ACON, NSW’s leading LGBTQ+ health organisation, has been discussing the idea of a specific health centre for our communities for many years.

Numerous studies reveal LGBTQ+ people experience significant health disparities compared to the general population due to factors such as stigma and discrimination. Lack of access to sensitive and appropriate care also contributed to poor health outcomes for people of diverse sexualities and genders.

Following discussions among key partners and stakeholders, ACON initially developed a business case in 2018, followed by advocacy work in 2019 and a detailed feasibility study in 2020/2021, with the assistance of PricewaterhouseCoopers and an expert advisory group. This more detailed work refined the service model and assessed the viability of a LGBTQ+ focused health service.

The study included a comprehensive consultation process with key stakeholders and health care providers, including LGBTQ+ organisations, Local Health Districts and Networks, the Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, Aboriginal Medical Services, health service providers, officials in federal and state health departments, GPs that specialise in gender-affirming care, and governing bodies like the RACGP, researchers and academics – as well as a detailed survey of over 550 LGBTQ+ community members

In 2022, the NSW Government launched the first NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy, which included an investment of $4.2 million towards the establishment of the health centre. The bold vision for the centre directly aligns with priorities of NSW Health and has been warmly welcomed.

With the support of partners and supporters, ACON is now working hard towards its plan to deliver an integrated, multi-disciplinary care in a dedicated, community space – operated by community, for community.

In ACON’s four-decade history, we’ve learned a lot about the health needs of LGBTQ+ people, and the barriers that stop them receiving the care they need.

We’ve also learned a lot from the clinical services we have been delivering over the past 10 years, alongside some dedicated leaders in the NSW Health system.

We’ve taken inspiration from other community-controlled health organisations and models overseas.

We’ve applied our knowledge of the NSW health system and our communities to build a new service that we think will make a big difference in NSW.

Kaleido Health will provide LGBTQ+ people access to a range of health services including primary care and general practice, sexual health services, mental health support, gender-affirming health care, drug and alcohol interventions, cancer screening services and more.

Kaleido Health will be networked with a range of health services across Sydney and in other parts of NSW, ensuring the centre is integrated within the NSW health system.

The service design responds to what we know our communities want – informed and non-judgemental care, delivered by both GPs and specialists, responding to areas of highest health care need.

By providing more services within the same location, Kaleido will retain people in care, see more referrals followed up and reduce the need for our communities to navigate the broader health system.

With such expertise, the vision for Kaleido will also include fostering research and teaching opportunities that will build the capability and expertise of the health response in NSW, making a major contribution to the NSW LGBTIQ+ Health Strategy 2022 – 2027.

ACON is grateful to have received funding for the Kaleido Health Centre from the NSW Government through the NSW Ministry of Health.

The centre will operate in partnership to provide the full range of services we hope to offer. Our key partner Sydney Local Health District, who have been instrumental in the planning and development of the building, will provide clinical services when operations commence.

Kaleido Health will also partner with other health agencies such as Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network and St Vincent’s Health Network, research bodies, healthcare providers and other allied health specialists.

The centre will be located in the Belltower Building in the dynamic South Eveleigh precinct in Sydney’s inner south. Services at Kaleido will be accessible statewide through telehealth and virtual consultations.

Kaleido Health will open in spring 2024.

ACON and Kaleido Health acknowledges the support of the NSW Government, the NSW Ministry of Health and NSW Health Minister Ryan Park.

We also acknowledge the support of Sydney MP Alex Greenwich and former Minister for Health Brad Hazzard.

We also acknowledge the support of Sydney Local Health District (SLHD), who have been crucial to the development of this service, as well as other supporters including South East Sydney Local Health District, St Vincent’s Health Network and Central and Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network (CESPHN).

We also acknowledge the guidance and expertise of all those we consulted, and especially the ACON Heath Centre Expert Advisory Group, consisting of representatives from SLHD, CESPHN, St. Vincent’s Health Network, The Kirby Institute and the National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, along with members of the ACON Board and PricewaterhouseCoopers.