It can be hard to find the right words to acknowledge the events of last weekend. The images of some people in our community expressing hatred and violence towards others based on race or immigration status, have been deeply distressing.
We know that racism has a big impact on people’s health and wellbeing — not only through the direct mental health harm of experiencing or witnessing it, but also due to systemic racism within our healthcare system and structures that make it more difficult to access care.
At Health Consumers’ Council WA, we reiterate our unflinching support for everyone in our community — including refugees, migrants, and the traditional and ongoing custodians of this land: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We stand alongside you as allies in the fight against prejudice and discrimination.
One way we contribute to breaking down barriers in health and healthcare is by championing the voices of people from a wide range of backgrounds — ensuring their perspectives are included in how health services are designed, delivered, and evaluated. Another way is offering the opportunity to people to learn to craft your own meaningful Acknowledgment of Country. We regularly host workshops as part of our contribution to reconciliation, supporting people to grow their confidence to play their part through this important ritual.
Alongside these broader reflections, the health system itself remains under intense pressure. Recently, staff from the Department of Health presented their plans for expanding access to the Hospital in the Home program. This ambitious plan will create capacity equivalent to a medium-sized hospital by July next year. Consumer feedback was positive, while noting the importance of ensuring that the role and needs of carers were considered. But everyone could see the benefits of receiving hospital-level care at home, supported 24/7 by clinical teams. If you or a loved one need hospital care, don’t forget to ask your treating team whether Hospital in the Home might be an option.
As you know, at HCC we regularly speak up about the community’s calls for greater investment in preventative health. This past fortnight, I had the opportunity to join the Australian Dental Board Conference for a panel on Profit-driven vs patient-centred dental care. I highlighted the urgent need for better access to affordable dental care, reminding participants that preventable dental conditions are the leading cause of hospitalisations for children requiring a general anaesthetic, and account for nearly a quarter of all potentially preventable hospitalisations in Australia. Serious investment in preventative health must include dental care. I also called for better regulation to protect the health and financial interests of health consumers when accessing dental care. We continue to advocate on this issue – and will provide further updates in coming weeks and months.
Finally, we recently hosted a forum last week bringing together consumer leaders and health system staff to explore how we can strengthen and expand consumer leadership in WA. It was a warm, constructive conversation that left me hopeful we will continue to build on the excellent work already underway.
Thank you, as always, for the many ways you each contribute to advocating for and shaping a stronger, fairer, more people-centred healthcare system.
Until next time,
Clare Mullen
Executive Director, Health Consumers’ Council WA