27 July 2009

Celebrating Multicultural Health Week

At the launch of Multicultural Health Week (27 July – 2 August) by NSW Health today, South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health (SESIH) is highlighting the importance of looking after the health of our multicultural community.

Director South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health, Multicultural Health Dr Astrid Perry said NSW Health’s commitment to culturally and linguistically diverse communities (CALD) is reflected in the provision of equal access for all people to health services.

This year’s theme: Evidence to Equity highlights some key findings from the most recent Country of Birth Data (COB) from the NSW Chief Health Officer’s report.

These statistics provide some guidance on where resources can be allocated to reduce the disparity in health outcomes of overseas-born residents.

Dr Perry said multicultural health programs in place within SESIH aim to improve the health and health care of people from CALD backgrounds.

“Each Hospital in our Area Health Service has a Diversity Health Coordinator to advance health care for culturally diverse patients and visitors in their Hospital.

“Our multicultural health services recognise the need for professionally trained health care interpreters through the Health Care Interpreter Service and translators are available free of charge.

“In addition we have translated brochures to reinforce communication in conjunction with health consultations,” Dr Perry said.

Stepan Kerkyasharin, Chairperson and CEO of the Community Relations Commission, officially launched Multicultural Health Week.

“We are fortunate in Australia to have anti-discrimination legislation aimed at reducing racism, social isolation and family stress,” he said.

“We all have a part to play in creating healthier and more united communities.

"Our Government departments play a key role in achieving this, and with better communication we can work closely on a safer, more educated and equal existence," Mr Kerkyahsarin said.

Projects targeting particular health issues within CALD communities include addressing mental health stigma in the Macedonian community and increasing early intervention for speech pathology issues in Bengali children.

South Eastern Sydney Illawarra Health provides health services to 1.19 million residents of which 26.5 per cent were born overseas and 22 per cent speak a language other than English.

Multicultural Health Week will be celebrated at each Hospital with a full program of events and displays. For further details call the Multicultural Health Service on 9382 3309 or 4221 6700.


Media enquiries: Maxine Brennan 9113 2601, 0413 028 776