For Patients and Visitors

What is the service?

Northern Health has a committed Narrun Wilip-giin (‘Spirit Keepers’ in Woi Wurrung language) 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
  • Explaining and helping the patients navigate the hospital setting
  • Providing the patient with support whilst a client of Northern Health where appropriate
  • Providing the patient with information on services in the community and how they can access them on discharge
  • Ensuring that Northern Health is culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming to Aboriginal people
  • Identifying and addressing 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 2024 – 26.

We are currently in the final stages of developing our second innovative Reconciliation Action Plan. Many of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander partners have made a significant contribution to the development of the plan including what is important to the Aboriginal community.

What can I expect from the service?

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

** The ALO program is only available during business hours. There is no ALO program afterhours, weekends, and public holidays.

What do I bring/need for my appointment?

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

The Team

Narrun Wilip-giin is a growing unit comprising of Senior Aboriginal Liaison Officer Karen Bryant, Aboriginal Liaison Officers Toni Gabelish and Stephanie Thompson,  Aboriginal Mental Health Liaison Officer Lindsay Holmes, and Emergency Department Aboriginal Liaison Officer Moira Rayner. It is also supported by Consumer Participation Coordinator Sherrilyn Ballard and Education & Engagement Manager Stefania Zen.

Narrun Wilip-giin liaises very closely with the Koori Maternity Service.

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
  • Explaining and helping the patients navigate the hospital setting
  • Providing information about Close the Gap – Prescriptions to patients and staff
  • Contacting family members and carers where required
  • Providing support to Northern Health staff working with Aboriginal clients, through individual consultations
  • Providing basic material aid – toiletries, emergency clothing, myki ticket for public transport
  • Follow-up for outpatient appointments
  • The development of relationships with the Aboriginal community
  • Ensuring that Northern Health is culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming to Aboriginal people
  • Contacting 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
  • Providing the patient with support whilst a client of Northern Health where appropriate
  • Providing the patient with information on services in the community and how they can access them on discharge
  • Cultural safety training to staff where appropriate
  • Identifying and addressing 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

Inclusion criteria:

  • Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
  • Spouses of Aboriginal patients
  • Inpatients
  • Outpatients

Exclusion criteria:

Aboriginal Support Unit does not hold taxi vouchers.

How to Refer:

Referrals can be made by contacting the Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit on 0418 170 315 or via email at NH-AboriginalSupportUnit@nh.org.au .

Referral must include:

Name

UR

Reason for referral

Alternative service options:

Social work

Director/Head of Unit:

Yue Hu

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

Enquiries:

For more information regarding Northern Health’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health program contact the Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit on 0418 170 315 or email NH-AboriginalSupportUnit@nh.org.au