By Bridget McArthur

Copyright abc

Aboriginal elders in Western Australia’s South West fear they will lose access to some subsidised services after being expelled from the membership of the region’s only Indigenous community health service.

The South West Aboriginal Medical Service (SWAMS) has sent expulsion notices to more than a dozen people.

The letter, seen by the ABC, accuses recipients of “hijacking” board meetings, “storming” SWAMS premises, inciting hostility within the community and speaking to the media without authorisation, among other things.

“This conduct has caused reputational, financial and operational harm to SWAMS and its ability to deliver essential health services to the Aboriginal community,” board member and corporate secretary Ernie Hill wrote in the letter.

He said members had the right to appeal and that those appeals would be considered at the next general meeting.

The expulsions came three months after a group of members calling for the board’s dissolution protested at SWAMS headquarters in Bunbury.

Police were called but no charges were laid.

SWAMS chair Phillip Ugle told the ABC the board was committed to maintaining a safe and respectful environment for its staff, clients and members.

“Membership of SWAMS carries both rights and responsibilities and our constitution and code of conduct set clear expectations,” he said.

“While people are entitled to their views, it’s important that concerns be addressed through the proper processes.”

Elders fear loss of services

Local nurse and former board member Donna Turvey was among those who received the letter.

She said it had caused deep stress among elders who feared their access to certain health services would be affected.

“Some of these elders were actually instrumental in getting SWAMS started way back when,” she said.

“A lot of these elders suffer with chronic disease … so we’re just trying to calm [them].”

The ABC has spoken to several elders and their children who said the expulsion notices had left them confused and upset.

In a statement posted to social media on Wednesday SWAMS said expelled members would still be able to access general health services.

“Every Aboriginal person is welcome at SWAMS,” Mr Ugle said in a statement.

“Regardless of membership status, our doors remain open.”

But concerns remain regarding the loss of access to specific member benefits, which include subsidised emergency dental and funeral costs.

The ABC has asked SWAMS to clarify whether those expelled would lose access to member benefits but is yet to receive a response.

Staff distressed by expulsions

An internal email sent to the board by acting chief executive Nicole Bowser highlighted the operational impacts and reputational risks caused by correspondence with members on the expulsions.

“The correspondence did not clarify that affected members remain eligible to access health services,” Ms Bowser said in the email.

“This lack of clarity has created confusion and distress among clients and staff, resulting in multiple inquiries regarding client care and service access.”

Ms Bowser also noted the “noticeable emotional impact” on staff.

“We have observed increased absenteeism, staff leaving work early and staff raising concerns and worries,” she said.

“Many staff are members themselves or have family connections with those affected, intensifying the emotional impact.

“Additionally, the absence of clear direction from the board on how to manage this situation operationally has created uncertainty across the workforce.”

The federal Department of Health, which is SWAMS’ primary funder, said it had not been formally notified of the expulsion notice sent to some members.

“The department continues to actively monitor SWAMS to ensure its compliance against the grant agreement,” a spokesperson said.

The Aboriginal Health Council of WA, the peak body, declined to comment on the matter.