Aspen Medical Reconciliation Action Plan
description
Transcript of Aspen Medical Reconciliation Action Plan
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Introduction
This is Aspen Medical’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). As a privately-owned medical solutions-based company, we provide immediate healthcare services to remote areas and/or regions of high demand. We have engaged in a variety of projects and programs that have funded research into key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues and delivered primary healthcare services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
This RAP represents our plan to move to a new stage in our engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and more broadly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We aspire to engage, partner and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a meaningful way to deliver improved health outcomes and employment, training and business outcomes.
Aspen grew out of a need to provide the highest quality healthcare in areas of high demand. A key feature of Aspen operations is our ability to operate in areas where medical services are either at a premium or non-existent. We are committed to making profound, practical contributions to improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health outcomes as contained within the Council of Australian Government’s Close the Gap agenda. We have developed partnerships with remote health services and organisations throughout Australia. We have built on these relationships and experiences and will apply our expertise to deliver a set of meaningful and achievable outcomes in this RAP.
It is widely understood that reconciliation involves learning about culture and developing respect for that culture and embracing differences so we can move forward together. I will be encouraging all employees of Aspen to take practical steps to improve our knowledge and observance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, protocols and histories.
Aspen has taken its first steps. We envisage this RAP will be a sound business initiative and a worthy journey for us all to take.
Glenn Keys Executive Director
Reconciliation and Aspen Medical
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Our vision for reconciliation
Aspen Medical will effectively provide tangible and practical examples of the principles of reconciliation through the provision of healthcare. We will seek to form positive relationships through partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that develop, nurture and harness real potential in our healthcare business.
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Our businessAspen Medical provides a comprehensive suite of medical and environmental health services to support operations in remote and austere environments as well as in metropolitan areas.
Our expertise lies in understanding the requirements of our clients and developing a cost-effective solution for them. We provide comprehensive health services delivery solutions, ensuring our clients are informed and well positioned to make the best decision for their communities and their organisations.
We employ over 2,000 people with 11 team members identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander. We have offices in Canberra, Brisbane, Melbourne, Darwin, Alice Springs, Sydney, Newcastle, Adelaide, Townsville, Cairns and Perth as well as overseas.
We provide tailored health solutions with unique medical services, that may include:
• personnel
• medical equipment supply and maintenance
• medical facilities
• expert environmental and occupational consultation
• aero-medical evacuation services
• allied health, dental and surgical services
• patient management practices
• legislative and insurance requirements
• training
• consultancy
• logistics support.
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We also provide medical facilities and equipment, that may include:
• creation of purpose-built medical facilities
• provision of mobile and relocatable medical facilities
• design and fit-out of medical facilities
• operations and maintenance of medical facilities
• all necessary medical and healthcare equipment, including maintenance and calibration
• all ambulance system design and establishment services and then operating the service
• arranging the transport and installation of mobile medical facilities.
Brisbane
Newcastle
Sydney
Canberra
Darwin
Alice Springs
Perth
Adelaide
Office locations
No. of sites per State
ACT 8 NSW 106 QLD 58 SA 27
WA 34 VIC 46 TAS 8 NT 117
Cairns
Townsville
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Our RAP
Aspen Medical decided to develop a Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to provide a systematic and considered approach to its engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities.
Over the years we have engaged in a variety of projects and programs that have funded research into key Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues and delivered primary healthcare services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, we have decided to enhance our engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and more broadly with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We aspire to engage, partner and work with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in a meaningful way to deliver improved health outcomes and employment, training and business outcomes. This will enable us to respond more effectively to the requirements of the organisations we seek to partner with and provide services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The RAP was developed in a two-phase process. Initially we engaged an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business, Ochre Business Consultants led by Ms Toni Ah Sam, to engage and consult with the company's Executive and senior team to build an understanding of what a RAP involves and to generate thinking about possible concepts and opportunities the RAP could include. Ms Ah Sam then led a workshop with this group to identify the aspirations and concrete ideas that could be incorporated into the RAP. A key part of the process was Ms Ah Sam’s ability to lead the group through a process that generated a heightened perception of the opportunities and linkages that flowed from a more strategic approach to engagement that focussed on business and employment opportunities.
