Hospital staff get lessons in healing

CURVE LAKE FIRST NATION – Staff from Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) have participated in training workshops in the nearest First Nation’s community centre to help gain a better understanding of culturally-competent care.

Elder Pauline Shirt,Cree,Red Hawk-Tail Clan,led the three day-long sessions, which included a morning prayer and drum ceremonies to begin and end each day.Goals of the training were for participants to gain understanding of First Nations concepts of health and healing, learn about the historical, political and cultural issues that impact the social determinants of health, access to health services and inter-generational health outcomes, and identify their own cultural values or emotional responses to the many diverse histories,cultures,world views,values, and contemporary events relating to First Nations, Inuit and/or Metis peoples.

“Whether it’s a senior, First Nation family member or someone with special accessibility needs, the overwhelmingly positive response from staff is a testament to their desire to understand and meet the expectations of the people we serve,” said Ken Tremblay, president and CEO of the Peterborough hospital, which is located a half-hour’s drive from Curve Lake. “Culturally-competent care is the ability to provide care to patients with diverse values, beliefs and behaviours, including tailoring delivery to meet patients’ social, cultural and linguistic needs.”

“We were anxious to help when leaders from PRHC approached us and asked for guidance on how to best support their staff to better understand the needs of First Nations patients,” said Chief Phyllis Williams, who expressed appreciation to the Local Health Integration Network for supporting the project.

In addition to hospital staff, the 200 training participants included employees of the Canadian Mental Health Association, a local shelter, and Trent University.