The Sydney Local Health District (SLHD) says has conducted an “extensive investigation” after an “inappropriate” comment was written on a hospital whiteboard at Prince Alfred Hospital.
A staff member allegedly wrote the words “Abo MW” on a whiteboard used to record staff movements—the short phrase is considered an abbreviated form of the word “Aboriginal” and “midwife.”
The incident came to light after Indigenous midwife Renee Bani revealed she had made a complaint to senior management, prompting an internal investigation.
On her professional profile, the experienced midwife says she is “on a break from practice due to burnout” and is seeking to relocate to Queensland in order to fulfil her passion working with Indigenous communities.
Bani had worked at Prince Alfred for more than seven years.
In a statement, the SLDH told The Epoch Times that the organisation had zero tolerance for racism and worked hard to create a respectful environment for staff and patients.
“In August 2022, it was reported that an inappropriate comment was written on a whiteboard in the Royal Prince Alfred Women and Babies Ambulatory Care Clinic,” the statement said.
“An extensive investigation was undertaken by SLHD into the matter in accordance with NSW Health policy.
“Following this incident, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital implemented a number of measures to strengthen cultural safety for Aboriginal women, families, and staff.”
After the issue, all staff were required to complete a “Respecting the Difference” course, to be guided through Aboriginal perspectives on health and wellbeing.
A spokesperson for the hospital organisation said the Aboriginal Midwifery Group Practice, which Bani had previously been a part of, remained available for Aboriginal women at the hospital.
“We assure them they will continue to receive holistic, culturally safe and trauma-informed maternity care,” the spokesperson said.
The SLDH did not elaborate on claims the hospital service had been cutting back on midwifery services, but said the Prince Alfred makes “every effort” to fill job vacancies in the maternity department as they arise.
“SLDH is deeply committed to providing safe, high-quality care to all women, babies and families during one of the most important times in their lives,” a spokesperson said.
