Diversity Equity and Inclusion
Tō mātou whakahaere ki te tika, te rerekētanga, me te whai wāhi mai
As an organisation, we are committed to providing a culturally safe environment that demonstrates manaakitanga and embraces diversity.
We aspire to have a workforce that reflects the diversity of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We aim to provide an inclusive and accountable environment where we all belong. This is one of our core tenants of responsible business practices. In order to promote equitable experiences and outcomes for our people and patients, we have a strong commitment to the elements of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, te ao Māori, health equity, diversity and inclusion.
We are embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and te ao Māori into our clinical practice and decision-making; including employee education and Kaimahi Māori cultural support.
Manaakitanga News
Te ao Māori
This year the World Health Day theme was “My health, my right”, which looks to promote the right of everyone, everywhere to have access to health services. Find out how we are weaving Te Ao Māori into the fabric of our healthcare and future-proofing our Māori workforce.
Clinical cultural leadership
Southern Cross Healthcare's roadmap to cultural leadership in clinical practice includes strengthening the Māori workforce to inspire future generations, promote inclusivity, and enhance kiritaki (client) and whānau (family) centred care, leading to better health outcomes.
Māori patient enhancement
In her new role as Kaiārahi (Māori Ambassador, Māori Enhancement Role), Nanette will serve as a becon of Māori culture and values within our organisation working closely with the National Nursing Advisor for Māori Affairs as a valued member of the Nursing Directorate.
Diversity
Maintaining a diverse workforce at Southern Cross Healthcare is important to us. To demonstrate our commitment to support diversity, equity and inclusion, Southern Cross Healthcare has taken the Gender Pledge and the Pride Pledge.
Our commitment to LGBTTQIA+ and minority communities is also reflected through the following initatives: A Rainbow Staff Network, ongoing Rainbow Awareness Training available for all staff, and walking in the Rainbow Pride Parade. We have a Chinese staff network who supported us to celebrate Lunar New Year. We support Muslim employees during Ramadan with prayer spaces and guidelines for hospital managers. New builds and renovated facilities have gender-neutral bathrooms. Staff have the option of including their pronouns on ID badges and email signatures.
Our commitment to women’s health is brought to life through regular education and support for peri-menopause and menopausal awareness, and the provision of period products in facilities.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion News
Gender Pledge
The Gender Pledge is being embraced throughout the Southern Cross Healthcare network. In doing this we are demonstrating our commitment to progressing gender equality, gender safety and gender inclusion for all gender identities.
International Prouns Day
At Southern Cross Healthcare, we are working to normalise the display and sharing of pronouns to help make it easier for everyone, supporting trans and gender diverse people and building a culture that celebrates people’s multiple, intersecting identities.
Pride
Southern Cross Healthcare has taken the Pride Pledge, undergone education in inclusive language and Rainbow and Trans awareness, and participated in Pink Shirt Day and Sweat with Pride. A big ngā mihi nui to our people who are leading from the front.
Clinical cultural leadership
Southern Cross Healthcare has a clear roadmap for becoming a cultural leader in clinical practice in Aotearoa. To become leaders in cultural capability, it is essential to focus on strengthening the Māori workforce, which will inspire future generations and promote inclusivity. This, in turn, enhances kiritaki (client) and whānau (family) centred care, leading to better health outcomes. Additionally, connecting with Māori communities is crucial for fostering improved health outcomes and creating a more inclusive and effective healthcare system. Optimising cultural awareness, competency, and safety within our organisation ensures that we are well-equipped to deliver care within cultural contexts, ultimately contributing to a more respectful and effective healthcare environment.
Our Kaimahi Māori service provides cultural advocacy support for kiritaki/whānau Māori who enter Southern Cross hospitals.
Accessibility
Southern Cross Healthcare is committed to becoming a leader in disability inclusion and accessibility. We have commenced on a journey with New Zealand Disability Employers’ Network to achieve the Accessibility Tick.
We are committed to increasing employment opportunities for disabled people and providing better service to customers who have accessibility needs.
We've also integrated AccessiBe into our public website, ensuring WCAG 2.1 AA compliance. This tool empowers visitors to customise their experience, accommodating vision impairment, ADHD, seizure safety, cognitive disabilities, and more.
Together, we’re committed to supporting the health and well-being of all New Zealanders.