Involving 18 hospitals across Australia, The Lighthouse Hospital Project will attempt to transform the healthcare experience of Indigenous patients through better cultural understanding and practices.

National project manager Reitai Minogue said closing the health gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous populations requires understanding of why many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders have a distrust of hospitals.

“Historic experiences such as racism, miscommunication and mistreatment have influence the level of distrust, which is reflected in the fact that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders patients are five times more likely to leave hospital against medical advice,” Ms Minogue said.

The hospitals will work towards targeted strategies to improve communication and the patient’s experience, as well as improvements in staff knowledge and their cultural competency.

Running from May 27-June 3, National Reconciliation week will highlight the importance of all Australians learning more about Indigenous people’s history and culture.