The Society of Hospital Pharmacists of Australia (SHPA) has formally released the organisation’s first Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), capping a year of advocacy and activity aimed at improving healthcare equity and outcomes for Australia’s first peoples. SHPA Chief Executive Kristin Michaels said the RAP marks an important moment of accountability. “We pledge to listen, learn and act as we respectfully and collaboratively strengthen our organisation’s reconciliation journey. “And we plan to go on this journey in stages, beginning with our staff group based in Naarm. “This frame is important, to ensure change is embedded at the heart of our organisation, first.” SHPA President Tom Simpson said the Reflect RAP continues a history of speaking up to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. “As a progressive organisation, SHPA is committed to being a positive force for change. “We will continue to advocate for culturally safe practice in pharmacy, lead advocacy to expand the Closing the Gap PBS Co-Payment Measure to include public hospitals and support our SHPA Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Specialty Practice Group, which is unique in Australian pharmacy.” JG
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