Our Culture

Acknowledgement to our Aboriginal Nations 

Healthwoods Endoscopy Centre would like to pay our respects to Elders past and present, with particular acknowledgement to the Darug Nation, the traditional custodians of the lands where Healthwoods is located. 

Acknowledgement and recognition also to Tharawal, Kuring-gai, Eora, Darkinung, Awakab and Awabakal our surrounding Aboriginal nations.

Our principles of Cultural Awareness 

Commitment to cultural diversity: We recognise, celebrate and value the cultural diversity of all staff and people who visit the Centre.

Equality: We support the rights and entitlements of all staff and visitors to mutual respect, equality and understanding free from any discrimination, biases or prejudices.

Right to express heritage:  We respect every person's right to express their racial and cultural heritage and identity, religion, traditions and languages within the Centre

Right to participate:  We support the rights and entitlements of all people from diverse backgrounds too fully to the social, cultural, economic and political life of the Centre

Access to services:  Our services shall be delivered on the basis of equality and fair treatment of all staff and people visiting the Centre.

Promoting understanding and mutuality:  We are committed to promoting unity, understanding and harmony among our culturally diverse community and to fostering a culture of understanding, acceptance, appreciation and respect.

Commitment to shared values  Healthwoods Endoscopy Centre recognises that respect and support for cultural diversity are best achieved through laws, values, aspirations, duties and traditions, and to the duties, responsibilities and obligations associated with responsible citizenship. Healthwoods recognises that cultural diversity is an asset and an invaluable resource.

Commitment to cross-cultural partnerships:  We will continue to develop, strengthen and maintain cross-cultural partnerships and relationships with all relevant individuals, organisations and community groups in order to work together in taking a holistic approach to policy development, implementation and evaluation.

Partnering with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people

Healthwoods Endoscopy Centre endeavours to work in partnership to deliver quality patient care and endoscopic services with the following communities:

• Dharug Aboriginal medical Centre
• WACHS provider of original health services in Western Sydney
• Kari Foundation indigenous and support services
• Parramatta Indigenous and Support Services

Our support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander inpatient and outpatients extends to their families and carers. 

Our staff have received ‘Respecting the Difference’ training to ensure that all of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and guests are welcomed to a culturally respectful environment.

Achieving Cultural Awareness  

Healthwoods aims to achieve cultural awareness by ensuring:

• Patients and families have access to an interpreter on the day of consultation or procedures - arrangements for an interpreter can be made by speaking with our reception staff
• Healthwoods is a multicultural Centre with a diverse range of staff with different ethnic backgrounds and languages - this allows supportive care and the ability to communicate with staff in a way that meets their needs
• Staff attend annual cultural awareness training to increase, express and share their own personal knowledge, experiences, beliefs and values
• Involvement of families and carers in the delivery of care for our patients

Languages spoken

Our multi-cultural staff at Healthwoods Endoscopy Centre speak the following languages:

• Arabic
• Cantonese
• Dari
• English
• Farsi
• Greek
• Hindi
• Iranian
• Mandarin
• Spanish
• Tagalo
• Urdu
• Vietnamese