Women's health Archives | Page 6 of 6 | South Western Sydney PHN

20 November 2020

Tragically, one woman on average dies in Australia as a result of domestic violence every week.

A number of significant dates are coming up in the next few weeks which shine the spotlight on this alarming figure and call the community to action – to end violence against women and support human rights.

White Ribbon Day

International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women

World Human Rights Day

16 Days of Activism

Professional development webinars

SayNo2DV Breakfast

Domestic Violence Service Directory

1800 Respect

Friday, 20 November is White Ribbon Day

White Ribbon Day brings people together – in person and online – to raise awareness and commit to action to prevent men’s violence against women. In workplaces, schools and communities all over Australia, organisers are asking you to stand up, speak out and act to end gendered violence.

How you can help stop violence against women

Wednesday, 25 November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women

Violence against women and girls is one of the most widespread, persistent and devastating human rights violations in our world today and remains largely unreported due to the impunity, silence, stigma and shame surrounding it. The United Nations designated November 25 as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence Against Women to raise awareness of these facts.

Campbelltown City Council will hold its annual Driving Out Violence Convoy on Wednesday, 25 November which will travel across the LGA to raise awareness. The convoy starts at West League Club at 9am. This date marks the start of 16 Days of Activism.

To find out more, including the route the convoy will take.

The Driving out Violence Convoy will pass Campbelltown Hospital (Parkside Cres) about 9.20am. Come out and show your support

Thursday, 10 December is World Human Rights Day

Human Rights Day is the day the United Nations adopted, in 1948, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. The declaration proclaims the rights which everyone is entitled to as a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language, political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or other status. Available in more than 500 languages, it is the most translated document in the world.

What are the 16 Days of Activism and why should you care?

Each year, from 25 November to 10 December, the 16 Days of Activism campaign calls for action against one of the world’s most persistent violations of human rights – violence against women.

During the 16 Days of Activism, people around the world unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence, challenge discriminatory attitudes and call for improved laws and services to end violence against women for good.

SWSLHD professional development webinars for healthcare workers

South Western Sydney Local Health District is hosting a series of professional development webinars that will unpack some need-to-know information for building knowledge, skill and application to respond to violence, abuse and neglect.

The webinars start today, White Ribbon Day, and run during the 16 days of Activism, 25 November to 10 December.

To download the calender

SayNo2DV virtual breakfast – 2 December

The Camden/Wollondilly Domestic Violence Committee’s annual SayNo2DV breakfast has been redesigned to ensure it is COVID Safe. You can join the breakfast via Facebook to listen to a compelling interview via video with a survivor of domestic violence. She will talk about her journey and experiences – both good and bad. The breakfast will be held on Wednesday, 2 December from 8.30am to 9.15am.
To find out more
To register

Canterbury Bankstown Domestic Violence Service Directory

If you need help finding local domestic violence support services, visit cbdvsd.com.au

1800RESPECT 10 Year Anniversary

This year’s 16 Days of Activism campaign coincides with the 10th anniversary of the 1800RESPECT service.

The national sexual assault, domestic or family violence telephone service was started in 2010 as part of the National Plan to Reduce Violence against Women and their Children. Under the National Plan, 1800RESPECT is to provide to support to people impacted by violence and abuse, their friends and family, and frontline workers in the sexual assault and domestic violence sectors.

Phone 1800 737 732 24 hours

Chat online 24 hours

Find services in your area

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12 November 2020

South Western Sydney Local Health District will host a series of professional development webinars that will unpack some need-to-know information for building knowledge, skill and application to respond to violence, abuse and neglect.

When do the webinars commence?

What are the key webinar benefits?

Who is the target audience?

Learn more about the webinars

When do the webinars commence?

These webinars commence on White Ribbon Day, 20 November, followed by the 16 days of Activism Against Gender-based Violence, 25 November to 10 December.

For this year’s 16 days, UN Women is calling for communities to UNiTE and move beyond awareness to tangible action weaving women’s rights and gender equality into our everyday behaviour, practice and communities.

What are the key webinar benefits?

You can choose and register a single or multiple sessions of interest
Accessible online – registered participants will receive a link via email one week prior to the event
Short and sharp one-hour Breakfast bite or Lunchtime bite timeslots to maximum your time and learning
Ask questions to a subject matter expert during the 15-minute moderated Q&A at the end of each session
Gain new insights and practice resources that you can use to enhance your work
Build capacity and understanding across the sector in South Western Sydney

Who is the target audience?

Practitioners and managers working in community, government, education, police and justice sector with responsibility for: family and domestic violence; men’s behaviour change programs, women’s services, child protection; violence prevention, mental health, drug and alcohol and health professionals are encouraged to attend.

