Townsville University Hospital’s celebrates its rich multiculturalism and the positive impact it has on patient care

Staff at Townsville University hospital got a taste of a variety of cultures last week as they shared dances, music and food. Read why the hospitals multiculturalism is benefiting patients.

Registered nurse Baraka James, medical scientist Okechukwu (Maxwell) Nwankwo, midwife Nicole Rono, and emergency department registered nurse Dieumerci (Allan) Mukandama

Townsville University hospital (TUH) has celebrated the rich diversity of its staff this week as doctors, nurses, midwives and scientists came together to share elements of their culture and the positive impact it has on their work.

Director of medical oncology and the organiser of the multicultural day Dr Abhishek Joshi said many of the hospital staff are first generation migrants.

“We don’t have close family here, but in some of our cultures we believe the whole world is our family,” he said.

“And besides our family at home, the hospital is our only family and we wanted to celebrate our cultures with them.”

Dr Joshi said that being able to share parts of each culture provides people with an insight into dances, music, artefacts and cuisines that can date back thousands of years.

Registered nurse Baraka James, medical scientist Okechukwu (Maxwell) Nwankwo, midwife Nicole Rono, and emergency department registered nurse Dieumerci (Allan) Mukandama

“There are treasures we can take from all cultures, but the most important are the treasures of love, kindness, and gratitude and today is a way to express all of that,” he said.

“There was extraordinary talent on show today but more than anything there was an overwhelming sense of camaraderie and joy, and an appreciation that what makes us different also binds us.”

Emergency department nurse Dieumerci (Allan) Mukandama speaks Swahili, English and French and said that his trilingual abilities allow him to provide a high level of care to a wider range of patients.

“Swahili is spoken in multiple countries in Africa, along with French in some parts, and when we get people into emergency from those places, I’m lucky enough to be able to help,” he said.

Registered nurse Baraka James, who also speaks Swahili, said he loved Townsville’s multicultural community.

“You don’t have to ask, you just have to observe, and celebrations like today show how multicultural and diverse we are as a hospital,” he said.

“Our values and culture bring a whole different layer to the care we provide and help our patients, who come from countries all over the world, feel included.”

Originally published as Townsville University Hospital’s celebrates its rich multiculturalism and the positive impact it has on patient care