As reported in SydneyConnect.
Patients at Sydney Dental Hospital can access support for a range of legal and social issues they may be facing, thanks to a partnership with the Redfern Legal Centre.
Under the Health Justice Partnership, a solicitor from the Centre has been embedded at the hospital and works closely with its social worker and other health care professionals to provide on-site legal assistance to vulnerable patients.
The Partnership aims to provide a holistic approach to care for patients.
Solicitor Rashini Fernando, who joined the Partnership in 2022, and social worker Cecilia Correy work together to have a positive impact on patients’ lives, not just their health.
“Social issues and health issues are often linked. The dentist will say ‘This patient was late to their appointment because they’ve been feeling depressed.’ Then, we’ll see them and all of these other issues become clear,” Cecilia said.
Patients are provided with free, confidential legal advice on issues ranging from money problems, housing issues, domestic violence, child protection matters and access to mental health care.
