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WGH First Nations Patient Support Services

In-Hospital Patient Support

We want to ensure you have an advocate, guide and support while in hospital. If you self-identify as being First Nations, Métis or Inuit when you arrive at the hospital, the Liaison Workers will come to your room or Emergency Department to offer you support during your stay at Whitehorse General Hospital (WGH).

Patient support is our primary and most accessed service.

There are Liaison Workers at Whitehorse General Hospital, Dawson City Community Hospital and Watson Lake Community Hospital with special training in First Nations health and social work. Their role is to:

  • Provide emotional, spiritual and social support
  • Help with communication between the patient, their family and hospital staff
  • Provide reassurance about hospital care (diagnosis, treatment, procedures, etc.) that reinforces information from your health provider
  • Plan, develop and participate in culturally relevant health counseling and support
  • Advocate for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who use our hospital services
  • Assist with making hospital discharge plans for when it’s time to return home
  • Arrange for traditional foods and traditional medicine

Mental Health Services

When you come to the hospital with mental health concerns, we are here to help you access the services you need. Our First Nations Mental Health Advocate is available to support and encourage you to get the help you need. We will:

  • Assist with mental health assessments in the ER or upon admission as needed or referred
  • Provide emotional, spiritual and social support and help with communication between the patient, their family and hospital staff
  • Work with an inter-disciplinary team of professionals such as the psychiatrist, nurses and other staff to develop a personal care plan for the patient
  • Provide information about hospital care (diagnosis, treatment, procedures, etc.)
  • Plan, develop and participate in culturally relevant health counseling and support
  • Advocate for First Nations, Métis and Inuit people who use our hospital services
  • Assist with discharge planning, including assisting with referrals to other programs and facilities, as needed

Complex Care Discharge Plans

There are times when there are circumstances or issues that make the return home more difficult or complex. We will assist First Nations, Métis and Inuit patients with the process, which often involves helping to find housing, transportation or other services that may be necessary. Our Community Liaison / Discharge Planner works closely with Yukon government, First Nations governments as well as other hospital professionals to:

  • Anticipate patient and family needs when preparing to leave hospital
  • Collaborate with community resources to ensure care is available when leaving hospital
  • Assist with plans for patients being transferred to other facilities or repatriated
  • Promote effective working relationships with community resources to ensure services are accessible to our patients