Learn more about the webinars

19 October 2020

SWSPHN has again urged our community ‘don’t neglect your health’ following the release of a new report which shows the number of cancer screening tests performed as part of national population screening programs declined during the first few months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) report, Cancer screening and COVID-19 in Australia, brings together data for the period of January to June 2020 on the three national cancer screening programs – BreastScreen Australia, the National Cervical Screening Program and the National Bowel Cancer Screening Program.

See below for more on the Cancer screening and COVID-19 in Australia report

In July, SWSPHN partnered with the South Western Sydney Local Health District, local GPs and emergency department doctors for the Don’t Neglect Your Health campaign video series, urging the community not to let their regular health take a backseat during COVID-19.

Local doctors reassured our community it was safe have regular check-ups, have blood tests and fill prescriptions for chronic conditions, get flu vaccinations and book cancer screenings during the pandemic.

They warned neglecting your regular health or chronic conditions now could lead to serious health issues and worsening chronic conditions down the track.

Watch our videos

SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, has renewed those calls, emphasising the importance of managing your general health.

Dr McDonald said the AIHW report had highlighted the significant impact COVID-19 had had on breast screening rates, especially during the early months of the pandemic. He said the long-term consequences of delayed screening during the pandemic would not be known for some time.

“Screening for cancer is vital – early detection can increase your chances of successful treatment and survival.

“In terms of managing your general health, your local doctor’s surgery is one of the safest places you can visit. GPs know the importance of infection control and every GP is taking steps to keep you, and every patient, safe,” Dr McDonald.

“During the pandemic and beyond, it’s important to maintain routine check-ups – don’t let little things turn into big things. Don’t put off filling your prescriptions or seeing the GP for a repeat for your prescription. Ensure you keep your vaccinations up-to-date and keep up with any screening or tests recommended by your GP.

“Please, don’t neglect your health.”

According to the AIHW report:

BreastScreen Australia

In April about 1,100 screening mammograms were performed compared with 74,000 in April 2018. Overall, there were about 145,000 fewer screening mammograms conducted by BreastScreen Australia in January to June 2020 compared with January to June 2018.

National Cervical Screening Program

The number of cervical screening tests was expected to drop in 2020 due to the National Cervical Screening Program changing from two-yearly to five-yearly screening so it is difficult to know the impact of the pandemic on the screening rate.

However, data shows a decline in the number of cervical screening tests from the second half of March 2020, which remained low throughout April, during which fewer than 30,000 tests were carried out. The number of tests began to increase in May and rose again in June.

National Bowel Cancer Screening Program

From the data, it appears that the COVID-19 pandemic did not have a direct effect on bowel cancer screening which involves home test kits, sent to eligible participants who then mail their completed test kit for laboratory testing.

Visit the AIHW website to read more

03 September 2020

Key facts

1 in 7 women in NSW will develop breast cancer in their lifetime
9 out of 10 women with breast cancer have no family history of the disease
The best way to find breast cancer early in women aged 50 to 74 is to have a breast screen
89 out of every 100 women diagnosed with invasive breast cancer now survive five or more years beyond diagnosis

Find more information about BreastScreenNSW’s mobile screening van

Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October focuses on breast cancer and its impact on those affected by the disease in our community.

Breast cancer remains the most common cancer among Australian women (excluding non-melanoma skin cancer). Key risk factors for developing breast cancer are being female and getting older – 75 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer are over 50.

Early detection remains the best chance of survival.

It is important women of all ages self-check their breasts and women aged 50 to 74 years take up the invitation of a free screening.

Self-check

Changes to look for include:

a new lump or lumpiness, especially if it’s only in one breast
a change in the size or shape of your breast
a change to the nipple, such as crusting, ulcer, redness or inversion
a nipple discharge that occurs without squeezing
a change in the skin of your breast such as redness or dimpling
an unusual pain that doesn’t go away.

Most changes aren’t due to breast cancer but it’s important to see your doctor without delay if you notice any of these changes.

Free screening

BreastScreen NSW provides free screening to women 50 to 74 at fixed locations at Bankstown, Liverpool, Campbelltown and Bowral and through its mobile screening van which will be at Fairfield Forum from 7 September to 20 November, Monday to Friday and selected Saturdays.

Make an appointment by calling 13 20 50, book online or drop in to the van for assistance. COVID-19 safety measures are in place.

Remember, if found early, breast cancer is easier to treat and there is an increased chance of survival.

Find more information:

BreastScreen NSW Service Schedule 2020 – brochure

Breast screening and you – brochure

BreastScreen NSW COVID-19 safety measures – brochure

Breast screening at Fairfield Forum – poster

Breast screening at Fairfield Forum (information for Aboriginal women) – poster

03 August 2020

SWSPHN’s webinar – When Home Is Not Safe: Family and Domestic Violence During COVID-19 – on 7 July was well received by participants.

