We know that LGBTQ+ communities experience significant health disparities when compared to the general population in Australia due to a number of systemic and societal factors. Lack of access to sensitive and appropriate care also contributed to poor health outcomes for people of diverse sexualities and genders.
ACON has engaged for a long time in advocacy and education efforts to build an understanding of our communities needs. In our 40 year 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.
With Kaleido Health, we have applied our understanding of our communities and of our health system to build a new service that we think will make a big difference in NSW. We know that integrated care – that is specialists working alongside GPs and with links to the broader health system – delivered in a community setting and with a community heart is something that communities want. We also know we need to add capacity to the system – not compete with those already doing great work.
Kaleido Health will help to improve the provision of health care to LGBTQ+ people across NSW, help increase the knowledge and capacity of health service professionals across NSW, and contribute to improved health and resilience of sexuality and gender diverse communities.