Disability Liaison Officer

A disability Support Officer:

• Support people with a disability to access the healthcare they need
• Provides disability-specific advice and support throughout the hospital
• Supports people with disability to access COVID-19 assessment, treatment and vaccination.

Do I need support? Easy Read Disability Identification Poster . How you can get support at St Vincent's.

You can contact us by email or phone or ask a St. Vincent's staff member to help you.

You do not need a referral from a health professional to access this service.

We are available Monday to Friday during business hours 8:30am - 4:30pm (not on public holidays)

Email: DisabilitySupport@svha.org.au
Call: (03) 9231 2733

Referral information we need:

• Your name and contact information.
• What you need help with.
• If you are making a referral on behalf of another, please confirm you have their consent and provide your role and contact details.

Accessible parking map (see 'Visitors Parking').

Accessible toilet map

Learn about accessing the MRI Centre

Deaf and Hard of Hearing support

Access and Inclusion Plan for People with Disability 2023-25

Social Script - What to expect when visiting our ED

Easy Read Australian Charter of Health Care Rights, information about your rights and responsibilities. View My Healthcare Rights and St Vincent's Easy English patient rights

Disability Gateway provides information and services to help people with disability, their family, friends and carers, find the support they need.

Carer Gateway provides practical, emotional and financial support for carers.

Disability Advocates can help when you need someone to speak up for you. Use Ask Izzy – Disability Advocacy to find an advocate.

National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS)

The NDIS Quality and Safeguards Commission is responsible for checking the quality and safety of NDIS supports and services.

St Vincent's Hospital Melbourne has joined the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme. The scheme is an international initiative to increase awareness and provide support to people with hidden disability.

What is hidden disability?
Disability is not always immediately apparent and may require you or a loved one to have additional support when using healthcare. These conditions can be temporary or permanent. Hidden disability is diverse and can include learning disabilities, dementia, anxiety disorders, low vision, chronic pain or respiratory conditions.

What is the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
By wearing a sunflower symbol, you are letting us know you may need some extra help, some extra time or understanding when you come to hospital.

Our staff are taking part in training so they can recognise the Sunflower symbol and provide you with the help you need. Wearing the Sunflower symbol will not speed up how quickly you are seen, it will help us to support you while you wait or are receiving care.

Where can I get a Sunflower?
Products are available for purchase via the online shop on the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower website.

How can I find out more about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower?
For further details about the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower, you can visit the website.

Additional information about The Sunflower Hidden Disability scheme at St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne is available on this page in Easy English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Greek, Arabic, Italian and Simplified Chinese.

Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQs Easy Read
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQs
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQs Audio version
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQs Arabic
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQs Simplified Chinese
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQs Greek
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQs Italian
Hidden Disabilities Sunflower FAQs Vietnamese

Campus information

Information on preparing for hospital

Accommodation options for families and visitors

View the full list of patient information and services including for those who are deaf or hard of hearing.