Ngarra Jarra Aboriginal Health Programme

Austin Health proudly acknowledges that we are on Traditional Wurundjeri Country and we pay deserved respect to the ongoing story of the people and lands.

Ngarra Jarra translates as ‘Healing’ in Woiwurrung language of the Wurundjeri people.

The Ngarra Jarra program employs two highly skilled and experienced workers, a Senior Case Manager and an Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer (AHLO).

The Ngarra Jarra Aboriginal Health Program offers:
•    Support to identified Aboriginal patients, including outpatient appointment reminders, ward visits and in particular circumstances home visits,  care planning and family meetings
•    Linking and referral to community services
•    Liaison and consultation with other hospital staff, especially around referrals and discharge planning
•    Staff cultural awareness training
•    Data collection and project work to improve service delivery and Aboriginal health outcomes in accordance with Koolin Balit: Victorian Government’s strategic directions for Aboriginal health 2012 – 2022. More information on Koolin Balit can be found at: http://www.health.vic.gov.au/aboriginalhealth/koolinbalit.htm
It is acknowledged that healing can mean many things to an Aboriginal person.

Austin Staff aim to:

• Respect the patient’s wishes to involve ‘family’ in appointments and decisions, especially in palliative/advanced care situations.

• Respect and support traditional beliefs

• Take time, have a yarn
• Allow Aboriginal patients to identify and involve family members as they wish

Contact the Ngarra Jarra Programme on 9496 5834, 9496 5638