Navigating the healthcare system can be daunting for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. At Werribee Mercy Hospital, Samantha, a Bunurong/Boonwurrung woman, plays a crucial role as an Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO), ensuring culturally safe and patient-centred care.
Samantha has been with Mercy Health for 3 ½ years, equipped with a Post-Graduate Certificate in Family Therapy and extensive experience in various sectors. Her work focuses on healing intergenerational trauma and advocating for culturally safe partnerships between Aboriginal families and service providers.
“We want you to feel safe and work through whatever is happening for you. We may not get it right every time, but we will keep listening and working it through with you until we do,” says Samantha.
Health disparities are stark. For example, 80 per cent of the mortality gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander and non-Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 35-74 years is due to chronic diseases. Additionally, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are five times more likely to suffer from diabetes and four times more likely to have chronic kidney disease.
At Mercy Health, we are committed to Closing the Gap by providing culturally safe, compassionate care. Samantha’s work is integral to this mission, helping to create a supportive and inclusive environment for all our patients.
Find out more about Aboriginal Programs and support here.
