Return to Community Engagement

Regular and meaningful partnership opportunities for the community helps to build engaged communities with improved health ownership and outcomes.

Co-design projects, seeking feedback and collaborating with communities is essential to developing community partnerships.

Standard 2: Partnering with Consumers describes strategies within the National Safety and Quality Health Service Standards to create a consumer-centred health system by partnering with consumers in the development and co-design of quality health care.

There are many ways staff can work with consumers, carers and communities to plan and review services, and to improve health care experiences. Staff can facilitate focus groups, partner with local community groups and participate in yarning circles to connect with community, and improve community engagement.

Western NSW Local Health District Sub-Regional Health Planning Committees provide forums for community and stakeholder collaboration to improve the health and wellbeing of communities. We value partnerships with communities and working together on health priorities.

If you are interested in learning more or would like to include consumer or community representatives in a project, email the Community Engagement Team at WNSWLHD-Community@health.nsw.gov.au

Seniors in Narromine were invited to attend Ageing Well Education Seminars to help learn how to stay healthy as they get older. Narromine Health Service worked in partnership with community member Julie to co-design the sessions ensuring the program met the needs of the community.

The Oral Health Framework sets out the future direction for oral health services in Western NSW Local Health District. Dental patients, carers and the broader community participated in surveys and focus group discussions during the development of the Framework. Their input helped to identify community needs, barriers to accessing oral health services, information that would be the most helpful for people to improve their oral health and service priority groups.

The Health Promotion team partnered with local school students to co-design a whole of community education campaign to reduce smoking and vaping. Students designed the anti-vaping campaign messages and the collaboration with the school supported the distribution of messaging to students and parents.

Multicultural Consumer and Community Representatives co-design with health staff, community groups and organisations a health and wellbeing program for people from a migrant background. The program includes monthly information sessions and an opportunity for community to connect with other community members and staff.

Welcome baby to Bourke is a whole of community partnership, valued for its cultural engagement and having a significant impact on health outcomes. The inclusion and welcome of everyone to Bourke contributes to establishing a connected community, building rapport and trust between community and health staff for ongoing partnerships.

Staff at vCare partnered with consumers to co-design a postcard and SMS messaging with information to help explain the transfer of their care. Feedback is regularly sought to check that the information offered meets patient and family needs.