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Clare Evans is a Disability Liaison Officer at Albury Wodonga Health. She is a qualified physiotherapist and disability advocate who brings her lived experience to the role. 

As a Disability Liaison Officer, Clare works with patients who are preparing to enter hospital or have already been admitted, helping them to access the care they need. She works with the team at Albury Wodonga Health to build disability confidence and ensure staff have the knowledge and training to help people with disability to access equitable health care. 

Clare sustained a spinal cord injury at age 25. She completed her physiotherapy degree and started work specialising in complex sitting and positioning. That role took her all over the region from Griffith to Deniliquin, Hay and Leeton. 

‘In 2023 I took on the position with Albury Wodonga Health, supporting staff to provide inclusive, equitable and safe access to care for people with a disability,’ Clare said. 

Clare supports patients with disabilities by providing advocacy, tailored communications products, and liaising with community supports to ensure a safe and timely discharge. 

‘I am working with the team at AWH to build a disability-confident workforce,’ she said.  

‘I help teams to understand the role of the NDIS and the evidence required to ensure eligible patients have access. 

‘I also liaise with the NDIA to ensure a smooth rollover process for patients reaching the end of their NDIS plan who have limited care options and may end up in the Emergency Department because their funding has been exhausted. 

‘A big part of my role is helping people with a disability to plan for and access the services they need during their stay in hospital. 

‘For example, a person may need to have blood taken but doesn’t tolerate needles. They may need sedation as part of their care. 

‘I work with the patient to understand their needs and ensure the processes are in place to facilitate access to the services, adjustments and supports they need. 

‘A project I’m working on as part of my role is a hospital passport which enables patients with a disability to capture information about their medical history and previous condition, so they don’t have to repeat their story to multiple clinicians. The document includes the things that are important to the individual, advice for optimising communication, and a list of the specialists who make up their care team. 

‘Through my work I am able to support people with disabilities as they navigate the health system and access the care they need and deserve,’ she said. 

To contact Clare, email: awh.Disability.Liaison@awh.org.au or phone 0427 792 476.