Subsequently a working group refined the RAP led by Ms Toni Ah Sam and including Mr Craig Fitzgerald, Director – Corporate Social Responsibility and Mr Philip Roberts, General Manager of Remote Area Health Corps, to a working document for consideration and input from Reconciliation Australia. Mr Glenn Keys, Executive Director of Aspen Medical, actively supervised this process with a focus on achieving substantive goals.
Finally, the working group broadened its membership to interested staff members and presented the draft document to the entire team to gain input, feedback and ultimately buy-in to the RAP. We consider this buy-in from all parts of the company as essential to the
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success of the RAP and the achievement of meaningful outcomes. Mr Craig Fitzgerald and Mr Philip Roberts will champion the RAP internally along with members of the working group across the entire Aspen Medical Group.
The journey towards our RAP
• With the establishment of Aspen Medical subsidiary, Remote Area Health Corps, and the provision of health professionals across the Northern Territory, we became acutely aware of the challenges that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples face, particularly around health.
• The owners of Aspen Medical formed the Aspen Foundation. To date, the Foundation has solely focussed on the eradication of diseases prevalent in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. Since 2009 the Foundation has funded organisations working in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities working to improve hygiene education and also to eradicate trachoma and scabies.
• The Aspen Foundation, with the support of the Christian Blind Mission and Melbourne University’s Indigenous Eye Health Unit, funded and developed the first ever free online trachoma treatment module for health professionals.
• The Aspen Foundation commenced its support of those organisations targeting the eradication of trachoma.
• RAHC achieves its 1000th placement.
• Aspen Medical engages an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business, Ochre Business Consultants, to engage and consult with the Executive and senior team of Aspen Medical to build an understanding of what a RAP involves and generate thinking about possible concepts and opportunities the RAP could include.
• The Aspen Foundation funds the charity Take Pride. Take Pride focusses on delivering hygiene programs across Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Far North Queensland and the Torres Strait.
• RAHC achieves its 2000th placement.
• The Aspen Foundation commits to supporting One Disease At A Time in their mission to eradicate crusted scabies in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• Input sought from the entire Aspen Medical team and a draft sent to Reconciliation Australia for input. Formal launch of the RAP.
• The Aspen Foundation funds a second free online eye health module for health professionals. This module focusses on preventable blindness in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
• The Aspen Foundation funds Malpa in their delivery of the Young Doctors program in Western Australia and the Northern Territory. Young Doctors is a health leadership program which trains young people to be health ambassadors in their communities. It is designed and run by local Elders, respected community members and supported by health workers.
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2009
2008
2015• RAHC achieves its 3000th placement.
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Aspen FoundationThe Aspen Foundation was established in 2009 as a health promotion charity. The Foundation’s mission is to undertake life-changing healthcare through significantly reducing or eradicating key illnesses in the Australian community and providing education for the sustainability of improved health practices. A key focus of the Foundation has been to provide public health education to remote communities. Through its healthy skin and eye programs the Foundation has set a goal of helping to eliminate trachoma and crusted scabies in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
The Foundation is closely aligned with the RAP as Aspen Medical is committed to providing healthcare solutions to remote areas and regions of high demand across Australia. For more information about the Foundation please go to http://www.aspenfoundation.org.au.
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Remote Area Health CorpsThe Remote Area Health Corps (RAHC) was established in 2008 to strengthen the delivery of primary health services in remote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It is designed to increase the pool of health professionals available for work in remote Northern Territory Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities by attracting urban-based health professionals. RAHC recruits, orientates and then provides each new-to-remote health professional with comprehensive training and ongoing tailored support to help them to successfully transition to remote practice. The health professionals who undertake such work include Registered Nurses, General Practitioners, Oral and Allied Health professionals.
RAHC collaborates closely with its stakeholders including the Aboriginal Medical Service Alliance Northern Territory (AMSANT), Northern Territory Government Department of Health and Aboriginal Medical Services (AMS) as well as relevant training bodies to maintain the delivery of an appropriate and responsive program.
