Aboriginal cadet helping mothers at Rockingham General Hospital

One year into her cadetship, Rubi Bates-Waltham has gained valuable workplace experience by working with Aboriginal mothers at Rockingham General Hospital (RGH). 

Since Feb 2024, Rubi has been working in the RGH Women’s Clinic one day a week, while studying her Bachelor of Nursing. She eventually hopes to complete her midwifery studies.

Rubi is thrilled with the opportunity to be able to build rapport with Aboriginal patients at RGH and support them by ensuring they know of all the support services they can access, through their motherhood journey.

“I am absolutely loving working in the antenatal clinic at Rockingham General Hospital, and I feel as though I am able to assist in making a difference for our patients by providing a culturally safe space for them to access healthcare,” Rubi said.

Rubi has also been working with the RGH Aboriginal health practitioners to ensure RGH is a culturally safe space for Aboriginal patients and visitors for years to come.

“It’s really important that culturally supportive atmosphere for our Aboriginal patients, especially mothers on the ward and in the Women’s Clinic because a lot of our patients require that extra support from mob to feel seen and heard,” Rubi said.

The Aboriginal Cadetship Program (external site) has allowed Rubi to gain real life work experience in health, develop her skills for her career and build rapport with health professionals while studying.

The program is essential for addressing healthcare disparities across our health service whilst promoting cultural competency and creating opportunities for Indigenous people in the workforce.

“These programs encourage representation, ensuring that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have a voice in healthcare decisions affecting their communities,” said Rubi.

“They contribute to closing the employment gap and improving health outcomes by fostering a workforce that understands the unique needs of our Indigenous patients.”

Rockingham General Hospital is thrilled to have Rubi working in the Women’s Clinic until the end of the year.

“Our commitment to culturally safe care is strengthened by passionate individuals like Rubi,” RGH Executive Director Kath Smith said.

“Her work not only supports Aboriginal patients but also helps foster a more inclusive and culturally aware health care space for everyone.”

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