NSW Health WSLHD Safety & Quality Account 2020-21

Better Supporting Individuals with Disability WSLHD is supporting greater inclusivity and empowerment for people with disability, their carers, and their families in the community, as well as for staff with disabilities in the workforce.

1.23% of WSLHD staff report having a disability.

An estimated 23,000 asylum seekers live in the WSLHD catchment.

It is estimated more than 180,000 residents live with a disability.

Disability Inclusion Action Plan The inaugural WSLHD Disability Inclusion Action Plan was launched in November 2022 and sets out specific actions that will be undertaken across WSLHD, to support equitable access to services and employment for people with disability in the Western Sydney area over the next three years. The plan is focused on four key areas: • Promoting a positive attitude and behaviour regarding disability inclusion • Creating liveable communities for people with disability • Providing equitable systems and processes • Supporting access to meaningful employment opportunities

One Stop Shop Clinic The “One-Stop-Shop” hospital clinic trial was started by Dr Peter Smith and rehabilitation physician Dr Rummana Afreen after noticing people with complex disabilities were turning up in emergency departments with otherwise preventable conditions. The clinic allows adults with complex physical and intellectual impairments to comfortably receive routine tests such as blood work, dental checks, scans, eye tests, ear checks, urine, and bowel assessments to manage their health. In one case, 17 different specialty teams were involved in the care of a patient. The One Stop Shop has been a successful example of an integrated multidisciplinary clinic that significantly improves the quality of life, health outcomes and experience when accessing healthcare for individuals with disabilities. This trial is the first step to improving the way we care for individuals with complex disabilities. “I work as a cleaner at Westmead Hospital. It’s hard to find work having an intellectual disability but Westmead has treated me like family. I have been here for nearly 20 years and this is my happy place. Every day I try to do my best and make everyone around me happy. My team is always supportive of me and I feel like they always have my back. I appreciate it.” – Westmead Hospital Cleaner

Marlene Miller (Consumer) sharing her personal and family journey through the health systemwith Bobbi Henao Urrego, Acting District Director of Allied Heath.

L-R Bobbi Henao Urrego, Acting District Director of Allied Heath, Graeme Loy, WSLHD Chief Executive, Nicole Winters, Senior Aboriginal Health Worker -Supportive & Palliative Care, and Erin Wilkins, Director of Darug Custodian Aboriginal Corporation.

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

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