The Lighthouse Hospital Project

When compared with non-Indigenous Australians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are:

• Three times more likely to have a heart attack as compared to non-Indigenous Australians.
• Dying from cardiovascular disease at almost twice the rate of other Australians.

Data also shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Australians have less access to medical services able to effectively diagnose and treat cardiovascular disease.

In response to this, and to drive change, the Heart Foundation has joined with the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association to deliver this federally-funded project in 18 hospitals around Australia.

The tyranny of distance

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples often travel vast distances – sometimes interstate - for medical treatment and must leave family and their support behind. This can be isolating and overwhelming especially if they are unfamiliar with the hospital environment, the local area, services or the local languages.

Cultural experience

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have had negative experiences with institutions of all kinds, including hospitals. These negative hospital experiences can impact whether Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel comfortable and therefore stay in hospital and return for future treatment.

Many issues contribute to such negative experiences. These include racism, discrimination, and a ‘one size fits all’ approach that doesn’t acknowledge and respect Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, cultures and differing views on health.

Change for the better

How hospitals engage with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples can make a difference. 

The inclusion of Aboriginal artwork and acknowledgment of the Traditional Owners can help make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples feel welcome from the moment they enter the hospital.

Building friendly and respectful interactions with staff during Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people’s hospital stay can help patients feel less isolated and overwhelmed. So can providing health information in local languages and support from Aboriginal Health Unit staff. 

Having Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community representatives on committees and hospital working groups increases advocacy opportunities. And it helps ensure the needs and views of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are included in hospital planning and management. 

Read more about the project’s background, outcomes so far and the next steps.