When you visit, you'll be asked 'Is your child Aboriginal and or Torres Strait Islander?'

This makes sure that their cultural needs are considered when providing care, including:

  • providing information and support to help make decisions about health care
  • access to cultural events, supports and care options
  • connecting to the Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer (IHLO) service
  • providing culturally appropriate information about services and programs
  • connecting to local services, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health Services

Letting us know also helps us improve the health of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients. It also helps us know if we’re providing our services in the right way and helping to close the gap in health and wellbeing outcomes.

When you tell us, we protect your privacy and only share the information with staff who need to know.

What it’s like to come to hospital

Join Rita as she takes you behind the scenes of the Queensland Children’s Hospital. She’ll introduce you to some friendly faces who’ll help support your family during your stay. She also shares some tips on what to do before you arrive.

Supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

Intro

Hi my name is Rita. I'm a patient at the Queensland Children's Hospital

in Brisbane. It's a pretty big place in a big city. It might be far away from your home

but there are lots of people to help you find your way and look after you while you're here,

like this mob. They're pretty deadly but I'll tell you about them later.

First, I'll tell you what you need to pack before you leave home. Ooh, I always wanted to do that.

Packing

Pack a jumper. It might get cold. Clothes for a couple of days.

Don't forget to pack your ID and your Medicare card.

"Mama, I'm gonna bring a toy." "Perfect, do you want to pop it in the suitcase."

Remember your appointment letter, medication and scripts.

"Yay, high five. Well done for packing. We're ready to go."

Location

The Queensland Children's Hospital is near South Bank in Brisbane. The hospital is in a busy city

area. There are lots of cars on the road and traffic. Allow heaps of time before your

appointment. There are a lot of taxis and buses, trains and fairies to get you to the hospital.

In the city you have to wait at the crossing to safely walk across the road. Always remember to

look left and right. Take care before crossing. When you enter the hospital the main reception

is on level 2. Check your appointment letter to help you to find the way.

You might be staying in an inpatient room. It might look like this. You might be allowed to stay

outside the hospital like Ronald McDonald House. I stayed there.

Remember I told you there are lots of people

to help you with your hospital visit. That's this mob. They're real friendly. You'll find

some of them at the Family Resource Centre. I am the Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer

and I'm here to support you guys, our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families

up in the wards and in outpatients to make sure that you're culturally safe and that you're

supported while staying here. Because it's a hard time when you're here away from family.

There's also people like nurse navigators and connected care coordinators.

We are here to help in any means. They're always here for a chat and some fun.

Things to do

There are a lot of fun things to do at the hospital, you'll find it on Level 6.

Also you'll find a food court on Level 2 and outdoor spaces to take a break.

Just outside the hospital. You'll find a chemist,

Woolworths supermarket and South Bank which has very nice parks, a lot of fun stuff to do.

When the hospital says you're ready to go home ask lots of questions and make sure you have all

the information you need before you leave. See you later alligator, you can find more

information on the website. Look, it's typing. Deadly.

Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officers (IHLOs)

Our IHLOs are here to make you and your child feel comfortable and safe. They’ll also give you the information you need to make the best decisions about your child’s healthcare.

We know being away from your family, friends and community can be difficult, lonely and sometimes isolating, our IHLOs are there to help. If there’s anything they can do to help make it easier, let them know. You should also let them know if you have any cultural or spiritual beliefs that may affect your child’s health.

Our IHLOs can:

  • provide cultural care, advice and support
  • help you understand your child’s diagnosis, medical procedures and treatment
  • provide support when you speak with doctors or treating health teams
  • make sure your voice is heard and your wishes are respected
  • help with making appointments and hospital routines
  • help plan your child’s discharge
  • provide information and advice about community services.

How to access this service

You can find the team in the Family Resource Centre on Level 2 between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm, Monday to Friday. The Centre is a safe and friendly place where you can chat with our IHLOs, or just relax in a culturally safe place.

You can also contact the team on 07 3068 5950 or 07 3068 4705.

Connected Care

Our Connected Care Program supports families of children with chronic and complex healthcare needs, particularly those who face challenges accessing services and support.

Our Senior Indigenous Health Coordinator will provide cultural support to children and families on the Connected Care Program. They're here to help improve your health care journey and help link you in with your local community services.

They work closely with the clinical teams to make sure your child receives holistic, family-centred and culturally-safe health care.

How to access this service

If you're known to the Connected Care Program you can reach them on 0472 821 648 or by emailing Connect-care4kids-indigenouscoordinator@health.qld.gov.au.

Read more about Connected Care.

Nurse Navigator

Our Nurse Navigator provides support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients with complex and chronic health conditions and their families. They work across health care and community services to facilitate a culturally safe, patient-centred journey. They'll help you to learn and navigate the health system to help you feel more confident in managing your child's health needs.

You can contact our Nurse Navigator on 0439 265 940 or by emailing QCH_NNIndigenous@health.qld.gov.au.

Read more about Nurse Navigators.

Mob ED

Mob ED aims to break down barriers for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families accessing emergency care by creating a culturally safe and welcoming environment.

When you arrive at the emergency department, Mob ED staff will welcome and support you through your child’s assessment and treatment.

We developed the Mob ED holistic model of care in consultation with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community and clinicians.

Read more about Mob ED.

Centrelink Indigenous Outreach Service

A Centrelink Indigenous outreach officer is available in the hospital’s Family Resource Centre every Thursday from 10 am to 12 pm. Ask the IHLOs for more information.

Meeting place

We also have a dedicated meeting place for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people on Level 2.

This space lets you meet in a quiet place to relax and take time away from the clinical setting.

Other services

As well as support services, we offer health services specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Find out about Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children's health.

Health Equity Strategy and Implementation Plan

Our Health Equity Strategy outlines how we’ll improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and young people.

Our Health Equity Strategy Implementation Plan outlines how we’ll implement the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Equity Strategy.

More information

Find out about:

You can also use our hospital map to find your way around.

Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme

If you live in a rural and remote area and have to travel more than 50 km to your local public hospital, you may be eligible for the Scheme. Find out if you're eligible.

The Scheme helps with travel and accommodation costs for patients who need to use specialist medical services that aren't available in their local area.

You can read more about the subsidy scheme on the Queensland Government website.

Last updated: October 2023