New indigenous signs at DDHHS
Lovely themed signs show commitment
ABOUT 20 new Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander-designed ward signs have been unveiled in Toowoomba Hospital’s Medical Unit 1 and Surgical wards.
The signs were painted by local Aboriginal artists David and Daryl McCarthy as part of an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art project initiated by Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service coordinator indigenous cultural practices Rica Lacey.
Ms Lacey said the idea came after noticing that permanent signs for these wards needed replacing.
“We had one sign designed as an example and presented it to the Toowoomba Hospital management committee for approval and everyone loved it,” she said.
The signs reinforced the DDHHS’s pledge to work towards achieving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health equality within a generation, made on Close the Gap day 2016.
“As part of this commitment the DDHHS has a Cultural Capability Action Plan in place to build cultural respect and recognition, communication, relationships, partnerships and capacity with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities,” Ms Lacey said.
“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs on the new ward signs are just one way we can demonstrate cultural recognition and build rapport with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who visit the Toowoomba Hospital,” she said.
“It is a visual way of indicating that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are welcomed by our health service and this is a safe place for them to be.
“We have found that the display of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs is an effective way of communicating safety and acceptance to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people throughout the DDHHS.
“An example of this is our staff t-shirts featuring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designs – we have found that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to approach staff members wearing these shirts as opposed to a plain uniform.”