NSW Health WSLHD Safety & Quality Account 2020-21

COVID-19

The COVID 19 pandemic has challenged health services across the globe. WSLHD responded to these challenges by adapting the way healthcare services are delivered, whilst keeping a strong focus on safety and quality. COVID-19 Vaccination In 2021/2022, WSLHD delivered 522, 583 vaccinations to the community of western Sydney. During the Delta and Omicron waves of COVID-19, those living in western Sydney had some of the highest rates of infection. As a result, the WSLHD COVID-19 Vaccination program had a strong focus on making vaccination as accessible as possible, specifically vulnerable populations who were most at risk of serious complications from COVID-19. Low Sensory Vaccinations Consumer feedback identified through my experience matters found that there was limited access to low sensory COVID-19 vaccinations that met the needs of people living with an intellectual disability or chronic mental health condition. At the time, COVID-19 vaccination was limited to NSW Health Vaccination Hubs. WSLHD developed the first low sensory vaccination model in NSW, providing timely access to a safe, patient centred COVID-19 vaccination service for eligible individuals. A dedicated clinic was established, with an individualised vaccination plan developed with consumers and their carers prior to arrival. Vaccination was delivered in a calm and low stimulus environment, using diversional therapies such as music, to promote safe vaccination. My Experience Matters survey of 119 consumers average rating the model 95/100 in the domains of Kindness & Respect, Involvement in Care, Likely to Recommend and Patient Experience. To date, over 531 vaccinations have been delivered 2021-2022. daughter’s disability. It was difficult to vaccinate her because she was so scared. They were all so lovely & didn’t get flustered about her behaviour. Thanks so much, you have made it possible for my daughter to be safer living with Covid in the community. She will not only be safer but she will also have the opportunity to participate in the community again which is very important to her disability. Thank you again” My Experience Matters - Low Sensory Vaccination Consumer “Everyone was so understanding & dealt really well with my

Outreach Vaccination Program In a NSW first, the WSLHD Outreach Vaccination Program was established to make COVID-19 vaccination accessible to at risk and priority populations. Working in partnership with community organisations, and advised by WSLHD Population and Multicultural Health, community organisations were identified, and on-site vaccinations were delivered. At risk and priority groups, including those experiencing homelessness, HIV/AIDs, refugees, Residential Aged Care residents and cultural groups experiencing high rates of COVID-19 infection were just some of the people offered outreach vaccination. Critical to the success of this model, was the partnership with community organisations to provide accessible vaccinations to communities who have barriers to accessing care and reaching diverse communities in a culturally safe and appropriate way. This was done through access to transport, information in appropriate language, a trusted local environment and culturally tailored models. Consumers fed back the importance of a familiar environment, a familiar face and attending vaccinations with other members of their community as being very important. To date, 27,000 outreach vaccinations have been delivered by WSLHD.

Top: Mount Druitt Aboriginal family vaccination day. Clients waiting before entering hub. Bottom: WSLHD Outreach Vaccination Clinic Granville Centre. Left to right: Dr Aseel Marioud (Medical Officer), Shaher (Young Woman).

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