At Macarthur Legal Centre we recognise that legal issues can directly affect a person’s health and wellbeing. Financial stress, housing problems, family law matters, or access to services can all have a serious impact on physical and mental health. To address this, we participate in Health Justice Partnerships (HJPs), which are formal collaborations between legal services and healthcare providers.
HJPs embed legal support within healthcare settings, making it easier for patients to access help early, and ensuring legal issues are resolved in ways that support overall health outcomes. These partnerships also foster close collaboration between health and legal professionals, strengthening interdisciplinary care and creating streamlined referral pathways.
Our Partnerships
We currently operate HJPs with two key services in South-Western Sydney:
Campbelltown and Camden Hospitals
Our partnership with Campbelltown and Camden Hospitals allows hospital staff, including social workers, to identify patients with legal needs and refer them directly to our Centre. We support clients with a range of legal issues, but particularly for those in palliative care we provide support with important legal documents such as wills, enduring powers of attorney, and guardianship arrangements. This work brings peace of mind to individual and helps prevent future legal issues by ensuring that people have legally binding documentation in place that clearly embodies their wishes.
By embedding legal assistance within the hospital system, we help patients address issues that might otherwise go unrecognised, improving their health and wellbeing.
Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Services
Our outreach partnership with Tharawal Aboriginal Medical Services provides on-site legal support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. Legal assistance is integrated into the medical service, making it easier for patients to receive timely help with matters that affect health, housing, or family circumstances.
Why Health Justice Partnerships matter
Health Justice Partnerships aim to:
Through these partnerships, we can reach people who might not otherwise seek legal help, ensuring that legal and health needs are addressed together.
Can I get help through a Health Justice Partnership?
If you are a patient of Campbelltown Hospital or Camden Hospital and would like legal advice or assistance, please talk to hospital social work staff to arrange a referral to Macarthur Legal Centre.
If you have any questions, please call on us (02) 4628 2042.