Ballarat, Victoria – A young Aboriginal woman shared a harrowing experience at a local hospital following a violent assault that left her with severe head injuries. Sissy Austin, a Gunditjmara woman, detailed her traumatic encounter during a truth-telling inquiry, shedding light on the inadequate care she received after the attack in a forest near Ballarat.
After being taken to Ballarat Base Hospital due to the assault, Austin found herself alone, disoriented, and vomiting while suffering from head injuries. Despite her condition, she signed discharge papers unknowingly and ended up on the streets of Ballarat at 1 am the same night. Days later, she discovered that the form she signed was a discharge at her own risk, highlighting the lack of proper care and communication she received at the hospital.
The health minister of Victoria, Mary-Anne Thomas, labeled Austin’s treatment as “completely and utterly unacceptable,” prompting an investigation into the care she received. Austin expressed her concerns about the treatment she endured, emphasizing the need for more serious consideration of head injuries resulting from gender-based violence.
During the inquiry, it was revealed that Indigenous Australians are leaving hospitals against medical advice at a significantly higher rate than non-Indigenous Australians. The statistics underscore the importance of cultural safety and appropriate care within the healthcare system to address disparities faced by First Nations people.
Despite her negative experience at the hospital, Austin highlighted instances where she felt adequately cared for, such as during her ambulance journey and subsequent visit to the hospital. She has since returned to work after struggling with post-concussion syndrome, which impeded her ability to work for a considerable period.
In response to Austin’s case, the Department of Health expressed a commitment to addressing healthcare disparities for Indigenous populations and improving cultural safety in hospitals. Collaborative efforts with Grampians Health will be made to investigate Austin’s care, reflecting a broader initiative to ensure better outcomes and experiences for Aboriginal individuals seeking medical attention.
Overall, Austin’s story sheds light on the challenges faced by Indigenous people within the healthcare system and underscores the critical need for culturally sensitive care and support for all patients, regardless of background.