The NSW Ministry of Health is asking the LGBTQI community across the state about their experiences accessing health services, and suggestions for the future.
The consultation work will inform and support development of a NSW Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Health Strategy, due out next year.
Tish Bruce, Executive Director of the Ministry’s Health and Social Policy Branch said it’s important to get feedback in order to provide the best healthcare possible.
“The Strategy will guide the NSW Health public health system, while recognising that GPs, private hospitals and health services, and non-government and community organisations, also play a key role in delivering health care for LGBTI people”.
This week roundtables in Redfern, Newtown, Parramatta, Lismore and Wagga Wagga are also taking place with over 100 members of the community and health workers expected to participate in these in-depth sessions.
“We want multiple perspectives so that we deliver a Strategy built on understanding the experiences of LGBTI community members, those who plan and manage policies and programs, as well as those who deliver health care right across NSW Health” Ms Bruce said.
In addition to its focus on hearing the voice of the community, the Ministry has also invited the entire NSW Health workforce to complete a staff survey on LGBTI awareness.
The public consultation, being run by independent researchers Urbis consultants, has been underway since late November and closes at 5:00pm on Sunday 15 December.
Community members in other regional and rural areas have been able to register with Urbis for telephone interviews.
Results of the consultation process will assist the Ministry to identify key themes and priorities for the Strategy. An Advisory Committee for the Strategy, comprising a combination of NSW Health staff, community representatives, researchers and some of the State’s key LGBTI organisations, is working with the Ministry to guide the design of the Strategy.
The online community survey is available here until Sunday
