Womens Health Business Case Report

“The WHC’s and the non-government sector more broadly, offer unique value to consumers, practitioners, and the NSW health system. The centres are providing a multitude of primary health and well-being services to a cohort of women who may have otherwise only received care and support via the acute system... the services offered by the centres are underpinned by clinical guidelines or other forms of evidence, and all centres align with women’s preferences for care. Centre staff work collaboratively with other organisations to ensure maximum reach and impact... therefore represent good value to funding bodies, including NSW Health.” 37

2.5 Strategic Alignment with Government Priorities

2.5.1 Overview The Women’s Health Program, delivered by Women’s Health Centres, provides a holistic and integrated approach to community-based health care for priority populations of women which addresses the social determinants of ill health. The program provides access to much needed trauma- informed mental health services outside of the acute care environment, as well as preventative health and health education services to women across their lifespan which allow them to take an active role in their health and well- being and decisions around care. In addition, the community network infrastructure, developed over 40 years by individual Women’s Health Centres, supports a ‘no-wrong door’ approach to servicing, and maximises the impact of both Women’s Health Program funding and other funding. The Women’s Health Programmodel and approach is closely aligned to key priorities across a range of current NSW Government health strategies which include: • improving access to community care outside hospitals • strengthening service integration and co-ordination • addressing the social determinants of ill health • preventative health: improving health education and literacy so that people stay well for longer • improving service accessibility and outcomes for priority populations

KEY MESSAGES • The Women’s Health Programmodel and approach provides access to much needed trauma-informed mental health services outside of the acute care environment, as well as treatment, preventative health and health education services to women across their lifespan • The program is closely aligned to key priorities across a range of current NSW Government health strategies and frameworks. • Key Priorities include: º improving access to community care outside hospitals º strengthening service integration and co-ordination º addressing the social determinants of ill health

º preventative health: improving health education and literacy so that people stay well for longer º improving service accessibility and outcomes for priority populations

“Enhancing support for women’s health is crucial to improving the financial security and overall quality of life of women across New South Wales” – NSW Budget 2022-23: Women’s Opportunity Statement

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Women’s Health NSW – October 2022