Claims misrepresent hospital's Indigenous ED policy | AAP

Claims Misrepresent Hospital's Indigenous ED Policy

St Vincent’s Hospital in Melbourne has faced online claims that it gives Indigenous patients priority over all others, regardless of medical urgency. These statements are misleading and misrepresent the hospital’s actual policy.

The emergency department’s triage system grants priority to Indigenous patients only within the same non-critical categories, aiming to address broader health inequities. The rule does not apply to urgent, severe, or life-threatening cases.

“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,” one post reads.
“The stench of racism can be smelt in Victoria now,” another post claims, linking the issue to the state’s Indigenous treaty legislation.

The misleading social media posts circulated shortly after the Victorian parliament passed a landmark Indigenous treaty bill, with some suggesting a direct link between the legislation and hospital policy.

AAP FactCheck clarified that the hospital is not deprioritising non-Indigenous patients in emergency situations. The guideline only applies to less urgent triage categories and aims to offer culturally safe care for Indigenous Australians.

Author’s Summary

The report exposes social media misinformation about Melbourne’s hospital triage system, confirming Indigenous priority applies only to non-critical cases to support equitable care.

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Australian Associated Press Australian Associated Press — 2025-11-10

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