This service is designed to help adults with complex needs navigate health and other services.

About this service

The Liaison and Navigation Service (LaNS) helps people with complex health or social needs access the health system. For example, people who have more than one chronic health problem or have social needs, like housing, that affect their health.

LaNS is a team of nurses and allied health staff like physiotherapists and social workers. We take a whole person approach to your health and social wellbeing.

The LaNS team can help you find your way through the health system when:

• You are feeling ill.
• You are not sure what care you need or can access.
• You find you are always busy with health appointments.
• You have trouble understanding information from many different people and services.

We can work with you for up to 12 months to help set up the care you need. We can help you feel more confident about taking care of your health. We will respect your privacy and only share information with other service providers with your permission, unless we have to for safety or legal reasons.

We will work with you to make a care plan that will include:

• goals agreed by you, any support people you’d like to have involved, your treating team, and any other important people involved in your care
• steps for managing your health which may include treatments, medicines, devices, and managing your day-to-day activities
• what to do if your health gets worse or there is an emergency, and
• the names and contact details of important people involved in your care.

Who we care for

LaNS can help you find your way through the health system if you:

1. Are aged 18 or more* (Adolescents can participate on a case-by-case basis)
   AND
2. Have complex health care needs and access several health or community services
   AND/OR
3. Have a mental health diagnosis and also need help with your physical health
   AND/OR
4. have often had to rely on the emergency department for your health care.

*The Paediatric Liaison and Navigation Service (PLaNS) is available for children and can be contacted through the same phone numbers.

We offer these services for free if you have a Medicare Card or an Asylum Seeker Card.

How to access this service

You can self-refer by calling 02 5124 5030 (Monday to Friday during business hours) or emailing LaNS@act.gov.au

Family members, carers, GPs and other health professionals can also refer you to this service.

What to expect

We will meet with you to talk about your needs and any services that already help you. We will ask your permission to contact these services to organise your care. We will involve you in developing a care plan and work with you to achieve your health and wellbeing goals.
LaNS will work with you until you feel secure managing your health and any longer-term supports you need are in place, however it is not meant to be an ongoing service.

What to bring to your appointment

• Medicare card
• Any letters or correspondence from your GP
• List of medicines you are currently taking (or the boxes), including medicines you have brought without a prescription, such as herbal supplements and vitamins

Where we’re located

We will arrange to meet you at a location convenient to you such as a local Community Health Centre.

Resources

• Liaison and Navigation Service (LaNS)