District shows its support for its diverse communities.

Sydney Local Health District has been transformed, with rainbows and Pride progress flags popping up across the District as a symbol of support for Sydney WorldPride 2023. 

It’s a global LGBTIQA+ festival which aims to promote and advocate for LGBTIQA+ human rights around the world, which runs from Friday 17 February and until Sunday 5 March 2023.  

One of the District’s key priorities is to support people of diverse sexualities and genders, and intersex people, to achieve the health outcomes that matter to them. This includes the health, wellbeing and safety of the District’s LGBTIQ+ staff. 

“We’re committed to ensuring our District is a safe, welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone,” Dr Teresa Anderson, the District’s Chief Executive, said.  

The District has launched its new diversity and inclusivity statement to be displayed in its hospitals, facilities and services. 

“The statement recognises the diversity of our staff and the patients and communities who we serve. It reflects the importance we place on providing high-quality, safe, respectful and inclusive working environments and healthcare services,” says Dr Anderson said. 

Sydney is also the first to display a LGBTIQ+ version of the Australian Charter of Health Care Rights, developed in partnership with the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care. 

To be featured across the District, the Charter explains what patients can expect when receiving healthcare, in terms of access, safety, respect, partnership, information, privacy and feedback opportunities. 

The District’s Mobile Health Clinic will visit Pride Square in Newtown to offer mpox vaccines as well as free safe sex supplies and rapid antigen tests to encourage safe partying during WorldPride. 

Dried Blood Spot testing, a finger prick test for HIV and Hepatitis C, will also be on offer for eligible community members. 

The Mobile Health Clinic will be at 1 Bedford St, Newtown from 4pm to 8pm on Wednesday – Friday over the next three weeks, until Friday 3 March.  

The District will have a stall at Mardi Gras Fair Day on Sunday 19 February to share information about the healthcare services, consumer/carer participation opportunities and careers at the District.  

And, in a further demonstration of the District’s commitment to its diverse workforce, Dr Anderson is hosting a special staff celebration during WorldPride. 

“It’s an opportunity to show that we recognize, value and respect all our staff and their contributions towards providing better healthcare services for all,” Dr Anderson said.