ABOUT US
Colac Area Health has a Disability Liaison Officer (DLO) to support people with disability to use hospital services and get the care and treatment they need.
Liaise means we help or work together with people with disability and the people who support them.
WHAT WE DO
Our DLO supports people with disability, their families and support networks to:
- Access or connect with health services at Colac hospital both as inpatient and outpatient.
- Develop a Health Passport – a booklet which has information you want to share with your health care team about how to care for you best.
- Work with you and your support team to ensure your healthcare experience is inclusive, safe and meets your needs. Including pre-admission, inpatient stays, discharge planning, outpatient/clinic services.
EMOTIONAL WELLBEING SUPPORT FOR CARERS
Helpful links
As a carer you’ll often put the needs of the person you care for before your own needs. It’s very important that you look after your own mental, emotional, and physical health so you can provide better care for longer.
If you feel stressed, sad or frustrated, it may help to speak with a counsellor to discuss your situation. They can provide strategies to help you work through your emotions.
Carer Gateway provides free counselling to carers. There are three types of counselling options available:
If you are distressed and need immediate support, please call one of the following 24 hour crisis support services:
- Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing emotional distress with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention services.
- You can call Lifeline on 13 11 14
- You can text Lifeline from your mobile 0477 13 11 14
- If you go online to Lifeline you can use the online chat service.
- Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile) confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5-25. Qualified counsellors at Kids Helpline are available via web chat, phone or email anytime and for any reason.
- Beyond Blue – This free telephone and online counselling service is open 24/7 for everyone in Australia. No matter who you are, or how you’re feeling, reach out to this free counselling service for support – they’ll point you in the right direction to get the support you need.
Other supports for young carers
Headspace Colac – providing help for young people aged 12-25 years.
eHeadspace – is a national online or phone mental health support service for young people aged 12 -25 and for family seeking support about how to help a young person (aged 12-25) in their life.
Kids Helpline is Australia’s only free (even from a mobile) confidential 24/7 online and phone counselling service for young people aged 5-25. Qualified counsellors at Kids Helpline are available via web chat, phone or email anytime and for any reason.
Colac Area Health is proud to support the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower. Our staff have been trained to recognise the Sunflower and can offer assistance if required.
The DLO has a supply of HD Sunflower lanyards available for people in our community with hidden disability. Contact the DLO for more information.
YOUR RIGHTS
You have the right to get care that meets your needs. The Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care helps make sure health care in Australia is safe and good.
This link takes you to an easy read version of these rights: 
The Australian Charter Health Care Rights – Easy English version
QUESTIONS OR REFERRALS?
Anyone can make a referral to the DLO. There is no cost for this service.
Contact Colac Area Health reception 03 5232 5100
Or email [email protected]
TELL US WHAT YOU NEED
Colac Area Health is committed to improving the experience of all consumers who access our hospital and services. We want to know how we can help people with disability get the healthcare they want and need.
Survey for people with disability who visit Colac Area Health
The DLO can help you complete this survey if you need.
