Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) has received a Bronze Award at the 2024 Australian Pride in Health and Wellbeing Awards, marking a significant milestone in LGBTQ+ inclusivity. This recognition, evaluated through the Health + Wellbeing Equality Index (HWEI), underscores NSLHD’s commitment to fostering inclusivity for individuals with diverse sexualities and genders across health, wellbeing, human services, and community care sectors.
NSLHD’s dedication is evident through initiatives such as the implementation of an LGBTIQ+ strategy tailored to address healthcare needs, establishment of workplace policies, and executive sponsorship for high-level support. Additionally, the district has formed the Pride+ network to provide advocacy and support for LGBTQ+ employees and utilised inclusive intake forms for tailored patient care. A full-time dedicated LGBTIQ+ project officer role further demonstrates NSLHD’s commitment to inclusivity.

Clinic Sixteen, NSLHD’s sexual health clinic, exemplifies inclusive healthcare provision, serving as a model for equitable access and quality care for LGBTQ+ individuals. Moving forward, NSLHD aims to replicate Clinic Sixteen’s inclusive practices across all services, ensuring accessibility for LGBTQ+ individuals.

“It is wonderful to see our commitment to diversity and social inclusion at NSLHD recognised with this award,” said Jemma Clifton, Project Officer, NSW Health LGBTIQ+ Strategy.

“However, a bronze award is only the starting point and the real benefit of the HWEI submission is that is has provided us with a road map to ensure all of our services are equally accessible for LGBTQ+ people.”

NSLHD’s achievement reaffirms its dedication to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality in healthcare delivery, setting a benchmark for excellence in LGBTQ+ healthcare provision.