Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service at Canberra Hospital and University of Canberra Hospital

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service is a team of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

We provide support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples who are inpatients (admitted to hospital) and outpatients (patients attending hospital clinics and day therapy units).

About this service

We help Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples from the ACT and regional NSW to access mainstream health care services.

Who we care for

We are able to support you, and your family or carer during your time in hospital and once you return to the community. We do this by:

offering emotional, social and cultural support
providing you and your family with information about the hospital and other health services
assisting with referrals to external services when you are ready to go home
arranging family meetings with doctors and other health staff
talking with your treating team about your care, if needed.

How to access this service

The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Liaison Service operates Monday to Friday during business hours.

Please contact the office on (02) 5124 2055 for more information.

Please leave a message with your name and contact details and we’ll get back to you.

If you or your family need support when we aren’t open (at night or over the weekend or public holidays) the after-hours social worker will be able to help you. You can contact them through the Canberra Hospital switchboard by phoning (02) 5124 0000 or asking hospital staff to contact them for you.

If you’re staying at North Canberra Hospital you can use our Aboriginal Liaison at North Canberra Hospital service.

What to expect

Please let us know you are here!

If you choose to, please let the staff know that you are Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander origin. This will assist us to:

use this information to better plan and deliver health services to our mob
ensure that health professionals you are working with are aware of your cultural practices or needs
visit you and/or your family while you are in hospital and ensure you get the best care possible
provide and assist you with ongoing support in the community and at home.

What to bring to your appointment

Medicare card
Any letters or correspondence from your GP
Health Care Card and/or concession card (if you have one)
Private health insurance card (if applicable/if you want to use it)
Medicines you need to take while you are here
List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have bought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins
Previous x-ray films, scans, ultrasounds or any other test results or reports
Your child’s personal health record (Blue Book)
Contact numbers of your family and your GP’s details.
Small amount of money (if possible), but please leave your valuables at home
Clothing, including night wear
Toiletries.