Launched on International Day of People with Disability 2025, the plan outlines a clear framework to reduce physical, communicative and attitudinal barriers and improve the experience of people with disability who interact with its services.
Group Chief Executive Officer Bryan Pyne said the new plan builds on St John of God Health Care’s 130-year legacy of providing person centred care.
“Our Disability Access and Inclusion plan represents an important step in our ongoing commitment to transform the care journey for every patient, placing their needs at the centre of our decisions while supporting our caregivers to thrive in a safe and welcoming environment,” Mr Pyne said.
“It also reflects our Vision that every person deserves to experience care that brings healing, hope, and a greater sense of dignity,” he said.
“We have listened carefully to the perspectives of people with disability within our organisation and across our communities. This plan translates their insights into meaningful action and will guide our work across six key areas, including advocacy, accessible environments, inclusive recruitment, feedback systems, and caregiver education.”
Building on progress
Our plan builds on several recent initiatives that are already in place across St John of God Health Care.
St John of God Midland Public and Private Hospitals has developed an innovative program to make emergency care more welcoming and supportive for neurodivergent individuals and their families.
This initiative has been developed in response to a growing number of neurodivergent patients presenting to the Emergency Department and the need for a more inclusive approach to care. It is supported by the generosity of St John of God Foundation donors Swan Rotary and the City of Swan, and was developed in partnership with Autism WA.
At St John of God Geraldton Hospital, volunteers with disability play an important role in bringing the organisation’s Values of hospitality, compassion, respect, justice and excellence to life. Lauren, a volunteer for eight years, assists with patient guidance, administrative tasks and hospitality, providing warmth and connection across the hospital community.
Lauren has been volunteering at the hospital for eight years and said she loves it. “I like supporting the team, being friendly and using my skills to help however I can. I like to make the patients feel comfortable. I’ve made so many friends here,” she said.
St John of God Health Care also delivers a number of specialist disability services. In Melbourne, St John of God Accord supports people with disabilities through a broad range of NDIS services, from accommodation and allied health to individualised supports. St John of God Marillac provides specialised support for people with complex needs, including contemporary Specialist Disability Accommodation.
“These initiatives show what inclusion looks like in action,” Mr Pyne said. “They demonstrate our caregivers’ compassion and creativity in responding to individual needs, and the power of partnership in achieving meaningful change,” he said.
The Disability Access and Inclusion Plan also supports St John of God Health Care’s broader Environmental, Social and Governance commitments, ensuring inclusion and accessibility remain embedded in organisational practice and culture and reinforces the ongoing focus on delivering person centred care.