Sarah contacts Nancy, the hospital Aboriginal Liaison Officer. They get together for a discussion about Tom’s admission. Sarah asks Nancy for some support and advice in how to progress caring for Tom and his family.
Their discussion highlights several key issues to consider when caring for an Aboriginal family. Nancy offers to come and see the family with Sarah.
Thinking Points
- Nancy says: “We need to take our cues from the family”. What does this mean?
- Nancy mentions to Sarah that the local Aboriginal Medical Service might be a good resource in terms of locating a traditional healer.
- Go to the website Australian Indigenous HealthInfoNet and move through the sections about health systems/health workers/organisations and find your local Aboriginal Medical Service on the map.
- Identify the key elements of their service.