Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer appointed

Margaret Whitson has been appointed as Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer to public hospital Calvary Mater Newcastle. A Kamilaroi woman whose family originally comes from Moree in western New South Wales, Margaret was born in Maitland and has many personal and professional ties to several communities within the region.

Margaret has more than two decades of experience collaborating and consulting to meet the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the area. “I feel very privileged to be able to support Aboriginal families at a time when they need it the most. Please speak up and tell us that you are of Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander descent. When you identify in this way, I’ll know you are here,” she says. As part of her role, Margaret is responsible for providing advocacy, education, emotional, practical, social and welfare support to patients and communities, ensuring that referrals and linkages are made to appropriate community support programs, agencies and services. She also works with staff on programs and strategies that assist in improving health outcomes for Aboriginal patients.
Please ask a staff member to contact Margaret while you are in hospital.