Get to know your AHLO: Meet Lesley Gardener
During NAIDOC Week, we come together and pay respect to culture, language, and Country, and to recognise and celebrate the achievements of all First Nations peoples.
At Monash Health, Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers (AHLO) provide vital cultural support and assistance to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families during their inpatient stay in Monash Health. They can also help connect patients to community services during discharge planning. You can contact the Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Service here.
Lesley Gardener is a Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, and Wiradjuri woman. She works as an Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officer at our Casey Hospital.
How do you describe the role of an AHLO?
The AHLO role provides cultural support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, families and health professionals.
What was your path to becoming an AHLO?
I have worked across a number of sectors such as Health, Education, Social and community services. I really enjoy and love working in health the best.
What does a day at work look like for an AHLO?
Every patient’s journey in health is different and so every day is different as an AHLO.
What is the best part of the job?
I really enjoy and love working in health. The best part is working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and supporting them with their healthcare journey.
How can our clinicians improve the experience of Aboriginal patients and make a more culturally safe environment?
Through taking the time to learn and educate themselves about Aboriginal history and culture.
What do you wish they knew about the AHLO team?
Our team is very approachable and happy for them to reach out as well.
This profile is part of a series shining a spotlight on the Monash Health Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers. AHLOs provide vital cultural support and assistance to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients and their families during their inpatient stay in Monash Health. They can also help connect patients to community services during discharge planning. You can find out more about the AHLO service here.