RAHC has proven itself to be an effective model of delivering workforce into remote communities in the Northern Territory. The program has delivered more than 2,700 placements since December 2008 and has developed a pool of over 700 health professionals who have successfully made the transition to remote practice. An important part of the program is that on their return to their urban home location, health professionals are more attuned to the needs and cultures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples they have served. This represents practical reconciliation in action.
For more information about RAHC please go to http://www.rahc.com.au.
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Relationships
Aspen Medical is committed to building strong, enduring relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through close partnership and collaboration as an integral part of its healthcare services.
Focus area
Making significant contributions to improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health. This commitment extends to engaging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals and open communication/consultation with key stakeholders.
ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET
1. RAP working group
established to monitor
development of the RAP
including implementation,
tracking and reporting.
Executive Director July 2015 • A RAP Working Group is formed and
operational to support the development of
our RAP, comprising Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander people and other Australians.
• Bi-monthly meetings are held to monitor
RAP progress.
2. Subject Matter Expert Panel
established which includes
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander and non-Indigenous
experts in the health sector
both internal and external to
Aspen Medical.
Medical Director November 2015 • Meet twice per year to monitor the progress
on the actions coming out of the RAP.
• The panel members consist of reputable
professionals in the healthcare industry. The
panel will also seek expressions of interest
and/or approach various individuals directly
to see if they wish to make a contribution.
• Terms of reference to be established to
outline roles and responsibilities of those on
the panel.
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ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET
3. Strengthen existing
relationships and explore
new and appropriate
relationships with the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities,
organisations, business and
corporate Australia where
Aspen Medical offices are
located across Australia.
General Manager,
RAHC and other
General Managers
where required
September
2015
• Establish a database of all current local
contacts including other Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander NGOs and corporate bodies.
• Ensure that the local contact database is
available to all Aspen Medical staff on the
internal IT system.
• Invite local Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples in the healthcare
industry to comment on current RAP and
associated plans.
• Develop a commitment statement to work in
partnership with key Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander groups, organisations and
businesses.
• Publish the commitment statement on the
Aspen Medical and RAHC websites.
4. As part of the ongoing
commitment and
relationship building with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities, Aspen
Medical will participate
in National Reconciliation
Week (NRW) events.
Director,
Marketing
May 2015 • Starting in 2015, organise one event
across each Aspen Medical location to
celebrate NRW.
• Encourage all staff to participate in external
NRW events.
• Aspen Medical to host an event to highlight
the work it does through RAHC.
• Encourage all RAHC staff to participate at
a local level in Darwin and/or Alice Springs
each year.
5. Invest and participate in
opportunities to engage in
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander days of significance
that support and promote
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultures.
Director,
Marketing
July 2015 • Encourage all staff to organise and participate
in one event each year.
• Encourage RAHC to participate at a local event
in both and/or either Darwin and Alice Springs
each year.
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Respect
Aspen Medical acknowledges Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Nations of Australia. We value and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures as an important part of the fabric of Australia. As an organisation we stand by our commitment to earn and demonstrate mutual respect.
Focus area
Continuing the work Aspen has started.
ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET
1. Consult with local Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
communities to develop and
understand the importance
of Welcome to Country and
Acknowledgment of Country
protocols.
General Manager,
RAHC
September 2015 • Develop protocols and educate all staff via
internal IT systems on why and how Welcome
to Country and Acknowledgement to Country
protocols are practiced.
• Welcome to Country and Acknowledgement
to Country incorporated into all significant
events and meetings.
2. Provide ongoing cultural
awareness training for all
staff as a commitment to
promote awareness of
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander cultures.
General Manager,
RAHC
October 2015 • Amend current Induction programs to include
cultural awareness training.
• Aspen Medical to identify local Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander cultural consultants to
deliver awareness training at a local level.
• Develop a database of preferred Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander cultural consultants
to supply cultural awareness training
throughout Australia.
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ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET
3. Provide opportunities for
staff to experience cultural
events around Australia
through volunteering.
