Indigenous Liaison

The Indigenous liaison agent accompanies the clinical teams in offering culturally safe care to Indigenous patients. They encourage clinical teams to consider the beliefs, values and culture specific to the patient in order to offer the best quality of care within the community of practice at the MUHC. The Indigenous liaison agent acts as a complementary support to the clinical teams and can facilitate communication with external partners if necessary. The Indigenous liaison agent is part of the Indigenous Health team within the Partnerships Office at the MUHC.

Role of the Indigenous liaison agent: 

• The liaison agent is one of the respondents involved with Indigenous patients at the MUHC.
• The liaison agent has a global understanding of the sociocultural challenges of the Indigenous patients, as well as a good understanding of northern realities.
• The liaison agent has developed efficient partnerships with external organizations serving the Indigenous population.
• The liaison agent actively works in developing and implementing initiatives aiming to respond to the specific needs of Indigenous patients.
• The liaison agent facilitates access to care for Indigenous patients and supports them in their care trajectory.
• The liaison agent acts as a cultural mediator.

When to reach out to the Indigenous liaison agent?

• When we consider that the return to the community will be compromised.
• When we encounter an obstacle when communicating with the community.
•  When a cultural element complicates the patient’s discharge planning.
• When a transfer is refused by the patient, their family or home community