16 December 2024

Service Navigators who will link people from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) and refugee backgrounds, and people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, with appropriate primary healthcare services in South Western Sydney will be available across our region early next year.

South Western Sydney PHN has funded Settlement Services International (SSI) – an organisation with known expertise and experience in delivering support and programs to South Western Sydney’s diverse community – to provide the service.

Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, said SWSPHN designed the Service Navigator in partnership with community, service providers, healthcare professionals and people with lived experience, after identifying a need in our community.

In South Western Sydney, about 42 per cent of people were born overseas, reflecting our region’s demographics.

CALD and refugee communities face specific health challenges, with priority needs centred around chronic disease management, sexual and reproductive health, domestic violence and infectious diseases.

These communities report significant disparities in healthcare experiences, including not feeling understood and supported by healthcare providers, inadequate information to manage their health effectively, insufficient social support systems and reduced likelihood of having a regular GP.

More than 12,000 people across South Western Sydney were homeless or at risk of homelessness, according to the 2021 Census.

Community feedback identified several barriers for people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, when accessing primary healthcare.

These barriers include financial hardship, limited awareness of available healthcare services, challenges in physical access to facilities, social stigma associated with homelessness, difficulties in accessing mental health services, and a lack of well-defined referral pathways between service providers.

Dr McDonald said the Service Navigator would improve access to primary healthcare, enhance connection to community health services and provide financial relief through subsidised primary care costs, for these targeted populations.

The Service Navigator will:

  • serve as a single point of contact for individuals from CALD and refugee backgrounds, or people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness
  • provide ongoing service navigation support to ensure comprehensive care coordination
  • connect clients with community health services
  • connect clients with a regular GP for ongoing care
  • set clients up with a Medicare card where eligible
  • work with each client to provide personalised support tailored to their specific health needs
  • promote access to preventative healthcare measures such as cancer screening

“We would like to thank all those who contributed to the design of this service which is an important step towards ensuring everyone in our community, especially our most vulnerable, have equal access to culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and person-centred care,” Dr McDonald said.

“We’re looking forward to working with SSI to ensure the service’s success and improve health outcomes for our community.”

03 September 2024

The NSW Multicultural HIV and Hepatitis Service (MHAHS) offers a dedicated HIV Clinical Concierge Program to support people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds who are living with HIV.

This free, confidential program provides personalised support.

The program matches clients with bilingual/bicultural Clinical Concierges who are carefully selected and trained to deliver culturally appropriate, in-language support and education.

The aim of the program is to enhance HIV health literacy, support treatment initiation and adherence, and to facilitate health system navigation and engagement with various HIV clinical and support services.

The program is overseen by the program coordinator, a senior social worker who provides clinical supervision to all Clinical Concierges, monitors client progress and regularly updates referrers.

GPs can easily refer patients to the HIV Clinical Concierge Program using the e-referral form or contact the program coordinator on 0436 850 905 to discuss if the program is right for your patient.

Find more information by downloading the Service Provider flyer.

Access comprehensive HIV information for clients with the multilingual booklet, HIV: What you need to know, available in eight languages.

Download or order free print copies from the MHAHS website.

10 July 2024

NSW Health is providing access to free public hospital services for people fleeing the Israel-Gaza war who arrived in Australia on, or after, 17 October 2023.

This is a temporary arrangement under the NSW Health policy for asylum seekers as many who fled the Israel-Gaza war did so on a visitor/tourist visa which does not generally include access to Medicare.

NSW Health public hospitals, mental health services, NSW Ambulance and NSW Health Pathology are required to waive fees for public health services such as emergency care, ambulatory and outpatient care, maternity services (antenatal and postnatal care), mental health services and ambulance transport for emergencies.

Patients will need to provide relevant documentation such as a visa, passport or travel documents.  

For more information:

Free public healthcare (English)

Free public healthcare (Arabic)

Free public health care (Hebrew)

Torture & trauma service Referrals can be made to STARTTS. Medicare is not required. Call 9646 6800 and ask for the Intake Counsellor.

Emergency financial assistance: Red Cross

For any further information call the NSW Refugee Health Service on 9794 0770.

