Heart health scare leads to life-changing care for Aunty Lorian

(L-R) TPCH Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer, Rhonda Kunde pictured with Aunty Lorian.

What began as a sudden dizzy spell at home in Barcaldine became a life-changing health journey for Aunty Lorian, with coordinated care across Queensland helping identify serious heart and lung concerns and connect her to specialist treatment at The Prince Charles Hospital.

After feeling faint and unwell, Aunty Lorian was taken to Barcaldine Hospital, where healthcare staff identified concerns with her heart and lungs. She was connected with the Indigenous Cardiac Outreach Program (ICOP), which coordinate her transfer to The Prince Charles Hospital for specialist cardiac care.

For Aunty Lorian, the experience reinforced the importance of seeking help early and highlighted the impact culturally safe care can have on a patient’s wellbeing and recovery.

“The nurse sat down and had a yarn with me. He explained everything in a way I could understand,” Aunty Lorian said.

Throughout her stay, Aunty Lorian was supported by doctors, nurses and Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officers who helped her feel safe, connected and heard while receiving care away from home and Country.

A particularly meaningful moment came when Indigenous Hospital Liaison Officer Rhonda Kunde wrote “Aunty Lorian” on the ward nameboard. Soon after, staff across the ward began warmly referring to her as Aunty.

The gesture helped Aunty Lorian feel respected and culturally safe during her hospital stay.

Aunty Lorian hopes sharing her story will encourage others not to ignore warning signs and to seek medical care early.

Now focused on recovery and returning home to Country, Aunty Lorian credits the quick actions of her family, local healthcare workers and specialist Metro North Health teams with ensuring she received the care she needed when it mattered most.