Through a valuable partnership with the Patient Assisted Travel Scheme (PATS), Aboriginal Hostels Limited (AHL) is helping residents access vital medical care while staying in our culturally safe accommodation.
PATS works in coordination with AHL’s Health and Medical and Multipurpose hostels to support people from rural and remote areas who need to travel for specialist treatment not available in their home communities. By staying at an AHL hostel, residents can access local medical services without needing to stay in hospital, helping to relieve pressure on hospital systems across Australia.
AHL’s partnership with PATS extends across a range of health needs, including renal services, cancer treatment, ante or post-natal care, and specialist appointments. In Alice Springs alone, our drivers, like George, are responsible for transporting more than 180 patients to and from treatment.
‘Our hostel staff go the extra step to support residents, ensuring they are ready when the PATS travel bus arrives for their medical appointments. This includes providing lunches if they will be away for most of the day,’ said AHL’s Director of Frontline Services, Mark Kelly.
Many First Nations people live in remote or rural areas where specialist healthcare is not available. AHL residents would be unable to access the treatment they need without the support of PATS. For people travelling from remote communities, the Scheme not only removes financial barriers, but also ensures they have a culturally safe and welcoming place to stay.
‘Without access to culturally safe accommodation and transport, some may delay or forgo treatment altogether which can worsen health outcomes,’ AHL’s Director of Frontline Services, Deanne Bear, said.
We also see residents travel to hostels, like Alyerre Hostel in Alice Springs, for a variety of outpatient services. One recent resident, Elizabeth, travelled from Ernabella in remote South Australia for eye care. A proud Pitjantjatjara woman, Elizabeth made a 5-hour drive and then a one-hour flight to reach Alice Springs. On arrival, she was welcomed at Alyerre Hostel where she could enjoy a healthy meal and rest after her long journey.
At AHL’s Nhulunbuy Hostel, in the Northern Territory, Janet and her granddaughter stayed under a PATS prepaid bed arrangement to access medical services in Nhulunbuy. While her daughter receives medical treatment, Janet harvests pandanus leaves and weaves jewellery and bowls at the hostel, turning cultural practice into a source of income. Their story reflects how AHL hostels are a place where culture and care come together.
AHL’s partnership with PATS helps to make sure that treatment is not delayed by distance or cost and strengthens a model of care that puts people and culture at the centre. Together, AHL and PATS are creating better health journeys that supports improved health outcomes for First Nations people and contributes to Closing the Gap.
If you would like to explore a partnership with AHL, like a prepaid bed arrangement, please contact the AHL Feedback Line on 1800 640 836 or email feedback@ahl.gov.au and we will connect you with your local Operations Management team to explore options.