The webinar covered the challenges and opportunities to identify and respond to domestic and family violence as a primary care provider.

It was presented by Zual Hakim, Team Leader – Green Valley Liverpool Domestic Violence Service, Primary and Community Health and Angela Hall, Project Coordinator – Prevention and Response to Violence, Abuse and Neglect, Primary and Community Health SWSLHD.

Please find below some resources which might be of interest.

It’s Time to Talk website

Download the complete GP Toolkit (PDF)
Download Waiting Room Poster (PDF)

If you require further information, please contact Angela Hall at Angela.Hall@health.nsw.gov.au or Zual Hakim at Zual.Hakim@health.nsw.gov.au

28 May 2020

BreastScreen NSW has recommenced routine breast screening. It suspended services temporarily to protect women, staff and the community from the risk of COVID-19 (coronavirus).

It is currently inviting women to have their regular breast screen, starting with clients who had their appointments cancelled during the suspension period.

Please wait to be reinvited by BreastScreen NSW before contacting them on 13 20 50 or making a booking online.

To download information about safety measures

12 May 2020

Health professionals are advised that BreastScreen NSW is now open and preparing to resume breast screening from 18 May. It may take a few weeks before all screening clinics across the state are open as capacity is impacted by the redeployment of staff and the requisitioning of clinics.

Women who had their appointments cancelled will be prioritised and contacted directly, as soon as possible, to reschedule their appointment. Women are being asked to wait for their invitation before contacting BreastScreen NSW.

BreastScreen NSW is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its clients and staff during this time. It is not anticipating any disruption to the screening pathway.

BreastScreen NSW recommends:

women who develop breast symptoms speak with their GP without delay
symptomatic women should be referred to a specialist clinic or breast surgeon

BreastScreen NSW will provide regular updates via its website and Facebook page about the breast screening service.

If you have any questions, contact BreastScreen NSW at CINSW-BreastScreenNSW@health.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

07 May 2020

BreastScreen NSW is now open and preparing to resume breast screening from 18 May. It may take a few weeks before all screening clinics across the state are open as capacity is impacted by the redeployment of staff and the requisitioning of clinics.

Women who had their appointments cancelled will be prioritised and contacted directly, as soon as possible, to reschedule their appointment.

Women are being asked to wait for their invitation before contacting BreastScreen NSW.

BreastScreen NSW is taking all necessary steps to ensure the safety and wellbeing of its clients and staff during this time. It is not anticipating any disruption to the screening pathway.

BreastScreen NSW recommends:

women who develop breast symptoms speak with their GP without delay
symptomatic women should be referred to a specialist clinic or breast surgeon

BreastScreen NSW will provide regular updates via its website and Facebook page about the breast screening service.

If you have any questions, contact BreastScreen NSW at CINSW-BreastScreenNSW@health.nsw.gov.au or by calling 13 20 50.

For more information on COVID-19, visit health.gov.au NSW Health.

02 March 2020

Health professionals are invited to the BreastScreen Australia Conference at the National Convention Centre in Canberra from 27 to 29 August.

Inspiring International and Australian speakers and experts will be presenting in many disciplines, including breast radiology, pathology, public health, radiography, health promotion and counselling.

With a focus on the early detection of breast cancer, and the future of breast cancer treatments and diagnostic methods, the conference will highlight current research, explore new technologies and emerging developments in breast imaging, diagnosis and interventions.

Evidence-based innovative practices across the country will also be showcased.

Keynote speakers include:

Dr Matthew Wallis, Consultant Radiologist, Cambridge University Hospital, United Kingdom
Prof Dr Ruud Pijnappel, Breast Radiologist, Department of Radiology, University Medical Centre Utrecht, the Netherlands
Solveig Hofvind, Head of Section, Breast Cancer Screening Programme, Cancer Registry, Norway
Dr Donna Taylor, Consultant Radiologist, BreastScreen WA and Royal Perth Hospital, Australia
Dr David Clouston, Anatomical Pathologist, Tissupath, Australia
Prof Nehmat Houssami, Clinician Researcher, Public Health, University of Sydney and Faculty of Medicine and Health, Australia

Early bird registrations are now open. The registration fee includes the opportunity to network with health professionals at dinner at Australian Parliament House.

To register.

13 February 2020

YOU’RE INVITED!

Join in celebrating International Women’s Day at the Hilda Davies Citizen Centre, Liverpool on Tuesday, 10 March, from 9.30am to 1.30pm.

Enjoy a day filled with inspiring guest speakers, self-care and entertainment by women.

RSVP by 2 March to SWSLHD-HealthPromotionUnit@health.nsw.gov.au

Find out more