The NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service, in partnership with the NSLHD Consumer and Patient Experience team, has created a culturally appropriate adaptation of the Australian Charter of Health Care Rights, the first of its kind in New South Wales. 

The Charter describes the rights that all people, or someone they care for, can expect when receiving health care.

The adapted Charter provides a visual commitment in artwork and language relevant to the NSLHD Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and of those who may be attending our services from outside country.

Director of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Service Peter Shine said the culturally adapted Charter provides Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples the understanding that they have the right to respectful care and information regarding their own health care circumstances, and that of immediate family members.

“Health services not only provide healthcare but are also charged with providing dignity and respect to all those seeking that health care,” Peter said. 

“Along with that come inherent rights. The Charter is a template for decency, respect and the provision of those rights.”

The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care (ACSQHC) has endorsed and supported the adapted version of the Charter. The Charter will be promoted by the ACSQHC as an exemplar for other states, territories and local health districts to design a local culturally appropriate Charter which reflects connection to family, community and culture.

The culturally adapted Charter will be displayed across NSLHD and made available wherever the standard Charter is located.