The Indigenous Care team (ICT) plays a crucial role in bridging the gap between western and traditional medicine, ensuring a health system that honours diversity to provide services in a culturally relevant manner. The Indigenous Health team supports a growing number of Indigenous Care team locations throughout Northern Health. To enhance access and coverage for Indigenous patients, Northern Health has increased the number of the roles of Indigenous patient support in these positions.
The new name encompasses the current roles and future roles not yet established within the program. The name change reflects enhanced access to services and coverage in more facilities. The new positions are:
- Indigenous Health Services Assistant provides general practical support to patients and families, such as orientation, explanation, connection, communication, and direction.
- Indigenous Care Coordinator who is part of a direct care team, provides case specific clinical and Social Service contribution from intake to planning to delivery to discharge.
The Indigenous Care team works in collaboration with key partners such as on-site staff, clinical teams and managers to develop, implement, and evaluate processes. The ICT also work with Indigenous Patient Experience Advisors in consultation with the Patient Care Quality Office to address the concerns and experiences of Indigenous people within the health care system.
Connect with the Indigenous Care team for help with:
- Understanding diagnosis and treatments
- Expressing health care needs and wants
- Planning for care and discharge assistance
- Providing cultural advocacy
- Assisting with patient travel
- Providing support and comfort to patients and families
