Aboriginal Health

Hey Mob

This COVID19 virus is pretty scary, but we want you to know that the Aboriginal Health Team is here to support you.

It does not matter your age - if you have symptoms such as signs of a cough, fever, runny nose, or sore throat - you need to stay home and book a test.

The test does not take that long and it could save your life.  It could save your family's life, our Elders, and others in the wider community.

We can help you in a culturally safe and confidential manner.

We can assist you to get the test, and support you during and after while waiting for the results or self-isolating.

Please, if you need any help with the COVID19 process contact one of us (scroll down for details).

REMEMBER

To protect our loved ones and our Elders, people must continue to stay home where they can and:

• wear a mask or a face covering
• wash your hands often with soap and water
• stay 1.5 meters away from others
• follow the limits for public gatherings

STAY DEADLY- STAY SAFE!

The Aboriginal Health team provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people accessing care at Ballarat Health Services.

Our Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers and Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer work with patients and their families, staff, volunteers, and local communities to provide culturally appropriate care for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.  

Hours

Monday to Friday

8.30am to 5.00pm

Meet the team

Aboriginal Team Leader

Emma Leehane

0448 046 956

emma.leehane@bhs.org.au

Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer

Josh Leishman

0421 898 906

joshua.leishman@bhs.org.au 

Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer

Renee Bosworth

0438 108 927

renee.bosworth@bhs.org.au 

This service assists all patients and community members who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander who are:

• An inpatient at a BHS site or hospital, including the Mental Health units
• Any patient referred to the service by a BHS clinic or external provider
• Community members engaged with specialist programs (HARP, Integrated Family Services, and Specialist Clinics)
• Clients of BHS Community Programs (Victorian Paediatric Rehabilitation Service, Community Rehabilitation Clinic)

Our Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers may assist with:

• Ensuring hospital services are culturally appropriate, safe, welcoming and meet the health needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients
• Provide assistance with accessing information and referrals for community services and supports.
• Ensuring Aboriginal people have access to all BHS services
• Identify and address barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people that may prevent them from using BHS

This service can be accessed across all Ballarat Health Services sites and programs.

If you would like to speak with our Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer or the Koori Mental Health Liaison Officer about you or a family member's care, please ask the treating medical team, who can refer you.  

In 2020 we ran an Aboriginal Art competition.

We received fantastic entries from talented artists. Thank you to everyone who sent in their work.

The winner was Lowana Clarke for her piece Protector of his mob.

Congratulations Lowana!  

Aspects of the artwork will be used on the Aboriginal Health Team's new uniforms, stationery, and signage.