Question

Scenario: You are a registered nurse working at a hospital in Brisbane. Matt is a 24 year old Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander man from Palm Island, he is currently an inpatient, but is awaiting transfer to the discharge lounge. He will be traveling back to Townsville today where he will continue his care from his mothers home in Kirwan, Townsville. He experienced some challenges while admitted to your ward, however thanks to your confident and informed patient advocacy and culturally safe care, he was able to be empowered to complete his care.

Task to Answer (No copy paste please)

1. Define the term " patient escort" and discuss the common challenges they may face. (325 words)

2. Explain the role of aboriginal/indigenous Hospital Liaison officer and explain how this role may support the delivery of the culturally safe care to both Matt and his Mother. (325 words)

Answer 1

1. Patient escort service is a special service provided by volunteers to accompany patients who need help in moving about the health facility. The challenges faced by people who provide patient escorts service are :-

- shortage of providers

- shortage of equipments needed for escort of patients

- low pay scale

- they are unknown

2. Aboriginal Liaison Officers provide emotional, social and cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families when they use the hospital at GV Health. Being in hospital can be a worrying time, with feelings of fear, sadness, home sickness and isolation; GV Health. Aboriginal Liaison Officers can help you talk to health professionals, to help you understand medical procedures and routines and help you to participate in decisions about your care.They also provide information and support to GV Health staff to help them provide culturally sensitive health services.ALOs can help you to make arrangements for your admission to hospital and for when you go home. They can also help link you to appropriate community support programs, agencies and services.