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Care Opinion

Absence of ALO for Indigenous Clients

Posted By hotelwc99

"Absence of ALO for Indigenous Clients"

About: Collie Hospital / Emergency Department

(as a friend),

I have attended Collie Hospital a number of times including with my Step Child recently. The staff I have seen there are amazing and very understanding when it comes to children.

The absence of a Aboriginal Liaison Officer available at the hospital is very disappointing. I acknowledge that they have staff in Bunbury covering but in my opinion, this is just not good enough. Recently an ex-client of mine had a heart attack, they are an Elder in this Indigenous community. No Indigenous officer was on site to assist this patient or the family.

I believe the impact on the community affects Indigenous clients accessing medical services at the hospital. Very disappointing. Neither did my child receive any follow up after a head injury that was not seen by a doctor on the day. No ALO to assist us.

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Responses

Response from Sharlene Abbott, A/Director Population Health, Childhealth (Vasse Leeuwin Community Health), WACHS - South West 12 months ago
Sharlene Abbott
A/Director Population Health, Childhealth (Vasse Leeuwin Community Health),
WACHS - South West

Submitted on 9/05/2023 at 4:36 PM
Published on Care Opinion at 5:20 PM

picture of Sharlene Abbott

Dear hotelwc99,

Thank you for taking the time to provide this feedback about the ALO service in Collie. I am sorry that this has been your experience and I hope your child has recovered.

The ALO team endeavour to cover most of the hospital sites across the Southwest. At times however, due to unplanned leave, this can reduce services at some sites.

The team endeavour to provide a service to the communities in the South West ensuring Aboriginal people are well supported in their health journey. They are available via the phone 5 days per week from Bunbury if there is no service available at other sites.

We are currently recruiting more ALO staff to build capacity within the team ensuring improved coverage of this important service.

Please contact Michelle Munns our Aboriginal Health Consultant if you have any specific concerns and if you would like to discuss the care of your child or the Elder. Ph: 9781 2367.

Thank you,

Sharlene Abbott

Director Population Health

WACHS - Southwest

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Update posted by hotelwc99 (a friend)

Thank you for your response and glad to hear you are recruiting.

I still have concerns as it appears you are relying on clients to call Bunbury hospital. I believe not all of your clients have credit. When they arrive at the hospital it can be a stressful time for the client and their family. To have someone you know will be there is important, especially if they have a number of issues going on. I feel it's sad.

I look forward to us having an ALO

Response from Sharlene Abbott, A/Director Population Health, Childhealth (Vasse Leeuwin Community Health), WACHS - South West 11 months ago
Sharlene Abbott
A/Director Population Health, Childhealth (Vasse Leeuwin Community Health),
WACHS - South West

Submitted on 17/05/2023 at 12:02 PM
Published on Care Opinion on 18/05/2023 at 9:57 AM

picture of Sharlene Abbott

Dear hotelwc99,

Thank you for highlighting your concerns. As part of a patient's care staff would contact the ALO team in Bunbury on behalf of any Aboriginal people in Collie hospital. Staff would also call on their behalf at times when requested by any patients.

We are hoping to have an increase in ALO presence at Collie in the coming weeks to ensure the service is meeting the needs of the community.

If you wish to discuss further, please contact Michelle Munns our Aboriginal Health Consultant on 9781 2367.

Thank you

Sharlene Abbott

Director Population Health

WACHS - Southwest

  • {{helpful}} {{helpful == 1 ? "person thinks" : "people think"}} this response is helpful
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