Eastern Health hosted a First Nations Health Forum to showcase the range of health and wellbeing services available in the eastern region to our local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community.
At the event we heard from Eastern Health Clinicians on:
- How to navigate aged care
- What supports are available for children with additional needs
- How to access mental health support
We were honoured to have representatives from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community health organisations, elders and members from our local Community at the event.
This forum was not only an opportunity for us to share information about our services, but also to take on Community’s feedback on how we can improve our services by making them more accessible and culturally appropriate.
We thank everyone in attendance for their insights and willingness to help us on this journey.
Please see below some of the information we shared at the forum.
My Aged Care
Register with My Aged Care to access government funded aged care in one of the following ways:
- Register online at myagedcare.gov.au
- Call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422
- Visit your local Centrelink office
My Aged Care will book in a time to assess you in-person in your home.
The Eastern Health Aboriginal Health Team and Community Care Team can help you with navigating this process.
| Aboriginal Health Team |
Ph: (03) 5957 1100 Email: [email protected] |
| Community Health Team |
Ph: 1300 130 381, option 4 |
Telephone Triage:
1300 721 927
Eastern Health’s 24 Hour Telephone Triage service can be accessed by anyone in the eastern region
Our team will then direct you to the most appropriate service based on your needs.
Emergency Departments:
In an emergency Patients can also present at one of our Emergency Departments in emergency situations:
- Box Hill Hospital
- Maroondah Hospital
- Angliss Hospital
How to support a family member with their mental health
- Listen
- Don’t be judgemental
- Involve the person in their care
- Seek advice
- Be aware of risks
- Encourage them to seek professional help
- Seek support for yourself
Community Health Services:
- Speech pathology
- Occupational therapy
- Dietician
- Child and family counselling
- Podiatry
| Call: 1300 130 381 (option 4) for more information. |
NDIS and Paediatrics:
The NDIS supports around 80,000 children with developmental delays.
The scheme allows them to receive supports early so they achieve better outcomes through their life.
There are two pathways children can follow:
Early intervention pathway
For those:
- Under six years old
- Has delays in two or more areas of development
OR
- Under nine years old
- Has a diagnosed disability
Diagnosed disability pathway
For those with a disability caused by permanent impairment:
Eastern Health Provides the following services to support children with additional needs:
- Community Health Services
- Infant, Child and Youth Mental Health Services
- Paediatricians
- Victoria Paediatric Rehabilitation Services
| Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers |
Ph: 0400 943 182 |
| Disability Liaison Officers |
Ph: 0435 649 985 |
