Getting help with travel and accommodation
Yarn with your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker or a hospital Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander liaison officer or social worker to see what financial assistance is available for you and your family for travel and accommodation. Read more about support for travel and support for accommodation.
What to take with you
You will need to take a bunch of things with to give to your doctors for tests and cancer treatment as well personal items for yourself:
- letters from your doctor, if you have them
- X-rays or test results, if you have them
- travel and accommodation paperwork
- Medicare card and any pension or concession cards
- list of regular medicine you may be taking
- identification (such as a driver’s license)
- mobile phone and charger
- comfortable clothes and shoes
- money and a credit card, if you have one
Culture and wellbeing
Good quality health care providers know how to do holistic health care for and with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. That includes caring for mind, body, spirit and Country - keeping us connected to Country even when we are in hospital. There are ways to keep connected to Country while having tests and treatment and to keep our spirit strong.
Take Country with you on your journey. Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people have such a strong connection to Country. We need to feel safe when we leave our mob, so make sure you have someone that can travel with you.
Remember that tests and treatment are just a part of your cancer journey. Make time before you leave home to soak in what’s around you so that when you’re away for tests and treatment, you’re taking a bit of home with you in your heart and mind. This can give us strength for the journey ahead. It is important for your health and wellbeing to feel safe and respected.
Unfortunately, at times you may experience racism along your cancer journey. Read the where to get help and support on our Rights and Racism page.
Yarn with your Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health worker about how to stay strong in body, spirit and mind while you’re away from home.
