The Palliative Care Connect Aboriginal Navigation Service forms part of Palliative Care Connect, a suite of services delivering palliative care and bereavement to all South Australians. The service is delivered statewide by Country & Outback Health, a not-for-profit organisation delivering mental health, allied health, Aboriginal health, alcohol and other drug, and NDIS services throughout country South Australia.
The service is designed to provide culturally appropriate and sensitive palliative care support to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people facing life-limiting illnesses and their loved ones. It aims to ensure that people receive high-quality care that respects their cultural beliefs, traditions, and values during their end-of-life journey. The service recognises the unique needs of Aboriginal people, who often face barriers to access health services due to historical, social, and geographical challenges.
Health, community, and aged care professionals supporting an Aboriginal person, or their loved ones, can also contact Palliative Care Aboriginal Navigators for advice. Telephone support is available statewide and face-to-face services are available in Port Augusta and Whyalla.
Key Features of the Palliative Care Connect Aboriginal Navigation Service:
- Free Service: There are no charges to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people using the service in South Australia, as funding is provided by the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care with support from SA Health.
- Culturally Skilled Staff: The service employs Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander Navigators, who understand the cultural contexts of the people and communities they serve and are equipped to bridge the gap with the healthcare system.
- Personalised Approach to Care: Individual needs and wishes are heard, and Aboriginal Navigators can help to ensure services and care aligns with the person’s cultural practices and health goals.
- Service Linkage and Multidisciplinary Support: The Palliative Care Connect Aboriginal Navigators help people to access a range of healthcare professionals and other support services. They work as part of a multidisciplinary team to ensure comprehensive care to support the physical, social, emotional, cultural, spiritual and ecological wellbeing of the individual and their family.
- Partnerships with Local Communities: The service works in partnership with local Aboriginal health organisations and community groups, and mainstream services to ensure that care is delivered in a way that is respectful and connected to community traditions.
For more information on the Palliative Care Connect Aboriginal Navigation Service, visit www.cobh.com.au/aboriginal-palliative-care-navigation or call Country & Outback Health on (08) 8643 5600.
Further information on Palliative Care Connect, including information for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, can be found here: www.palliativecareconnect.com.au.