Mater acknowledges the people and the Elders of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Nations who are the Traditional Owners of the land and seas of Australia.
Mater’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service was established in 1997 to provide support and healthcare information to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community accessing care at Mater Health.
The team:
- provides a cultural and liaison link between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, their families, external referral agencies and Mater staff
- engages with the community and Elders to listen to their concerns and respond to issues
- liaises closely with Mater clinical and clinical support areas to achieve improved health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
- increases cultural awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health issues among Mater healthcare professionals
- provides education to increase staff awareness about cultural practices
- advocates for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients within Mater
- assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to access information so they can make informed decisions about their healthcare
- encourages empowerment and self-determination
- supports and promotes the development of policies relating to healthcare for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
- assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families to understand the hospital system, for example, why tests and procedures are necessary, and the healthcare options available to them
- assists Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients to access home services
- provides social and emotional support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families
- plays a key role in supporting women and their families accessing maternity services, particularly as Mater Mothers’ Hospital expands its maternity group practice services to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women.
For further information, and to obtain support from one of our Liaison Workers, please phone 07 3163 1853.