Snapshot of Multicultural Health

Sydney West Area Health Service (SWAHS) values cultural and linguistic diversity and considers this a crucial factor in helping it to achieve its goal of CAREfirst. SWAHS aims for every single person to receive the best possible care every single time.

The Multicultural Health Network provides a high level of service in the management of diversity within the SWAHS community and its workforce. The overall responsibility for service provision for people from culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds within SWAHS rests with the Area Chief Executive. The Director, Multicultural Health Network reports directly to the Executive Director, Workforce and Organisational Development.

The SWAHS Multicultural Health Network comprises:

• An Area-wide team and three additional multicultural health teams - Eastern, Central and Western, providing strategic direction, consultancy, workforce development, project development and liaison with respect to health care for CALD communities in SWAHS.
  
  
• numerous multicultural health workers based in hospital and community health settings.
  
  
• the SWAHS Health Care Interpreter Service (SWAHS HCIS) which provides professional and confidential interpreting services to facilitate communication between CALD consumers and SWAHS health care providers. On site and telephone interpreting services are available in over 120 languages, including AUSLAN (Australian Sign Language for Deaf clients), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Videoconferencing is available during normal business hours.
  
  
• a range of statewide multicultural health services and programs auspiced by SWAHS.