Aboriginal Health

Hunter New England Local Health District is committed to closing the gap. For children, young people and families, that begins at birth, through to young adulthood.

When attending a health facility we make every effort to ensure an Aboriginal person's cultural and individual differences are met. 

Aboriginal Nations within Hunter New England

• Kamilaroi (Gomeroi, Gamilaroi)
• Aniawan
• Nganyaywana
• Bundjalung
• Geawegal
• Bahtabah
• Thungutti
• Awabakal
• Biripi
• Worimi
• Wonnarua
• Banbai
• Ngoorabul
• Yallaroi
• Darkinjung

Asking if you or your child is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin

NSW Health staff are required to ask at first point of contact with health services if someone is of Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander origin. This will not only be asked about your child, but also about both biological parents. 

Health staff ask this question for a number of reasons, which includes ensuring an Aboriginal person receives a culturally sensitive service, let's health staff know who may wish to access Aboriginal health services, identify people in high-risk groups for certain disease groups and to collect better health statistics to improve Aboriginal health.

If you do identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander you may be advised that an Aboriginal Liaison Officer is available to support you, if there is one on site.

What does an Aboriginal Liaison Officer do?

The Aboriginal Liaison Officer (not a social worker) can only provide service to the client with their consent or at the request of the family. Aboriginal staff are located at various sites within Hunter New England and are available to assist staff to meet your cultural needs by:

• Bridging the communication gap

• Providing support to the client and families in understanding health procedures

• Liaising with other agencies and services to provide support services

• Providing an Aboriginal and cultural perspective in treatment, care and case management

• Assisting in giving and reviewing all information given to Aboriginal patients and their

families to ensure they understand the information

• Acting as an advocate and mediator for the rights of Aboriginal patients

Culturally appropriate care - videos

Videos on culturally appropriate care in hospital and community facilities.
 

Having visitors in hospital

Visitors to see a sick or injured child are welcome at all Hunter New England Health facilities. If you know a large number of your extended family network will be visiting, please let the person in charge of the ward know or the Aboriginal Liaison Officer, who will ensure your needs are accomodated.

Aboriginal Medical Services

Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations are located throughout the Hunter New England region. Locations and contact details of these services include:

• Newcastle - Awabakal
  • Ph: 49692424 Fax: 49610497
• Taree - Biripi
  • Ph: 65522154 Fax: 65510483
• Armidale - Pat Dixon
  • Ph: 67749450 Fax: 67449455
• Inverell - Armajun
  • Ph: 67219777 Fax: 67219617
• Moree - Pius X
  • Ph: 67521099 Fax: 67525154
• Tamworth - TAMS
  • Ph: 67665211 Fax: 67665711
• Forster - Tobwabba
  • Ph: 65556271 Fax: 65556864
• Quirindi - Walhallow
  • Ph: 67463144 Fax: 67674854

Useful Links and Information

Deadly Tots App 

The app contains information for every Aboriginal family to help their bub learn and grow.

• Get messages on how to help bub learn and grow
• Create a memory book for your tots
• Be sent reminders on immunisations and blue book checks
• Contact Aboriginal services quickly through the contact section

Available to download free from App Store and Google Play.