Claims misrepresent hospital's Indigenous ED policy

Claims Misrepresent Hospital's Indigenous ED Policy

St Vincent's Hospital in Melbourne prioritises Indigenous patients in its emergency department, but only for less urgent treatment categories. This policy does not apply to urgent, severe, or life-threatening cases.

Clarification of the Policy

Contrary to some social media claims, the hospital does not prioritise Indigenous patients over all others regardless of medical need. Instead, the prioritization applies solely when patients fall into the same less urgent category.

Context and Public Reaction

The claims emerged around the time Victoria's parliament passed a landmark Indigenous treaty bill. Some social media posts misrepresent the policy, suggesting race is the primary factor in emergency triage.

"Under this policy, if you are Aboriginal and present at an Emergency Department, you will be prioritised based on race first rather than the severity of your health condition or immediate medical need."

"The stench of racism can be smelt in Victoria now."

"The recent hospital triage instruction where aboriginal people were given priority access over all other patients tells everything you need to know."

Other posts directly associate the hospital’s policy with the newly passed Indigenous treaty in Victoria.

Summary

St Vincent's Hospital's Indigenous prioritisation policy applies only to less urgent emergency cases, aiming to address health disparities without compromising urgent care fairness.

Author’s Conclusion

This policy carefully balances prioritising Indigenous health needs in non-urgent cases while ensuring that emergency treatments remain based on medical urgency and equity.

Australian Associated Press — 2025-11-10