Aboriginal Services Team

The Aboriginal Services Team provides a welcoming and culturally safe space for Aboriginal patients and their families. This space has a mini kitchen with coffee, tea, filtered chilled water, a toaster and sandwich press. There are couches and a TV, as well as an outside garden. The Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO) is also located in this space.

The Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO) role

The Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer provides:

  • Cultural, emotional, spiritual and clinical support to patients and families
  • Patient advocacy
  • Cultural consultation to clinicians
  • Support at family meetings with Doctors
  • Support re: Discharge planning

AHLO service is available from 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday.

What we do

  • Promote a culturally welcoming and sensitive environment in Bendigo Health
  • Provide support and information for Aboriginal people that enter our health service
  • Provide a link between the medical teams, the patient and their families during admissions and time in the hospital
  • Attend family meetings to provide support and assistance so patients and their families can make informed decisions about treatment, prevention and rehabilitation
  • Provide education and promotion of Aboriginal health and wellbeing throughout the hospital

Who we care for

We support patients that identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander when they enter our hospital. We also provide support to their families during their stay.

How to access this service

For privacy reasons, patients must request or agree to a referral to the AHLO. Please tell your nursing staff or doctor you would like a referral to be sent to the AHLO, or make it known during your admission process. You can also visit the Aboriginal Support space on the ground floor in the hospital, where the AHLO office is located.  

What can I do about transport?

On discharge patients can request from the ward they were on:

  • Taxi vouchers
  • A ‘hardship’ voucher from V/Line for bus or train tickets

What if I need accommodation for family or myself?

Off-site accommodation is available for families at their own expense.

Why has the AHLO not visited me?

You need to request an AHLO referral from the staff who are caring for you or ring (03) 5454 7131.

What support can I get on discharge?

The AHLO can contact the Aboriginal Health Service in your home town if you give permission.

Aboriginal Support

Ground Floor, Bendigo Hospital

Location

100 Barnard Street
Entry via Mercy Street, Bendigo, VIC, 3550

Phone

03 5454 7131

Reconciliation Action Plan

Bendigo Health launched our Reconciliation Action Plan on March 16, 2022. 

To find out more about the plan, click the button below.

Learn more