Cultural safety and diversity

Patient Rights, Cultural Safety, Diversity and Inclusion Statement

Commitment to Respectful and Inclusive Care

Our practice is committed to providing healthcare that respects the rights, identity, dignity, values, beliefs, cultural background, gender identity, sexual orientation, physical characteristics, and individual needs of every patient.

The practice recognises that each patient is unique and is committed to providing care that is culturally safe, inclusive, respectful, and free from discrimination.

Cultural Safety Policy

The practice maintains a Cultural Safety Policy that requires all team members to:

  • Provide care that respects each patient’s cultural beliefs, traditions, values, and preferences.
  • Recognise and respond appropriately to cultural differences.
  • Avoid assumptions about patients based on culture, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, disability, family structure, or personal circumstances.
  • Support patients to feel safe, respected, heard, and included during all interactions.
  • Provide interpreter services and communication support when required.
  • Maintain confidentiality and privacy in culturally appropriate ways.

Staff Training and Education

The practice provides staff education and training regarding:

  • Cultural awareness and cultural safety.
  • Inclusive communication strategies.
  • Respectful communication with diverse patient populations.
  • Supporting patients with different health literacy needs.
  • Understanding patient rights and responsibilities.
  • Recognising and preventing discrimination and unconscious bias.

Training attendance and completion records are maintained in the Practice Training Register.

Patient Rights and Responsibilities

The practice maintains a Patient Rights and Responsibilities Policy outlining patients’ rights to:

  • Receive respectful and non-discriminatory healthcare.
  • Participate in decisions about their healthcare.
  • Ask questions and receive information they understand.
  • Access interpreter services where required.
  • Have their privacy and confidentiality protected.
  • Provide feedback or make complaints without affecting their care.

Patients are also informed of their responsibilities, including respectful behaviour towards staff and other patients.

Patient Identity, Names and Pronouns

The practice respects each patient’s preferred identity and communication preferences.

The practice:

  • Records and uses the name and pronouns requested by the patient.
  • Updates patient records where appropriate.
  • Ensures communication reflects the patient’s identity and preferences.
  • Maintains separate recording of:
    • Assigned sex at birth
    • Variations of sex characteristics/intersex status (where applicable)
    • Gender identity

Inclusive Healthcare and Patient Choice

The practice aims to support patient choice and comfort by:

  • Considering requests for a preferred practitioner where possible.
  • Respecting cultural, religious, and personal preferences relating to healthcare.
  • Providing appropriate arrangements where gender-specific or cultural considerations apply.

Where culturally appropriate and possible, waiting room arrangements may be adapted to support patient needs.

Anti-Discrimination Commitment

The practice maintains an Anti-Discrimination Policy and does not tolerate discrimination based on:

  • Race or ethnicity
  • Culture
  • Religion
  • Gender identity
  • Sexual orientation
  • Disability
  • Age
  • Pregnancy status
  • Family circumstances
  • Any other protected characteristic

All patients and staff are treated with fairness, dignity, and respect.

LGBTQIA+ Inclusive Care

The practice supports inclusive healthcare for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other diverse communities.

The clinical team discusses and identifies healthcare needs of diverse patient groups through team meetings, education, and ongoing quality improvement activities.

Understanding Our Patient Population

The practice uses available patient information and clinical audit tools to understand the cultural and demographic needs of our patient population.

This information assists the practice in improving:

  • Healthcare access
  • Communication strategies
  • Patient resources
  • Service delivery

Cultural Recognition and Practice Environment

The practice demonstrates respect and inclusion by displaying:

  • Acknowledgement of Traditional Custodians of the land.
  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork and/or flags.
  • Inclusive symbols representing diversity and acceptance.
  • Relevant organisational cultural protocols within reception, waiting areas, and consultation rooms.

Health Literacy and Accessible Resources

The practice provides patient resources that consider:

  • Language needs
  • Literacy levels
  • Cultural background
  • Accessibility requirements

Resources may include translated materials, interpreter access, visual information, and other communication supports.

Ending or Ceasing Patient Care

The practice maintains a Ceasing Patient Care Policy outlining a fair and respectful process when ending the doctor-patient relationship.

The process includes:

  • Appropriate communication with the patient.
  • Reasonable notice where possible.
  • Continuity of care considerations.
  • Providing access to medical records according to privacy requirements.

Patient Health Records

The practice maintains policies and procedures for patient health records, including:

  • Accurate and complete documentation.
  • Privacy and confidentiality protection.
  • Secure storage and access controls.
  • Appropriate release of information with patient consent.
  • Compliance with legislative requirements.