It is important that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are able to get the palliative care that they need. This can involve support from the Indigenous community, Aboriginal community controlled health services (ACCHS), mainstream health professionals, and palliative care specialists. It is important that these groups work together in a way that best meets the needs of people requiring palliative care.

Family and community
Family and community are a very important part of life. Not all health professionals will know who is important to you or who they should talk to about your illness. It may help if you could tell your nurse or doctor about your family.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers have an understanding of the culture and traditional ways of Indigenous people. They can work with palliative care services to care for Indigenous people. Health Workers can also support families arrange supports from non-Indigenous nurses or doctors.

Traditional medicine
Many people use traditional medicines, and may also see traditional healers. This is part of culture and tradition and is recognised as such. Getting support from traditional healers, as well as Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers, nurses and doctors may be helpful.

When someone is very ill
A general practitioner or doctor working with an Aboriginal community-controlled health service can assist in access to palliative care.  

People often have to go away for treatment when they are sick. Staying away from home and country is sometimes necessary, but not if the person is very ill and not expected to live. Families don’t always know that they can have someone come home at the end.

Why would you need the help of a palliative care specialist?
A palliative care specialist is someone who has a large know-how in the care of someone who is really sick and not going to get better. They have knowledge that can help patients, families, Aboriginal community-controlled health services and mainstream health professionals.

More information
There are many helpful articles and pamphlets in the Indigenous Resources section.

This page was created on 15 May 2008 and is due for review in May 2010