Helping young people grow to their full potential is the main goal of a health plan for South West Sydney.
The South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Health Improvement for Children, Young People and Families plan provides a health blueprint for the next 10 years.
The strategy focuses on providing quality care from preconception through to young adulthood.
This will be achieved by focusing on those most at risk, vulnerable or with special health needs.
The plan was launched by Andrew Johnson, the NSW Advocate for Children and Young People and Professor Les White, the NSW Chief Paediatrician.
SWSLHD director of paediatrics and neonatology Dr Paul Chay and chief executive Amanda Larkin attended the official launch.
Ms Larkin said South West Sydney was one of the fastest growing regions in the state.
“The number of children and young people living in South West Sydney continues to increase, with more than 339,500 people under the age of 24 set to be living in the region by 2026.
[social_quote duplicate=”no” align=”default”]“Quality health care is key to ensuring that every child and young person is given the best opportunity to achieve their full potential as an adult,” Ms Larkin said.[/social_quote]
Local needs first and foremost
The plan addresses priority issues in health prevention and promotion in the early years of life.
It also covers quality paediatric healthcare and the development of speciality services to provide care close to home.
“We’ve developed this plan in collaboration with consumers, service providers, general practice and staff and we’ll be focusing on meeting local needs and delivering uniform health improvement strategies for children, young people and families across the district,” Ms Larkin said.
The plan will guide the development and enhancement of services focused on:
• preparing for parenthood;
• promoting healthy eating and lifestyle;
• early detection and intervention of developmental problems;
• keeping children safe;
• quality and safe care.
♦ If you’d like a copy of the plan visit the SWSLHD website here.