05 June 2024

Research shows an individual in South Western Sydney is 2.6 times more likely to speak a language other than English, and 1.6 times more likely to be born in a country other than Australia, when compared to the rest of NSW. 

The Australian Bureau of Statistics states culturally and linguistically diverse communities report significant disparities in their healthcare experience, including: lower levels of agreement in feeling understood and supported by health providers; not having sufficient information to manage their health; not receiving enough social support to manage their health; being less likely to have a regular GP; and being more likely to go to a hospital emergency department when they need after-hours medical care.  

The culturally diverse nature of South Western Sydney presents unique opportunities to collaborate with a wide range of people.  

Embracing these opportunities is a priority for South Western Sydney PHN, which is actively developing innovative projects and activities to improve healthcare access and outcomes for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) communities.

A co-creation project currently underway aims to identify healthcare gaps across the region and then develop recommendations which will guide the commissioning of future services. 

The first step in the process has been to consult with healthcare and service providers, and multicultural and refugee communities to better understand their health needs. 

Over the course of several months, SWSPHN project team members conducted 16 interviews with GPs, service providers and allied health professionals.

They also ran a series of focus groups with the Vietnamese, Arabic, Mandarin and refugee communities, as well as conducting two surveys for consumers and providers. 

Discussion focused on identifying the health needs and risk factors for multicultural and refugee communities, as well as the barriers to accessing healthcare.

Team members also sought to identify the opportunity and priority areas to improve health outcomes. 

Chronic disease, domestic violence, infectious disease, and sexual and reproductive health issues were identified as significant issues and the barriers to care included language difficulties and cost of services. 

Priority areas included the need for improved access and quality of care, resources to improve health literacy, support for health professionals to deliver culturally safe care and further research and consultation to understand the health and service needs.   

SWSPHN took the information gathered during the initial consultations to develop three new initiatives:  

  • service navigator, a service which seeks to put people from vulnerable communities in contact with healthcare services   
  • community chronic disease education sessions for multicultural communities 
  • trauma informed care and domestic violence training for health providers  

The next step in the process, the co-design of the service navigator, is currently underway. The codesign sessions give people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds an opportunity to give feedback on the proposed services.

Find out about participating in the codesign of the service navigator

 

21 May 2024

Two groups in South Western Sydney have been identified as needing better support to access to healthcare:

  1. People who are homeless. This includes those sleeping rough, couch surfing or living in temporary housing.
  2. People speak a language other than English at home. This includes those from diverse cultural and/or religious backgrounds. These people may be born overseas and may be a refugee.

If you have personal experiences being homeless or are from a culturally diverse background, your input can help improve primary healthcare in South Western Sydney.

Your contribution will help design three new initiatives which will be funded by South Western Sydney PHN.

  1. Service Navigator a service which seeks to put people from these vulnerable communities in contact with healthcare services.
  2. Community chronic disease education sessions for multicultural communities
  3. Trauma informed care and domestic violence training for health providers

 

What to expect

You will attend three online co-design sessions via Zoom over three months. Each meeting will be one-hour long.

Co-design sessions are meetings where community members and other stakeholders, including health professionals, give feedback on a proposed product, service or policy.

You will share your experiences and suggestions to help develop the Service Navigator model.

Session dates:

Wednesday, 26 June 2024
Wednesday, 28 August 2024
Wednesday, 26 February 2025

Each one-hour session will take place in the afternoon at a time to be determined.

You will be paid $50 per session for your time.

Use the form below to register. A member of the project team will review your submission and send you an invitation with a link to the meeting via Zoom.

You will need access to Zoom

If you do not yet have access, here are three options:

Download the Zoom app onto your smartphone or tablet
Access Zoom via a web browser on a desktop computer

Check if your local library can assist you by providing access a desktop computer and a private space.
Canterbury Bankstown Library services
Camden Libraries
Campbelltown Libraries
Fairfield City Open Libraries 
Liverpool City Libraries 
Wollondilly Library 
Wingecarribee 

Register your interest

 

South Western Sydney PHN’s role in healthcare

South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government. It serves the local government areas of Bankstown, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee.

