We are developing our Clinical Specialty Plan for Mothers and Children to make sure our hospitals and services meet the needs of mothers, children and families.

The five year Mothers' and Children's Plan will act as a guiding document for how our services operate and has a focus on enhancing the quality and accessibility of care. It has been informed by using evidence, community feedback, research, policy and data.

The Plan describes the goals and activities to achieve better health outcomes and better services for mothers, children and families.

We want to provide the best care for the community by drawing on best practices and modern care models that prioritise health and wellness, offering equitable, accessible, culturally appropriate and safe care.

What we want to know

We are seeking your feedback on the draft Mothers and Children's Plan. We want to hear from community members and people working with children, on the priorities and actions in the draft plan. Did we get it right? Do you think the priorities meet the needs of the community? Is there anything we missed?

By sharing your thoughts in the survey below you can help ensure the Plan meets the needs of our communities.

The survey closes 1st September 2024

If you have any questions please contact the Planning and Service Development Team.

* There is also a survey for Western NSW Local Health District staff. Please contact the Planning and Service Development team if you are a staff member and would prefer to complete the staff survey.

How we developed the plan

  • Reviewed research and data

  • Looked at service for any gaps

  • Consulted service providers

  • Listened to parents and families

  • Set up an expert panel


Priorities in the Plan

The Mothers' and Children's Plan has five main priorities:

Having a skilled and engaged workforce is essential to providing high quality care to mothers, children and families.

This will be done through workforce strategies including

  • comprehensive training programs that are evidence-based and trauma informed to meet the diverse needs of families.
  • having coordinated clinical networks that will enable seamless and accessible care across different sites.
  • a supportive work culture with opportunities for collaboration and professional growth.
  • a greater number of Aboriginal staff integrated into all healthcare services, with their cultural perspectives and practices valued and incorporated into care.

Health literacy helps people to navigate the healthcare system, make informed decisions and access the support they need.

Being knowledgeable about health leads to better health and wellbeing. Healthy habits in childhood often continue into adulthood.

With health promotion and early intervention we can prevent diseases and promote overall well-being.

To support mothers, children and families to lead healthy lives we aim to

  • in consultation with community members review and improve information we give to pregnant women, mothers and families.
  • create simple guides and tools to help people understand their own health and find the right healthcare services.
  • work closely with day-care centres, preschools and schools to provide health education and promotion.
  • support community events and activities that bring practical health information to families.
  • ensure children get timely health checks.
  • expand access to parenting programs and improve how we refer families to mental health services.

Having consistent, continuous, high-quality and safe person-centred care leads to better health outcomes for mothers, children and their families.

We aim to create a well-coordinated healthcare system that is easy to access and navigate and provides the right level of care for families with specific needs.

Healthcare settings will prioritise safety, keeping families together and meeting child safety standards.

Families with complex needs face many challenges and often need special care to manage their health and well-being.

To help support families during difficult times we will develop responsive and integrated care models, including specialist services and improving pathways for care.

Health equity means everyone has a fair chance to be healthy and the same opportunities to access the care they need, regardless of their background or situation.

However some groups face bigger challenges due to factors like cultural diversity. having disabilities, living in poverty, experiencing violence or living in remote areas.

We will work to advancing health equity by developing and implementing care models that support vulnerable families including:

  • having enhanced culturally appropriate services.
  • services that are orientated towards understanding and responding to trauma in a supportive way
  • providing vulnerable and isolated families with comprehensive wrap-around support.
  • having accessible and clear information on support for transport, accommodation and other needs.

Survey

The survey should take 5 - 10 minutes to complete.

Health Service: In this survey, Health Service means any service provided by Western NSW Local Health District, including hospitals, multipurpose services, community health teams, mental health and drug and alcohol services, and dental services.