Aboriginal Patient Liaisons (APLs) are an important part of the health care team. Ten APLs are available across the North to assist Indigenous Peoples and their families to access high quality, culturally safe health care services.
Indigenous Health supports this program by:
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Providing training opportunities and mentoring;
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Supporting a community of practice;
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Developing communications materials; and
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Collaborative planning, program development and evaluation.
How can I connect with an APL?
Speak with a health care provider for a referral to the Aboriginal Patient Liaison program or contact your local APL directly:
Lakes District Hospital
Vacant
Phone: 250-692-2474
Chetwynd General Hospital
Vacant
Dawson Creek and District Hospital
Margaret McGillis
Email: Margaret.McGillis@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-795-6190
Wrinch Memorial Hospital
Angie Combs
Email: Angie.Combs@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-842-4407
Angie Prince
Email: Angie.Prince@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-567-8930
University Hospital of Northern BC
Vacant
In the interim please contact the UHNBC switchboard on 250-565-2000 and ask to be connected to the appropriate ward, and they can reach the social worker.
Prince Rupert Regional Hospital
Vacant
Phone: 250-622-6520
GR Baker Memorial Hospital
Lyndsey Rhea
Email: Lyndsey.Rhea@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-985-5812
Bulkley Valley District Hospital
Lisa McKinnon
Email: Lisa.Mckinnon@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-643-7347
Aboriginal Patient Liaison - Smithers and area [PDF]
Mills Memorial Hospital
Lloyd McDames
Email: Lloyd.McDames@northernhealth.ca
Phone: 250-638-4085
Aboriginal Patient Liaison - Terrace/Kitimat and area [PDF - Lloyd]
Tanya Gregoire
Email: Tanya.Gregoire@northernhealth.ca
Aboriginal Patient Liaison - Terrace/Kitimat and area [PDF - Tanya]
What can an APL assist me with?
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Arrange for translation services
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Help patients understand health care processes, procedures and terminology
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Help to ensure admission and discharge planning goes according to patient needs
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Advanced Health Care Planning
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Facilitate communication and cultural understanding between patient and care providers
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Connect patient to end of life support
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Coordinate spiritual / cultural advisors
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Support and comfort family and friends
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Referrals within Northern Health and to community agencies
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Help link patients to non-insured health benefits
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Transition to and within long-term care