Collaboration with CALD communities at the heart of shaping community health initiatives.
 

Sydney Local Health District staff and multicultural community leaders have discussed key health priorities for culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) residents during a forum at Canterbury Hospital. 

“We cherish these opportunities to come together and listen,” the District’s Chief Executive Deb Willcox told the participants at the first in-person forum for community leaders since the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“One of the biggest lessons from COVID was the importance of trust and strong relationships. Your insights help shape the way we deliver care and ensure we are meeting the needs of our communities, keeping people healthy and out of hospital,” she said. 

A key focus of the forum was the introduction of Healthdirect’s Single Front Door to NSW Urgent Care Services and new ways of accessing urgent and emergency healthcare.  

A panel, featuring Dr Owen Hutchings, Clinical Director for RPA Virtual Hospital and Virtual Care; Dr Jonathan Nguyen, Head of Paediatrics at Canterbury Hospital and Clinical Lead for virtualKIDS at the Sydney Children’s Hospital; and Faisal Rifi, Managing Director of the GP-led Belmore Urgent Care Service, engaged with community leaders on how best to raise awareness and build support for these virtual models of care. 

“The virtual urgent care services are staffed by highly qualified clinicians who provide expert care and advice. It’s important that communities feel confident in using these services, and ensure people know where to turn when they need urgent care,” Dr Hutchings said.  

Community leaders praised the District for partnering with the CALD community. 

“I learned about services I hadn’t heard of before. The panel did a great job connecting these services to the community’s healthcare needs. I now feel confident promoting them within my community,” Duka Khurelbaatar, a Mongolian community leader attending her first forum, said. 

The CEO of the Arab Council Australia Hassan Moussa said, “Today’s presentation showed that your team is approachable and truly committed to what’s best for the community. We have a shared goal, to serve the community well.” 

The District’s Director for Diversity Programs and Strategy Hub, Barbara Luisi, said the discussions will have a significant impact. 

“It’s inspiring to see such a strong commitment to collaboration. These conversations help drive real change, and our communities will benefit from the insights shared today.” 

The next Canterbury Leaders Forum is scheduled for May.