyright © 2017 GP Synergy ABN 62 099 141 689 ACN 099 141 689.

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivatives 4.0 International License. To view a copy of this license, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/.

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