Introducing our LGBTIQ+ Health Action Plan

Our District’s LGBTIQ+ Health Action Plan has been launched in a blaze of rainbow colours to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the LGBTIQ+ community. 

On 18 June, during Pride Month, which celebrates the diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and intersex community, the SESLHD LGBTIQ+ Health Action Plan 2024-26 was released. 

The Plan reflects our commitment to provide compassionate and respectful person-centred care to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for the LGBTIQ+ community. 

SESLHD Digital Workspace Manager, and MC for the launch, Dominique Grognard, shared how the strategy provides a call to action to improve access to our complex health system, improve staff and patients’ experience within it as well as improve the wellness journey of the LGBTIQ+ community. 

“[The Action Plan] ensures there is curiosity and an open heart to ask and learn, promoting an inclusive and welcoming service that brings improvements to our patients and staff who are part of our LGBTIQ+ community,” said Dominique. 

A panel of consumers and staff members shared their perspectives about working in and receiving care in the public health system. The recurring themes were the importance of respect, listening, caring without judgement, feeling safe, included, and welcomed. 

The panel acknowledged that the health system has come a long way, but more important changes still need to be made so that all consumers and staff in the health system feel welcome and included, especially children and young people in the trans community. 

The launch featured two outstanding examples of the plan in action: the True Colours Specialist Trans and Gender Diverse Health Service which provides holistic, multidisciplinary, gender affirming care for young people aged 16 – 25 years; and the LGBTIQ+ Pathways to Parenthood and Beyond Project focusing on maternity and child and family health services. 

“A workplace is where everybody comes to work and should feel like they belong,” said SESLHD Chief Executive, Tobi Wilson.        

“All of us should take action … through the NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy we have a significant opportunity to improve our skills and knowledge, show our respect and responsiveness and help transform people’s lives for the better.”