Process No.3: Information is given to
hospital Quality Improvement Committee
5a) Background
This quote from an AHLO gives a general understanding of what an AHLO role is
like.
Liaison officers play a major role in the hospitals in many different areas such as
supporting Aboriginal patients and their families, cross cultural training for staff
and contributing to policy and procedures. Liaison officers also break down the
barriers between hospital staff and Aboriginal patients and families. Sometimes if
information is presented with too much medical jargon Aboriginal people may not
always feel comfortable asking questions and this could lead to further medical
problems down the track. When liaison officers are properly involved these
problems are usually avoided. Liaison officers are often not recognised for their
skills and dedication to their role within the hospital, supporting patients and their
involvement in the Aboriginal community. Many liaison officers go beyond their
paid work and take on voluntary work outside of work hours and give in many
different ways to their community.
Jemmes Handy Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer –
Mildura Hospital
Improving the Culture of Hospitals Project – May 2010
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