NSW Health WSLHD Safety & Quality Account 2020-21

Engaging Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Patients in Clinical Trials The WSLHD Research and Education Network (REN) have partnered with WSLHD Interpreter Services to improve participation of culturally and linguistically diverse patients in clinical trials. A priority interpreter booking process for clinical trials patients has been introduced to enable patients who speak a language other than English to participate in research. 81 interpreting sessions have been conducted for patients in clinical trials. Interpreting sessions have been offered in 12 different languages. This is one of the first initiatives in NSW Health to empower culturally and linguistically diverse patients to participate in clinical trial conversations with their treating clinicians and researchers.

Lynda Smith, Clinical Midwifery Consultant, Dipti Zachariah, Statewide and Specialist Programs Team Leader and Dr. Ngatho Mugo, Community Education Officer.

Make Your Voice Heard WSLHD Multicultural Health Services are working alongside women who have experienced Female Genital Mutilation/Cutting (FGM/C) and with males in the community as part of the NSW Education Program on FGM/C. The program aims to support women and girls affected by or at risk of the FGM/C to be healthy and achieve their full physical and emotional potential using prevention, health promotion and early intervention approaches. The WSLHD Multicultural Health Service hosted an ‘International Day of Zero Tolerance’ event to discuss the fight against FGM/C. Over 85 people attended the event, including community members, foreign diplomats, and partner organisations. Attendees had the privilege of hearing from distinguished speakers, including Dr. Ngatho Mugo who shared preliminary findings from the formative research on understanding men’s perceptions, views, and opinions about the practice of FGM/C.

Multicultural Women’s Health Program Sora Machida is a dedicated

Multicultural Women’s Health Program Officer who works tirelessly to increase health literacy and ensure women have the necessary information and support to access healthcare facilities. Sora’s primary responsibility is to assist women’s groups and organisations in accessing health information and hospital services, ultimately empowering them to take charge of their health. Sora works closely with mothers’ groups and senior support groups, helping women navigate the health system and understanding their needs, challenges and health-related enquiries.

Sora Michida, Multicultural Women’s Health Programme Officer

Safety & Quality Account 2022-2023 Western Sydney Local Health District

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