One of the main jobs of SWSPHN is to talk to health professionals and the community to figure out what health services are needed in South Western Sydney and how to improve community health.

A representative from SWSPHN will lead the co-design sessions.

Learn more about how SWSPHN funds services through commissioning
Learn more about Primary Health Networks on the Department of Health and Aged Care website

 

Project background

Earlier this year, we held community focus groups in South Western Sydney. These groups found our community needs more support for two groups, multicultural communities, and homeless people.

We found a need for a Service Navigator program to link clients with culturally appropriate or accessible services, assist with Medicare applications, provide in-language support, and to provide education on how to navigate the healthcare system.

We are now designing a Service Navigator model which will have a set eligibility criterion to address these needs. The co-design sessions will ensure the model meets the support needs of these groups.

The next step after the co-design meetings is asking providers to apply to deliver the service which will be funded by SWSPHN. SWSPHN already funds Service Navigators, including the care finder service and the mental health navigator.

Register your interest to attend co-design sessions

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Which cohort will you represent?*
These sessions will be held in spoken English.
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08 March 2024

Harmony Week, celebrated from 18 to 24 March, celebrates multiculturalism, diversity and inclusion.

Foster cultural safety and inclusivity by using the below links:

Translated information for your patients

Health Resource Directory

Health Resource Directory (HRD) is a collection of easy-to-understand health factsheets which have been formulated under strict clinical guidelines. Factsheets include information about local support and health services, and are available in English, Vietnamese, Simplified Chinese and Arabic. HRD also includes webpages with reliable health information for people who have been diagnosed with a health condition. You can find links to the directory in the For Patient information section of most HealthPathways clinical pages. Visit Health Resource Directory.

HealthPathways

HealthPathways is a quick and simple-to-use online clinical decision tool with information on:

  • management and treatment options for clinical conditions
  • educational resources for patients
  • referral information for local services and specialists

Some of the many relevant HealthPathways pages include:

05 March 2024

The Translating and Interpreting Service (TIS National) uses interpreters to ensure equitable access to healthcare.

Family members may be unable to translate complex medical information, but TIS can help by providing support in more than 150 languages.

GPs can access the service free to provide Medicare rebateable services.

Use an interpreter to:

  • break down language barriers between you and your non-English speaking patient
  • empower diverse communities to access the healthcare services they need
  • foster inclusivity and promote better health outcomes for everyone

You can contact TIS National Contact Centre on 131 450:

  • for immediate phone interpreting
  • to pre-book a FREE interpreter

Register for TIS National services

 Time poor, jump the queue: 

The Automated Telephone Interpreting Service (ATIS) is an automated interpreting service GPs can call for direct and immediate access to a phone interpreter.

It is available in more than 50 languages.                    

GPs can access the service by calling 1800 131 450. To use ATIS you need to have a: TIS National client code; ATIS account number; and an ATIS access number. There is no cost for this service for GPs with a TIS account. How do I use ATIS?

Find out more:

SWSPHN Primary Care Resources

TIS National

20 February 2024

TAFE NSW Bankstown is seeking general practices in South Western Sydney willing to host one of 30 TAFE students to do general administration work experience at their service.

The students are undertaking the Refugee and Migrant Health Career Pathway program, a partnership between TAFE NSW, Canterbury Hospital, Bankstown Hospital and Metro Assist.

The program has three elements:

  1. Certificate I Workplace Skills – term 1
  2. Vocational Language and Employment Preparation (health industry focused) – term 2
  3. Up to 30 hours work experience – term 2 (May/ June 2024)

The employment pathway for these students may include:

  • receptionist
  • administration assistance
  • data entry
  • filing and sorting medical and centre records

Many of the students enrolled in the program are newly arrived or have been in Australia for less than 10 years. The program aims to build the skills of students and provide an opportunity to do work experience which can be added to their resume.

TAFE NSW will cover their workers compensation element of the work experience, as long as they are TAFE NSW students.

If your practice is able to take on a student for work experience during May/June 2024, please email Myriam Bahari at myriam.bahari4@tafensw.edu.au or call on 0491 214 933 by 15 March 2024.

08 December 2023

Have you recently arrived in Australia from Gaza on a Visitor Visa due to the current conflict?

