Why this is important
We all have different experiences with the health system. LGBTIQ+ people may have an experience that is very different from someone who does not have a diverse sexuality, diverse gender identity and/or experience of being intersex.
We will continue to strengthen our practices so that everyone receives healthcare that is responsive, high quality, safe and inclusive. This work is guided by theNSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022–2027.
We have consulted with staff and community members to look at how the state-wide strategy can be delivered locally. This work has to take into account the challenges of providing care in rural and remote settings. Based on feedback, we are delivering a 2-year project to:
- strengthen systems,
- train staff and
- improve access to LGBTIQ+ health expertise across Western NSW.
Actions we are taking
We have consulted with staff and community members to look at how the state-wide strategy can be delivered locally. This work has to take into account the challenges of providing care in rural and remote settings. Based on feedback, we are delivering a 2-year project to:
- strengthen systems,
- train staff and
- improve access to LGBTIQ+ health expertise across Western NSW
- support the recruitment and retention of LGBTIQ+ staff.
Some of the actions we have already delivered as part of this project include:
Hospitals and health facilities in our district now have signe showing our commitment to diversity, inclusion and belonging.
A poster alone doesn’t guarantee change, but it is an important first step to show everyone they are welcome, safe and respected.
Some of our staff may also be wearing personal messages of intent, such as a pin, lanyard or badge. These are choices made by those staff to show their support and signal to LGBTIQ+ people that they are safe.
Our Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol (MHDA) team has partnered with LGBTIQ+ people with lived-experience of accessing mental health care in Western NSW.
In a co-design process we asked consumers what we could do to improve MHDA services for LGBTIQ+ people.
Our MHDA team then looked at how those ideas could be safely implemented. An action plan was developed and is now being delivered.
Achievements to date include:
- Providing promotional materials for LGBTIQ+ specific crisis services
- Training and education for staff
- Visual signs of safety and inclusivity in clinical environments.
We want all staff receive at least a basic level of training in LGBTIQ+ health.
We have hosted a range of training sessions delivered by organisations including The Gender Centre, Twenty10, Rainbow Families, ACON and others. These sessions have covered topics such as:
- LGBTIQ+ inclusive care,
- aged care,
- care for trans and gender diverse people, and
- supporting LGBTIQ+ families.
In 2025 we will deliver training to more of our local staff and teams, using the Pride in Wellbeing: Train the Trainer program facilitated by ACON. This approach will allow us to continue delivering training to our staff into the future.
A patient’s gender and legal name may be recorded in several places, including on an ID (such as a wrist band), on labels and medical records.
When a person’s sex does not align with their gender identity, or when they have chosen a name that reflects their identity, seeing the birth name or information can cause distress and even have an effect on their health outcomes.
Many of the forms and processes we use are state-wide, but locally we have introduced a new patient label that does not include any sex.
In the future the state-wide forms and systems will be further updated to reflect these changes fully but it will take time. WNSWLHD is expected to receive these system updates in 2029 but we will keep working to improve things until that time.
How to choose a patient label that does not include sex
Anyone who wishes to use this option should discuss this with staff when they are admitted to one of our hospitals.
Your official details recorded in our systems will remain the same, but this removes a very visible sex designation and helps ensure your identity is respected during your visit.
Help us improve
We've been working hard to make healthcare more inclusive and responsive for LGBTIQ+ people.
Your feedback will help us to know whether our work is making a difference and where we need to improve.
Visit our Engage Western NSW Health website to complete a confidential survey
Work in Western NSW Local Health District
A career with Western NSW LHD means you can challenge yourself, make an impact and shape the future of rural health.
We aim to provide an inclusive and supportive working environment for all, including our LGBTIQ+ staff. We may not always get it right and we know there is more we can be do to improve. Come and join the team - make a difference.
