Aboriginal executive appointment first for metropolitan hospital
20 Dec 2016
20 December 2016
Dr Christine Clinch, a Yamatji woman and medical educator, was recently appointed Director of Aboriginal Health for the hospital.
CEO Dr Glen Power is delighted someone of Dr Clinch’s calibre is joining our hospital.
“With 20 per cent of Perth’s Aboriginal people living in the hospital’s catchment area, we place great focus on providing culturally appropriate care and improving health outcomes for Aboriginal people,” he said.
“As Director of Aboriginal Health, Dr Clinch will lead our Aboriginal health strategy, which covers clinician engagement and culturally appropriate models of care as well as maintaining strong links with key referral agencies in Western Australia.”
Dr Clinch has worked for the past six years in Aboriginal medical education at UWA.
Dr Clinch will head the Aboriginal Health Team, which includes two Aboriginal Cultural Engagement and Patient Liaison Officers.
She will also expand the network of Honorary Liaison Officers, a local reference group of Aboriginal elders and community representatives designed to enhance the hospital’s engagement with Swan and Wheatbelt region Aboriginal family groups.
The hospital provides a number of Aboriginal health services, including collaborations with external health providers such as Patches Paediatrics, the Lion’s Eye Institute and Moort Boodjari Mia (which is being funded by St John of God Health Care’s Social Outreach as a 12-month trial).
Workforce development will form another important area for Dr Clinch. Currently 35 Aboriginal people work at the hospital across a variety of areas.