Yaltara Penrith: Supporting Aboriginal patients to stay connected to care

Working alongside a range of health professionals including allied health staff, care coordinators, social workers and clinicians, Yaltara ensures the care received at every step of the health journey is tailored to the needs of the patient. 

Thanks to her work, the patient can focus on recovery instead of having to navigate a complex health environment, with culturally safe care and someone to support them every step of the way. This kind of support helps people to stay connected to services in the long term and remain well in their homes and communities.

Yaltara’s favourite part of the role is the endless opportunity to connect with her community. 

"I enjoy building trusting relationships with our mob and helping people feel heard, respected and supported," Yaltara said.

"It’s rewarding to help patients better understand their health and connect them with services that can improve their health outcomes."

Advocating for patients is an important part of Yaltara's role. Recently, she supported an Aboriginal patient who didn’t feel heard during their healthcare journey and was experiencing difficulties accessing a specialist referral. 

Yaltara listened to the patient's concerns, advocated on their behalf and worked with the required teams to help ensure the referral was completed in a way that showed cultural care and understanding. Thanks to her support, the patient felt respected and more confident continuing their care, knowing they had Yaltara’s support when they needed it. 

Integrated Care Team Leader Mid Battye commended Yaltara on her contribution not only to the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community, but for the impact she makes on the Integrated Care team.

“Yaltara's work is a powerful reminder that culturally safe care isn't a checkbox, it's built through trust, listening and showing up for people every day.” 

“Her advocacy doesn't just help individual patients feel heard and respected; it strengthens the whole team's ability to deliver care that is genuinely inclusive. As a team, we are privileged to have her cultural knowledge and dedication shape the way that we work" 

Through Yaltara’s connection with her community and the support she provides, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients across the district can access important services in a culturally safe way, within their homes and communities. 

This National Aboriginal Health Worker and Practitioner Day, we celebrate the dedication, advocacy and cultural knowledge of Aboriginal Health Workers and Practitioners like Yaltara. 

Interested in building your medical career in regional NSW? Find out more about medical careers, training opportunities and life in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District here: https://www.nsw.gov.au/departments-and-agencies/mlhd/work-us/medical-careers