Gosford Hospital, located on the New South Wales Central Coast, has come under scrutiny for its decision to install Aboriginal language signage directing patients and staff to critical areas such as the emergency department (ED) and resuscitation bays.
The initiative, intended to create a more welcoming environment for Aboriginal patients, has been labelled as confusing and potentially dangerous by critics, prompting a broader discussion about balancing cultural inclusivity with clear communication in healthcare settings.
The signs in question feature Aboriginal language terms prominently displayed above their English translations. For example, the emergency department is marked as “Badjal Burung,” which translates to “sick cave,” while the resuscitation bays are labelled “Mana Galuring Balga,” meaning “bring back.”
English translations and standard terms like “Emergency Department” and “Emergency Department Resuscitation Bays” appear below these phrases in smaller text. This layout has drawn criticism for prioritising the Aboriginal language over English, which could confuse patients and paramedics in urgent situations.
NSW Independent MP Rod Roberts raised concerns about the signage during an interview on 2GB with Ben Fordham, describing it as not only confusing but potentially hazardous. “If you’re rushing in with a sick child or an injury, you’re not looking for ‘Badjal Burung,’” Roberts argued.
“You want the biggest sign that says ‘Emergency Department’ so you can get treated as quickly as possible.” He emphasised that in high-stress situations, clear and immediately recognisable signage is critical.
Roberts also pointed out that only 4.9% of the Central Coast’s population identify as Aboriginal, according to census data, and suggested that the prominence of the Aboriginal terms could be seen as an unnecessary prioritisation over the needs of the broader community.
The issue has also frustrated paramedics, with one contacting 2GB to express concerns about the added complexity. “Our job is tricky enough,” the paramedic noted, highlighting the need for straightforward navigation in hospitals, especially during emergencies.
Social media reactions have echoed these sentiments, with some users calling the signage divisive and a misuse of resources. One commenter stated, “We are an English-speaking country. All signs should be in English.” Another remarked, “Don’t tell me health is short of money if they can pay for these stunts.”
However, not all feedback has been negative. Some have defended the initiative, with one social media user questioning the controversy, stating, “There’s two signs, what’s the big deal?” The hospital’s intent, as explained by NSW Health Minister Ryan Park in a 2GB interview, was to make Aboriginal patients feel more welcome.
Park acknowledged that Aboriginal people are five times more likely to leave treatment early, often due to feeling uncomfortable or unwelcome in healthcare settings. The signage was part of an effort to address this issue and improve patient retention in emergency departments.
Despite the good intentions, Park conceded that the signage layout could be improved for clarity. “What we need to do is make it more explicit around the emergency department and make the font more obvious,” he said.
He noted that the prominence of the Aboriginal terms, placed above the English translations, could cause confusion, especially for patients and paramedics under stress. Park stressed that the goal was not to create division or complicate navigation but to foster inclusivity.
He has asked hospital staff to review the signage to ensure that critical areas like the ED are clearly marked, potentially by reordering the signs to prioritise English terms in larger font.
The controversy highlights the challenge of balancing cultural recognition with practical needs in public spaces like hospitals.
While the initiative aimed to acknowledge and respect the local Aboriginal community, the execution has raised valid concerns about accessibility, particularly for non-English-speaking migrants or those unfamiliar with Aboriginal languages.
As Park noted, hospitals are already complex and stressful environments, and clear signage is essential for ensuring patients and staff can navigate them efficiently.
