Doomadgee’s hospital has a new name, but it’s one that’s been carried in community memory for generations.

Now officially renamed Yellagundgimarra Hospital Doomadgee, the name restores the original identity of the hospital and pays respect to a remarkable woman, Yellagundgimarra, whose name means ‘Rainbow Dreaming’.

The renaming of the hospital was a community event attended by the direct descendants of Yellagundgimarra, community groups, Doomadgee Dancers and North West Hospital and Health Service (HHS).

Christine Mann, Executive Director First Nations Health, attended the event and acknowledged the involvement of the local community in the process.

“The renaming is aligned with our ongoing efforts to genuinely partner with communities and continue to foster trust, and in this case return this hospital to its former name to what it was fondly called for many years,” said Ms Mann.

“This is an example where culture needs to be understood as a protective and healing factor for their community. When the name changed to Doomadgee Hospital with little notice or consultation, it had a detrimental impact, until recently when Doomadgee community members, the Doomadgee Aboriginal Shire Council, Gunawuna Jungai, and Yellagundgimarra Health Council voiced their unanimous request to change the name and North West HHS listened.”

Cultural recognition is crucial within healthcare settings and is an important element to improve accessibility and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.”

Health Service Chief Executive Sean Birgan reiterated that the renaming aligns with organisational efforts to ensure health services are inclusive and culturally appropriate which is important in a community like Doomadgee where the population is predominantly First Nations people.

“We have previously acknowledged the suffering and grief of this community, particularly at the time of the tragic deaths to Rheumatic Heart Disease, and we committed to improving the clinical and cultural safety of care provided to community and changing how we deliver care, so every person feels valued and respected,” said Mr Birgan.

“By renaming the hospital Yellagundgimarra, we are embedding that respect into the foundation of our healthcare service in Doomadgee.

“This is about creating a welcoming environment where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families, and staff feel seen, heard, and valued.

“It’s a reminder to everyone who walks through our health service doors of the cultural heritage of the land we work on and the importance of providing equitable health outcomes for all.”

North West HHS and local representatives will continue working together to ensure the hospital remains a culturally responsive and accessible facility.