Settlement by humanitarian entrants is increasing in regional NSW.* This resource has been developed to provide an overview for local health districts on what to do when a settlement site has been declared in NSW.
Four local health districts have shared their experience establishing and delivering regional refugee health services. This has informed the development of this resource and the content throughout.
Current refugee health services have highlighted:
- six common elements that contribute to a positive experience and better health outcomes for people from refugee backgrounds
- practical steps and useful resources to guide NSW Health services, staff and their community partners on how to establish a regional refugee health service.
Detailed case studies from each of the services outlines their organisational model, local community needs and lessons learnt.
Care was taken to ensure this resource considers and reflects the needs of diverse community groups from refugee backgrounds. The project team heard from many different demographics within these communities, including different focus groups for men, women and young people. The team spoke to people from these backgrounds:
- Afghani
- African
- Burmese (Myanmar)
- Iraqi
- Iranian
- Syrian
- Yemeni
Acknowledgements
We acknowledge and thank the following for their participation in this project:
- The Health and Social Policy Branch, Ministry of Health
- The Regional Refugee Health Services Project Advisory Group
- Staff within the Hunter New England, Illawarra Shoalhaven, Murrumbidgee and Mid North Coast local health districts and their health partners for partnering and participating in our consultation process
- The many community members who spent time talking with the project team about their healthcare experiences the regional refugee communities.
* Source: NSW Refugee Health Plan