EASTERN Health last week celebrated NAIDOC week with a special event at the Angliss Hospital in Upper Ferntree Gully.
The occasion provided an opportunity for hospital staff to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island peoples.
To mark NAIDOC Week, a range of events including morning and afternoon teas will be held across Eastern Health as part of its commitment to Closing the Health Gap.
The Angliss Hospital event included a Welcome to Country by Aunty Joy Wandin Murphy and a performance by Aboriginal dance group Djirri Djirri.
Senior Aboriginal Services Development officer Vera Webber said closing the health gap between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians was a key priority for Eastern Health.
“From the great community health work, our Aboriginal Health Team does, to our Closing the Gap Community Sports Day, we can all make a difference,” Mr Webber said.
Other Eastern Health Closing the Health Gap initiatives include the implementation of an Aboriginal Employment Plan and a dedicated Aboriginal Hospital Liaison officer who ensures patients are provided with culturally appropriate guidance when they visit Eastern Health.