Northern Health’s Indigenous Patient Liaisons Worker (IPLW) program provides a bridge between Indigenous communities, their culture and health care providers. The role of the IPLW is to help bridge the gap between western and traditional medicine to ensure a health system that honours diversity and provides services in a culturally relevant manner.
The Indigenous Patient Liaison Program staff work in collaboration with key partners such as on-site staff, managers, and the Patient Care Quality Office to develop, implement, and evaluate processes to address the concerns and experiences of Indigenous people within the health care system.
In this article, we highlight and hear from IPLW Lyndsey Rhea.
“I enjoy when I can make someone’s stay in the hospital easier or more comfortable, and ensure they get the care that they need. Many people are not comfortable with accessing healthcare services, so it is always a success when I am able to help someone receive the care that they need to improve their quality of life. I am thankful to have been able to meet so many amazing people and share in their stories,” says Lyndsey Rhea, Practice Lead, Indigenous Patient Liaison Program with the Indigenous Health team.
Lyndsey was an Indigenous Care Coordinator at GR Baker Hospital in Quesnel for 13 years. In August of this year, she started a new role as Practice Lead, Indigenous Patient Liaison Program with the Indigenous Health team. As an Indigenous Care Coordinator, Lyndsey worked in a multidisciplinary team and played an important role in patient care. She supported patients and families by coordinating and facilitating care conferences, helping with discharge planning, assisting with patient travel, accessing funding options for medications and medical supplies, and many other duties.
Working in a smaller town, Lyndsey had the opportunity to build strong relationships with local First Nations communities, Elders, and community members, which was an important aspect of her role. She was able to build connections that helped her get to know the people, cultures, and histories of where she lived. This was especially important because Lyndsey often worked with patients and families during difficult situations, helping wherever she could.
In the past year, the Indigenous Care Team at GR Baker Hospital has taken on projects to incorporate cultural activities into patient care. One of these projects involves hosting Indigenous Residents Circles at Dunrovin Park Lodge. This has created a space where Indigenous residents are able to gather and participate in cultural activities such as making medicine bags, listening to drumming, and sharing traditional meals.
Lyndsey encourages health care workers to reach out to the Indigenous Care Teams at their hospitals to learn more about their roles and how they can collaborate.
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