Western Sydney LHD plans and strategies

Our Aboriginal workforce plays a vital role in delivering culturally safe care for the diverse communities in Western Sydney.

Building a strong, inclusive workforce is a key priority for NSW Health and WSLHD. We are committed to improving health and social outcomes for Aboriginal people through workforce development.

WSLHD has launched the Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2022 to 2026 (PDF 8.39MB). This strategy supports the Better West, Good Health - Great Jobs, and Closing the Gap priorities. It sets a clear direction for how we attract, recruit, retain and develop Aboriginal staff.

View or download the Aboriginal Workforce Strategy 2022–2026 (PDF 8.39MB).

Related strategies and frameworks

The Aboriginal Workforce Strategy aligns with national and state frameworks that aim to strengthen Aboriginal health outcomes and employment:

• Cultural Respect Framework 2016-2026 - A National approach to building a culturally respectful health system
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan 2021-2031
• NSW Aboriginal Health Plan 2024-2034
• National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workforce Strategic Framework and Implementation Plan 2021-2031
• The NSW Public Sector Aboriginal Employment Strategy NSW - Working together for a better future 2019-2025

Our Digital Health Strategy 2023 to 2028 (PDF 3.37MB) sets a vision for delivering exceptional healthcare through modern, integrated and innovative digital solutions.

The Strategy focuses on using technology to:

• improve patient outcomes
• streamline healthcare delivery
• support research, innovation and continuous improvement.

Focus areas

The Strategy has 9 key focus areas. These aim to meet the current and future needs of our patients, staff, services, partners and community. At the centre of our approach is the goal to provide personalised, proactive care that empowers people to manage their health.

Key priorities

• use technology to improve access to care
• support clinical decision-making
• simplify admin processes
• drive continuous learning
• support better care through data.

We rely on data to guide our decisions and improve health outcomes. With advanced analytics, we can find patterns and insights that lead to better, more efficient care.

By adopting new technologies, we can change how we connect with our community and how we deliver care.

Collaboration is essential. Our Strategy is shaped by input from staff, stakeholders, communities and partners. It reflects shared priorities and prepares us to tackle current and future health challenges.

Working together, we will use digital health to make a real difference to healthcare experiences in western Sydney and beyond.

View or download the Digital Health Strategy 2023 to 2028 (PDF 3.37MB).

We are building a workforce that reflects the diverse community we serve. We are committed to providing real and meaningful employment opportunities for people with disability.

This means more than meeting targets. We are improving our processes, systems and knowledge to help us recruit, develop, support and retain people with disability.

We are working to deliver the goals of our Disability Inclusion Action Plan (PDF 7.55MB). Staff and community reference groups are helping guide and support this work.

View or download the Disability Inclusion Action Plan (PDF 7.55MB).

E-cigarette use is increasing in Australia and poses a growing risk to public health. While Australia leads in tobacco control, more people are now using e-cigarettes, especially young people. Although long-term harms are still being studied, there is enough concern to take strong and early action.

We are committed to protecting our community from nicotine addiction and other health risks linked to e-cigarettes. As policies and laws change across Australia, we will continue to deliver safe, person-centred care.

This action plan sets out our strategy to reduce the impact of e-cigarettes in western Sydney. It identifies key focus areas and includes a plan to track our progress. Staff across the District helped shape the plan through consultation, and their ideas will help ensure we meet our goals.

View or download the E-cigarette Action Plan (PDF 576.2KB).

We are committed to delivering safe, inclusive and respectful healthcare for people of all genders and sexual identities.

Our LGBTQIA+ Workforce Plan 2022 to 2026 (PDF 1002.66KB) is our first step towards building a more inclusive workplace. It supports the health and wellbeing of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) staff and patients across WSLHD.

Our goals

We want to:

• better understand the lived experience of LGBTQIA+ employees
• create a workplace where everyone feels safe to be themselves
• grow our LGBTQIA+ staff and ally networks
• strengthen diversity, inclusion and belonging in everything we do.

Strategic priorities

Over the next 5 years, we will:

• Show visible commitment to LGBTQIA+ inclusion at every stage of the employee journey.
• Promote a culture of inclusion that improves the experience of both staff and patients.
• Build stronger links with the community and ally networks to support LGBTQIA+ people.
• Remove bias and improve equity in talent and patient care.

How we created the plan

We worked with staff across WSLHD to create the LGBTQIA+ Workforce Plan through listening sessions and online surveys.

Staff from all areas took part, including:

• Allied Health
• Medical
• Nursing and Midwifery.

Of the people who responded to the survey:

• 47% identified as LGBTQIA+
• 53% did not identify as LGBTQIA+

This feedback helped shape our priorities and actions.

View or download the LGBTQIA+ Workforce Plan 2022 to 2026 (PDF 1002.66KB).

The Multicultural Health Plan 2022 to 2025 (PDF 1.86MB) strengthens how we support the health needs of diverse communities in western Sydney. It focuses on delivering culturally safe and inclusive care for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds.

The Plan was shaped by input from clinical and non-clinical professionals across our healthcare networks. It aligns with the NSW Health Plan for Healthy Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities 2019 to 2023 and the draft NSW Refugee Health Plan 2020 to 2025.

Led by the WSLHD Multicultural Health Committee, the Plan sets out local strategies to remove barriers, improve communication and support better health outcomes for CALD communities.

Key focus areas

• safer, more culturally responsive care and services
• better communication and improved health literacy
• stronger community engagement and partnerships
• better data on identities, needs and experiences
• clear governance, implementation and monitoring.

View or download the Multicultural Health Plan 2022 to 2025 (PDF 1.86MB).

Young people make up 16% of the WSLHD population. They bring energy, ideas and meaningful contributions to families and communities. Supporting their health and wellbeing is a key priority for WSLHD.

Most young people in Western Sydney enjoy good health and use primary and specialist healthcare services when needed. But many still face barriers to getting the right care at the right time.

These challenges are greater for young people in priority groups. This includes Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people, people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds, refugees, young people with disability and LGBTIQ+ young people.

The WSLHD Young People’s Health Strategy sets a district-wide plan to improve health outcomes for young people. It also guides local clinical and public health services to plan and deliver better care.

The Strategy reflects local needs and priorities and aligns with the NSW Health Youth Health Framework 2017-2024.

View or download the Young People's Health Strategy (PDF 3.49MB).