NSW Health WSLHD Safety & Quality Account 2020-21

Integrated and community health

Western Sydney Diabetes The Western Sydney Diabetes initiative was established in response to the growing threat diabetes poses to the western Sydney community’s health and wellbeing. In 2021-2022 the initiative continued to deliver community programs for Aboriginal community, the Filipino community, Chinese community, Sudanese community, and the Pacific Islander community to tackle diabetes in these high-risk groups. This came in the form of: • local programs delivered at cultural community events such as Ramadan. Partnering with local community leaders, these programs provided education and information on diabetes prevention and management, connecting people with relevant services and promoting NSW Health programs such as Get Healthy. • The Mount Druitt community diabetes clinic was established, and resulted in a 2% reduction in patients HbA1c and increase in patient satisfaction. HbA1c measures the amount of blood sugar (glucose) attached to your hemoglobin. • Diabesity Masterclass Series- 13 sessions delivered virtually to 1400 participants across WSLHD, NSW and Australia. This program targeted General Practitioners, hospital clinicians, allied health providers and provided information on up to date best practice in diabetes care.

Caring for Urinary Catheter at Home Urinary catheter-associated complications contribute to avoidable, costly hospital presentations and impact patients’ quality of life, morbidity and mortality. In 2019, 2576 patients presented to the Emergency Department within the Western Sydney Local Health District with catheter-related issues, with an estimated annual cost of $2 million. Complications associated with in-dwelling catheters are highly preventable through improved catheter care practices. ‘Caring for Urinary catheter at home’ patient information booklet was designed to meet the information needs of patients, help them to self-monitor and self-manage their catheter in addition to troubleshoot or prevent common catheter-associated complications. This booklet is available across the district in both electronic version and paper- based format.

Feedback from patients such as

“I wish I had this information when I first had the catheter.”

“I have never seen a catheter in my life before and suddenly I had to live with one. This booklet helped me to care for my catheter.”

WSLHD Outreach Vaccination Ukrainian refugees. Veronika B. receives vaccination.

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