Aboriginal Health

We make sure you are supported and have the appropriate information and access to our community health and primary care services.

Northeast Health has an Aboriginal Health team to support Community in and outside our health service.  

Our Aboriginal Liaison Officers (ALOs) can provide emotional, social and cultural support. We support patients, residents, carers, families and Community members who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander by:

• Being a cultural link between you, hospital staff and service providers
• Assisting you in navigating the health and community sector
• Awareness about the importance of follow-up appointments and programs
• Providing social connection and transport
• Working with existing services to assist in overall health care including VACCA, AWAHS and Mungabareena
• Actively promoting culturally appropriate care at Northeast Health
• Working with staff to help increase their cultural capacity and awareness when engaging with Aboriginal and Torres Strait islander patients and family.
• Building connections and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community members on their health care journey.
• Support from ALO’s for men’s and women’s business.
• Welcoming new arrivals with baby bags.

We work with you and your care team. We do not take the place of health care professionals.

This is a free service for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People.

Before you come to hospital we can:

• Talk about what you need to access our services and feel safe.
• Give you information about what we can do to support you.
• Provide support to attend appointments.
• Work with your health team so that you are provided culturally appropriate services.
• Connect you with other support services that you may need.

During your hospital stay we can:

• Help you to understand medical procedures and routines.
• Support you to participate in decisions about your care.
• Ensure that a culturally sensitive service is provided.
• Advocate and liaise on your behalf.
• Support you and your family.
• Support and educate staff involved in your care.
• Help with information and planning to go home.

When you leave hospital we can:

• Connect you with services outside of Northeast Health.
• Offer advice to health services about providing care that is culturally appropriate for you.

You have the right to:

• Be treated with respect and dignity.
• Have access to information about the range of services available.
• Be included in the decisions and make choices about your health care.
• Refuse to continue with services.
• Complain about services without fear.
• Have someone of your choice advocate for you.
• Have your personal information kept private and confidential.

You are responsible for:

• The decisions you make.
• Keeping Northeast Health Wangaratta up to date with relevant information about your condition and circumstances.

For more information about your Rights and Responsibilities please visit:
www.safetyandquality.gov.au

Aboriginal artwork – You will see Aboriginal artwork throughout the organisation.

Employee support – Our employees who identify as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders are connected with the Aboriginal Health team and are invited to be part of our Reconciliation Working Group.

Staff training – Our staff undertake mandatory cultural safety training to develop a better understanding of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history and needs.

If you have any feedback or suggestions about our service, please contact:
aboriginal.health@nhw.org.au

Taking Care of Dying Time

Department of Health and Human Services:
Aboriginal Health

Korin Korin Balit-Djak: Aboriginal health, wellbeing and safety strategic plan 2017–2027