Narrun Wilip-giin Aboriginal Support Unit

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;

• Providing the patient with support and helping navigate the hospital setting, which may include being an inpatient or outpatient
• Providing information about Close the Gap – Prescriptions to patients and staff
• Contacting family members and carers where required, with patient consent
• 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
• Support Northern Health in providing a culturally sensitive, safe and welcoming environment for Aboriginal people
• Contacting other support workers supporting the patient
• Working with Aboriginal/main stream organisations for referrals and support services
• Providing advice about Aboriginal services a patient could be referred to
• Providing the patient with information on services in the community and how they can access them on discharge
• 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

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.

Referral must include:

Name
UR
Reason for referral

Head of Unit:

Karen Bryant

Manager, 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.

Narrun Wilip-giin is a growing unit comprising of;