Carers in Western Sydney
A carer is someone who regularly provides unpaid support to a family member or friend who is living with illness, disability, mental health conditions or frail age. Carers may be partners, parents, children, siblings, friends or neighbours.
Carers help with a wide range of tasks, including:
- personal and health care
- communication and transport
- housework and meal preparation
- managing medications and finances
- providing emotional support
- making decisions on behalf of the person they care for.
Some carers may receive financial assistance through Centrelink payments, but they are not paid employees.
WSLHD Carer Program
The Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) Carer Program helps carers access information, services and support. The program follows the NSW Carers (Recognition) Act 2010 and the NSW Carers Strategy 2020 to 2030. These recognise and support the important role of carers.
Key actions of the program
- Promotes awareness and understanding of the NSW Carers Charter.
- Involves carers in decisions and policies that affect them.
- Supports staff who are also carers through flexible workplace policies.
NSW Carers Strategy priorities
- improves access to services and support
- increases respect and recognition of carers
- enhances carers’ financial wellbeing
- promotes carers' health and wellbeing.
The strategy is supported by NSW Government action plans every 2 years.
More information is available at Carers NSW.
Ways to get involved
Carers in Western Sydney can help shape services and improve support by sharing their experiences.
Participate in service improvement
You can:
- Join committees or consultation groups as a carer representative.
- Share your story to raise awareness. Email: wslhd-carerprogram@health.nsw.gov.au
- Provide feedback to help us improve services.
Share your feedback
Your opinion helps us improve services for carers, patients and families.
- Carer Program feedback: WSLHD-CGMail@health.nsw.gov.au
- Hospital feedback: Speak to the treating team, Nurse Unit Manager or Team Leader. Or contact your local hospital:
- Auburn Hospital: (02) 8759 3000
- Blacktown Hospital: (02) 9881 8000
- Mount Druitt Hospital: (02) 9881 1555
- Cumberland Hospital and Mental Health Services: (02) 9840 3000
- Westmead Hospital: (02) 8890 5555
Complete the carer survey
Help improve our services by completing the anonymous My Experience Matters Carer Survey.
Volunteer with WSLHD
Support others and help improve local health services by becoming a volunteer. Find out how to volunteer with us.
Resources and support for carers
Key services
| Service | Details |
|---|---|
| Carer Gateway | Phone: 1800 422 737 |
| Carers NSW | Phone: 1800 242 636 |
| My Aged Care | Offers respite support for people over 65 |
| Dementia Australia | Phone: 1800 100 500 |
| WSLHD Dementia Advisory Service | Email WSLHD-DAS@health.nsw.gov.au Phone: 0434 568 775 or 0473 542 910 |
| Young Carers | Support for carers under 26 |
NSW Health resources
Contact us
Reach out to our team for more information or support.
Carer Program team
Aboriginal Liaison Officers
Aboriginal Liaison Officers help you understand your care, talk to health staff and take part in decisions about your treatment. They work closely with the Social Work Department.
Locations and contact details
- Westmead and Auburn Hospitals
Phone: (02) 8890 6699
Location: Level 1, E Block, Westmead Hospital.
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm (excluding public holidays). - Blacktown and Mount Druitt Hospitals
Phone: (02) 9881 1555
Hours: Monday to Friday, 8am to 4:30pm (excluding public holidays).
Email contacts
- Westmead and Auburn: Narelle.Holden@health.nsw.gov.au
- Blacktown: Elva.Wright@health.nsw.gov.au
- Mount Druitt: Trevor.Bates@health.nsw.gov.au
- Blacktown Mental Health: Avis.Deguara@health.nsw.gov.au
- Cumberland Mental Health: Shai.Grigg@health.nsw.gov.au