The Wire

New research released today has highlighted the positive impact that Aboriginal Health Workers can play in the provision of palliative care to Indigenous Australians. The research, funded by the National health and Medical Research Council found that many indigenous Australians are fearful of being cared for by non-Indigenous health workers. It also revealed the cultural gulf in understand that exists between traditional medical and Western-orientated medical practices. And although Aboriginal health workers have a positive role to play, there are fair too few employed to make a real difference for Indigenous people needing end of life care.