Aboriginal Health Unit

While the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) people remains substantially poorer than that of Australians as a whole, prevention and early intervention strategies are an important part of the Hospital's Aboriginal Health Strategy.  The Aboriginal Health Unit has developed partnerships with other health providers and is an advocate for Aboriginal Health in South Australia.

A small team of Aboriginal Liaison Officers visits all Aboriginal inpatients with the aim of ensuring their medical, practical and cultural needs are met while at the WCH.  The Unit also offers a place for Aboriginal people to gather whilst visiting the WCH and staff of the Unit act as a cultural broker to staff of the WCH.

The WCH has established an Aboriginal Health Action and Advisory Group to support initiatives that:

• Improve access to health services and the quality of health services for indigenous people
• Improve population health outcomes for Indigenous people.

The Child, Youth and Women's Health Service Board has established an Aboriginal Health Advisory Sub-Committee to:

• contribute to the development of the strategic directions and priorities for improving Aboriginal health of the CYWHS
• develop key performance indicators to review the CYWHS progress in implementing the strategic directions for improving Aboriginal health
• monitor the CYWHS achievements in Aboriginal health
• provide leadership and advocate for improved services and improved health outcomes for the Aboriginal population in SA.
• support developments that would lead to improvements in health for the Aboriginal population
• establish mechanisms for community engagement & accountability to the aboriginal community
• provide regular reports on Aboriginal health issues and recommendations to the Board and Executive of the CYWHS.

How to access the service

Referrals can be made to the Aboriginal Health Service by:

• WCH nursing, medical, allied health or other staff
• other Aboriginal health services/workers
• other major hospitals.

Information for Families

Staff of the Aboriginal Health Unit can assist with ATSI patients and families with

• food
• financial assistance
• orientation of the hospital
• warm clothing
• accommodation
• transport
• community contact
• discharge planning.

Hours

8.30am - 4.30pm weekdays

Emergency after hours assistance is available.

Contact Information

Unit Head

Manager, Aboriginal Health Unit
Mrs Margaret Hampton

Location

Lower Ground Floor, Good Friday Building

Mailing Address

Aboriginal Health Unit

Women's and Children's Hospital

72 King William Road

North Adelaide 

South Australia 5006

Phone/Fax/Email

Ph (08) 8161 7036 or (08) 8161 6237, pager 18130

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