WOMEN'S HEALTH

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The implementation of the first South Western Sydney Area Health Service Women’s Health Plan 1991-94, and developments within the Area Health Service during this period, have resulted in significant improvements in the provision of health services to women across South Western Sydney.

The first Women’s Health Plan was the subject of comprehensive review which highlighted the influence that the Plan has had on the development of an infrastructure for women’s health services in South Western Sydney. The review found that:-

"the achievements of the plan demonstrate what is possible when priorities are established, roles are clearly delineated, and performance indicators provide a guide to assess progress … The Women’s Health Program has a positive profile both within and beyond the Area Health Service. Strong working relationships have been established with the non-government Women’s Health Services and with other sectors. The Program is regarded as one of the most innovative in the State, with the Domestic Violence Policy and the process which lead to its development becoming the prototype for New South Wales." (Wise: 1995).

Key developments during the period of the first plan are as follows:

• Appointment of the Area Women’s Health Coordinator which has improved planning and delivery of Women’s Health Programs;
• Development of the SWSAHS Domestic Violence Policy & Protocol;
• Employment of a Bilingual Community Education Program in women’s health;
• Development of three bilingual community education programs for women of non-English speaking background (NESB);
• The establishment of Mammography Screening Services for Older Women through the Western Breast Screening Unit;
• The Caroline Chisholm Centre for Women and Babies at Liverpool Hospital;
• Karitane Residential Facility for Mothers and Babies in Fairfield;
• A Domestic Violence Services and a Mid to Older Women’s Service at Campbelltown, as part of a service agreement with the Benevolent Society;
• A Post-Natal Depression Service linked to Karitane with support from Burdekin Mental Health Funding;
• Fairfield Multi-Cultural Family Planning Service with funding from the National Women’s Health Program

Strategic directions for the new Women’s Health Plan have been formulated taking into consideration the findings of the Review, the National and State Health Goals and Targets, the National Women’s Health Policy, consultations with local service providers and consumers, and demographic and epidemiological data. In regard to women’s health therefore, the mission of the SWSAHS is "To improve the health and wellbeing of women in South Western Sydney to be the best in NSW".

The planning framework, profile of women in South Western Sydney, results of the consultation process and the goals, strategies and outcomes of the new plan are detailed in the Plan.

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