Or are you hosting family members from Gaza and require support?

SSI Crisis Arrival Response Support (NSW) case workers are available to offer advice and guidance.

SSI’s flyer with more information is available in English and Arabic.

SSI can be contacted on 9685 0100.

30 November 2023

The recent violence in Gaza and Israel is resonating within communities across Australia, including those in South Western Sydney. It may also be impacting you directly, people you know or the individuals you serve.

There are valuable resources available to support those impacted during this challenging period.

SWSPHN-commissioned services

Clinical Suicide Prevention Service

headspace

Head to Health

Lifeline – suicide support services

NewAccess South Western Sydney

 

Online

Headstart

 

Helplines

Lifeline: call 13 11 14 (24/7) OR text 0477 131 114 (6pm to 12am, seven days)

Kids Helpline (for children and young people five to 25 years): 1800 551 800 (24/7) OR chat online

Beyond Blue Support Service: 1300 224 636 (24/7) OR chat online

MensLine Australia: 1300 789 978 (24/7) OR chat online

GriefLine: 1300 845 745 (12pm to 3am, seven days)

 

Local services

NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS)

CORE Community Services

Western Sydney Migrant Resource Centre

 

NSW Health

Directory of mental health services and programs  

Transcultural Mental Health Line1800 648 911

 

Department of Health and Aged Care

National mental health services (this directory is translated into key languages) 

healthdirect

 

Department of Education

Support in times of crisis  

Strengthening harmony and building resilience in school communities

Information about Anti-Racism Contact Officers and resources to support their role  

National mental health services (this directory is translated into key languages) 

 

Witness to War

Witness to War is a free, confidential multilingual telephone hotline for people in Australia affected by overseas conflicts.

Call 1800 845 198  Monday to Friday, 10am to 7pm.

Witness to War staff can talk to you in Arabic, Hebrew, Dari, Ukrainian, English and in other languages with an interpreter.

 

NSW Police Force

If you or your follow community members ever feel unsafe or threatened, call 000 if it is an emergency, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444, or contact your local Police Area Command

How to report hate crimes

 

Anti-Discrimination NSW

Online incident reporting

 

Other avenues of assistance

Contact your local doctor/GP. 

Community members from refugee backgrounds who need mental health support can be referred to the NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Services (NSW STARTTS). Phone  9646 6800.

 

Information for people impacted by distressing events

It is normal to have strong emotional and/or physical reactions following a distressing event, including crises like those now being experienced in Gaza and Israel. These reactions may be experienced if you were directly or indirectly exposed.

Almost everyone who experiences a distressing event will be emotionally affected, but not everyone will respond in the same way.

 

Possible reactions to traumatic events include:

  • Feeling stressed, anxious, exhausted or confused
  • Feeling sad, overwhelmed or angry
  • Shock, feeling ‘numb’
  • Uncertainty about the future
  • Feeling lonely, isolated or withdrawn
  • Feeling unwell – headaches, difficulty sleeping, eating, weight loss/gain
  • Resentment or blaming others
  • Increased substance use
  • Thoughts of suicide or self-harm

For most, these reactions subside over a few days or weeks.

 

When to seek help:

If distress lasts longer than one month, it is a good idea to seek the support of a health professional. Talking to your GP about how you are feeling is a good place to start.

Only some people who are distressed after a traumatic event will develop a mental illness such as Post Traumatic Distress Disorder (PTSD), Depression or Anxiety.

 

Self-help strategies:

  • Find a safe place to stay
  • Talk to someone you trust
  • Know that how you are feeling is normal result of a traumatic event
  • Give yourself time, know that the way you are feeling will not last
  • Make time for relaxation
  • Exercise and eat regular, well-balanced meals
  • Restrict stimulants such as tea, coffee, chocolate, soft-drinks and cigarettes
  • Avoid drugs and alcohol
  • Try to get back to your normal routine as soon as possible

 

Supporting someone you know:

  • Don’t pressure the person into talking
  • Be a good listener
  • Be patient
  • Provide practical support e.g. offer to watch children, pets, do the weekly shopping
  • Encourage the person to take care of themselves and do things they enjoy
  • Take care of yourself