Narrun Wilip-giin: Aboriginal Support Unit

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For Patients and Visitors

What is the Service?

Northern Health has a committed Aboriginal Support Unit which aims to culturally support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and carers through the hospital journey including;

• Ensuring Aboriginal people have access to all Northern Health services
• Explain and help the patients navigate the hospital setting
• Provide the patient with support whilst a client of Northern Health where appropriate
• Provide the patient with information on services in the community and how they can access them on discharge
• Ensure that Northern Health is culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming to Aboriginal people
• Identify and address barriers that may be preventing Aboriginal people from using Northern Health Services
• Sharing of promotional material to community and within Northern Health
• The development of relationships with the Aboriginal community

Click here to read our Reconciliation Action Plan 2019-21

What can I expect from the service?

Patients can expect to see the Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer if they request a visit, during their hospital admission. Patients can have the AHLO present when treating teams are speaking with them about their medical condition. AHLO can advocate, liaise and provide support throughout their admission, including contacting family and carers at Patients request. The AHLO can also assist with internal and external referrals for services that the patient may require.

What do I bring/need for my appointment?

The patient does not require any items for appointments with the AHLO. Patients can request verbally a time to see the AHLO.

Contact us:

For Health Professionals

Service Overview

Northern Health has a committed Aboriginal Support Unit which aims to culturally support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and carers through the hospital journey including;

• Assisting in identifying Aboriginal patients
• Explain and help the patients navigate the hospital setting
• Provide Information about Close the Gap – Prescriptions to patients and staff
• Contact family members and carers where required
• Provide a support to Northern Health staff working with Aboriginal clients, through individual consultations
• Basic material aid – toiletries, emergency clothing, myki ticket for public transport
• Some follow-up for outpatient appointments
• The development of relationships with the Aboriginal community
• Ensure that Northern Health is culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming to Aboriginal people
• Contact other support workers supporting the patient
• Working with Aboriginal agencies for referrals and support services
• Providing advice about Aboriginal services a patient could be referred to
• Ensuring Aboriginal people have access to all Northern Health services
• Provide the patient with support whilst a client of Northern Health where appropriate
• Provide the patient with information on services in the community and how they can access them on discharge
• Cultural safety training to staff where appropriate
• Identify and address barriers that may be preventing Aboriginal people from using Northern Health Services
• Dissemination of promotional material to community and within Northern Health
• Attend and participate in relevant committees, forums, seminars, training and meetings
• Providing cultural safety training for hospital staff,
• The implementation of policies to improve services for Aboriginal patients
• No Taxi vouchers can be provided

Inclusion criteria:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander people
• Spouses or Carers of Aboriginal families
• Inpatients
• Outpatients

Exclusion criteria:

Aboriginal Support unit does not hold taxi vouchers

How to Refer:

Contact any of the workers via the below details; pager, email, telephone

Referral must include:

Name

UR

Reason for referral

Alternative service options:

Social work

Director/Head of Unit:

Emiliano Zucchi

Director Transcultural & Language Services (TALS) | Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit (ASU)

Enquiries:

Karen Bryant, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer, 8405 8476, Karen.Bryant@nh.org.au

Jesse Odgers, Aboriginal Access and Support Officer, 8405 8716, Jesse.Odgers@nh.org.au

Joanne Quinn, Aboriginal Health Worker, 8405 8773, Joanne.Quinn@nh.org.au

• Locations offering this service
• Northern Hospital Epping

• Related services
• Narrun Wilip-giin: Aboriginal Support Unit
• National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)
• NDIS Adult Continence
• NDIS Children’s Continence
• Neonatal Unit