Aboriginal patients from remote areas have special needs when interacting with health systems, and these needs must be met for safe care practices and optimal health outcomes to be achieved.

A growing body of evidence suggests that relatively small modifi cations to existing systems and practices can lead to substantial improvements in health outcomes for these Aboriginal people.

Many Aboriginal people, especially those living in remote areas, are required to travel vast distances to hospitals for surgery, often with life-threatening conditions.  Language issues, poor inter-agency coordination, cultural misunderstandings, emotional and physical stress, travel and financial problems can make this a potentially emotionally draining, dangerous and inefficient process with implications for both the patient and the health system.

Other authors: with Zell Dodd, Shane Mohor, Sandra Dunn, Charlotte de Crespigny, Charmaine Power and Laney MacKean.