#2328_WSLHD_CPH_YIR 2023_4A_WEB

Foreword

We draw on our strong connections and networks to protect the population from infectious disease and environmental health risks through our surveillance and response teams. We use a settings-based approach to help shape and support places in offering healthy choices as easy choices. An example is our partnership with Blacktown City Council, introducing a Healthy Food and Drink Policy to enhance the availability of healthy food and drinks in aquatic and leisure centres. We also apply an equity lens to support those most in need; for example, by engaging parents and local practitioners to improve timely childhood immunisation in low coverage areas. I want to express my sincere appreciation for the dedication and hard work of our staff who are the driving force of our Centre. It is during times of challenge that the true spirit of a team is revealed, and I am grateful to be part of such a kind, compassionate and resilient group. As we farewell the year that was, I want to remember our colleagues Avelyn Kumar, Christian Jones and Joanne Cheatham, who left us too soon but forever remain in our hearts. I look forward to continuing to build on the Centre’s momentum and achieving success against our strategic plans. See you all in 2024.

As we welcome the arrival of a brand-new year, it is with both gratitude and reflection that we look back on the year that was. The Centre for Population Health (CPH) has had quite a journey in 2023 marked by resilience, innovation and collaboration, and our commitment to excellence and collective growth. A milestone for the year was the finalisation of our new leadership team. The infusion of fresh perspectives, diverse skills and increased leadership capacity has strengthened our operational and strategic governance. We have set a strategic direction that aligns with our core values and propels us toward our collective vision: that people who live, work, play, learn and age in western Sydney are healthy and well. As part of charting our roadmap for the next few years, in 2023 we: • Published key strategic directions: ° Centre for Population Health (CPH) Strategic Framework (2022-24) ° Health Promotion Framework and Strategy (2023-25) ° WSLHD E-Cigarette Action Plan (2023-25) More on page 6 about these. • Initiated review and consolidation of Public Health Unit teams and functions with consideration of what will be required in the future public health context as we transition out of the COVID-19 emergency response. • Incorporated learnings from COVID-19 into a renewed Emergency Management and Preparedness program. • Launched our updated and refreshed CPH website; and • Continued focus and commitment to our priority life stages through our Maternity Clinical Engagement strategy. Our focus on strong partnerships with WSLHD services, local councils, educational institutions, community organisations (and others) continues, resulting in innovative approaches and projects that further amplify our population health impact within the community.

Dr Shopna Bag MBBS BSc(MED), MIPH, FAFPHM Director, Centre for Population Health Western Sydney Local Health District February 2024

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WSLHD Centre for Population Health Year in Review 2023