For APP2024, the previous Indigenous Wellness Forum was reimagined into the inaugural Cultural Engagement Forum and held on Saturday 16 March.
The Forum was an opportunity for delegates to appreciate and understand best practice in building culturally safe relationships, and engaging appropriately with patients and local communities.
When community pharmacies work in partnership with their diverse communities, healthcare is matched to the specific cultural needs of patients.
The Guild’s National President Professor Trent Twomey addressed the Forum, re-affirming the Guild’s commitment to closing the healthcare gap by delivering high quality, culturally safe and appropriate services through community pharmacies.
The Guild’s Cultural Advisor Tina McGhie, Chief Operating Officer and Delivery Lead with Curijo, set the tone for the Forum by presenting delegates an Aboriginal History of Australia. McGhie informed delegates about culturally safe care in the community pharmacy setting, and how it is underpinned by appropriate policies and procedures.
Rochelle Burdge, People & Culture Director at the Pharmacy Guild of Australia, detailed the operational benefits of embedding Diversity and Inclusion in workplaces.
The ensuing panel Q&A discussed the practical solutions that delegates can implement in their community pharmacies to yield an immediate impact.
The Forum closed with a celebration of the winners of its video competition. The inaugural theme for 2024 was “Prescribing Health, Welcoming Diversity,” and showcased how community pharmacies promote health and wellness while celebrating the cultural diversity in their communities.