Director, CSR
Director,
Marketing
September 2015 • Identify through charity partners how Aspen
Medical staff can volunteer to assist at
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultural
events, conference and festivals throughout
Australia.
4. Encourage and support
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander employees
to attend cultural events
and community activities
throughout NAIDOC
(National Aboriginal and
Islander Day of Observance
Committee) Week events.
Director,
Marketing
July 2015 • Encourage RAHC to participate at a local event
in both and/or either Darwin and Alice Springs
each year.
• Provide opportunities for Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander employees to participate
in local NAIDOC Week events.
• Aspen Medical will participate in at least one
event and promote this through their annual
calendar to inform all staff about National
Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week.
• Each Aspen Medical office participates or
hosts a local event that is appropriate to
their location and existing relationships with
local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
communities.
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Opportunities
Aspen Medical is committed to working in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to improve their access to business and employment opportunities with our company.
Focus area
Aspen Medical is committed to developing healthcare solutions in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples around Australia. This will be achieved by offering mutually beneficial opportunities through joint ventures and strategic alliances with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses across Australia.
ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET
1. Investigate opportunities
within Aspen Medical
to increase Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander
employment and training
opportunities in both the
clinical and non-clinical
operations of the business.
Director, CSR
Director, Human
Resources
General Managers
of Operations
September 2015 • Establish, develop and implement an Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander Employment and
Training Strategy. This strategy will factor in
recruitment, career pathways, professional
development and retention.
• Investigate and identify potential opportunities
to sponsor and/or offer full scholarships to
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
professionals such as doctors, paramedics,
registered nurses and dental nurses.
• Offer a minimum of two cadetships and/or
traineeships to Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander peoples for non-clinical positions such
as: Accountants, Human Resources, Marketing
and other administrative positions.
• Develop and implement a mentoring program to
ensure Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander staff
and/or students receive support throughout
their training, studies and/or employment with
Aspen Medical.
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ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET
2. Investigate and identify
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander owned businesses
that could be engaged as
suppliers for Aspen Medical.
General Manager,
RAHC
August 2015 • Identify how to become a member of
Supply Nation.
• Develop a database of potential Aboriginal
and Torres Strait Islander businesses that
Aspen Medical endorses as suppliers of
different services and products.
• Ensure that the database is available to all
staff via the internal IT systems.
• Develop and implement an Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Business Strategy which
will identify potential businesses to provide
products and services to Aspen Medical.
3. Investigate appropriate
Aboriginal and Torres
Strait Islander and other
organisations to develop
stronger partnerships,
strategic alliances and
agreements with the
purpose of engaging with
local communities.
Director, CSR
General Managers
of Operations
December 2015 • Develop a list identifying existing and
potential healthcare organisations, registered
training organisations, professional health
associations with the purpose of entering into
high level agreements with.
4. Investigate opportunities
for collaboration with
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander businesses for
mutual benefit.
Director, CSR
General Managers
of Operations
December 2015 • Develop a document that details potential
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander
businesses.
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Tracking progress and reporting
ACTION RESPONSIBILITY TIMELINE TARGET
1. Report achievements,
challenges and learnings
to Reconciliation Australia
for inclusion in the Annual
Impact Measurement Report.
Director, CSR June 2016 • RAP progress is reported each year in the RAP
Impact Measurement Questionnaire.
• RAP Impact Measurement Questionnaire
is provided to Reconciliation Australia by
September each year.
2. Monitor and evaluate the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Employment and
Training Strategy.
Director, Human
Resources
June 2016 • Provide progress report to Executive two
yearly for their review.
• Progress reports to Subject Matter Expert
Panel on for their feedback on Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander Employment Strategy.
1. Monitor and evaluate the
Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander Business Strategy.
Director, CSR December 2016 • Provide progress report to Executive every
two years for their review.
• Progress reports to Subject Matter Expert
Panel on for their feedback on Indigenous
Employment Strategy.
Contact details Craig Fitzgerald Director – Corporate Social Responsibility
+61 (0)2 6203 9500
Aspen Medical Reconciliation Action Plan