OCTOBER 2024
EDITION 35
Consumer and Patient Experience Statewide Health Literacy Hub launch
Partnering with Consumers Standard
The Statewide Health Literacy Hub is a NSW Health initiative that builds and advances health literacy leadership and capacity locally to build awareness, foster partnerships and knowledge sharing in health literacy, enhance system-wide processes through resource implementation, develop and grow health literacy research, and empower consumer/community to achieve outcomes that matter to them. The hub was launched on 2 October 2024 with NSLHD staff presenting at the launch on two local initiatives. Melanie Perry (NSLHD Consumer and Patient Experience Coordinator) presented on the NSLHD Consumer Tick initiative to enhance health literacy. Using the NSLHD Consumer Tick initiative improves the clarity and usability of health information provided to consumers. Using this process is a practical way to ensure all health documents undergo thorough checks for layout, pictures, formatting, language, and accuracy. The process has been streamlined in the last year and there has been a 107 per cent increase in health information gaining the consumer tick. Joey Chan (Senior Pharmacist) represented the Adolescent and Young Adult Hospice (AYAH) and presented her joint project with Dr Abigail Franklin (AYAH palliative care staff specialist). Attendees gained insight into the critical need for age-appropriate Consumer Medicines Information (CMI) for adolescents and young adults in palliative care to enhance communication, support informed decision making and improve quality of care in palliative settings. The presentation Three of our NSLHD Consumer Advisors (Yvonne Parsons, Sonia Dixon and Julie Toma) also co-facilitated sessions on the day. Please register to access the Health Literacy Hub . highlighted how existing resources fall short for this demographic and demonstrate how tailored CMIs can enhance understanding and engagement with medication management.
Joey Chan Senior Pharmacist AYAH)
Sonia Dixon (NSLHD Consumer Advisor)
Celebrating 25 years of youth action in health
For 25 years, the first-of-its-kind Youth Health Consultant initiative has amplified the voice and action of local young people to enhance Northern Sydney Local Health District (NSLHD) services and initiatives that support the health and well-being of adolescents and young adults. Integral to this program is the team of 12 diverse Youth Consultants aged 15-24 whom NSLHD Population Health Promotion employs, trains and empowers to share their unique perspectives and expertise as local young people. The Youth Consultants play a vital role in conducting two types of free consultations for services. Firstly, they conduct walk-through audits for those who work with young people, thoroughly assessing factors such as environment, engagement strategies, accessibility, and confidentiality. Their insights lead to highlighting strengths and actionable recommendations for improvement.
Youth Consultants offer guidance and advice on various youth-targeted health initiatives and resources, including input on local council youth plans. In fact, the team has even left their mark further afield after providing input in the ‘Finding a general practitioner and getting a referral’ resources by the Agency for Clinical Innovation. In 2023-2024, twelve consultations were conducted. Join us in celebrating 25 years of our youth consultant’s work on empowerment, innovation, and collaboration! For more information email NSLHD-YouthHealthPromotion@health.nsw.gov.au
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