Finalist: Health Equity Award
The national burden of disease arising from Violence Abuse and Neglect (VAN) in Australian communities is increasing and can lead to ongoing illness, morbidity, disability and premature death. For adult women aged 18-44, the highest risk contributing to ill-health is the experience of VAN.
Hunter New England Local Health District (HNELHD) VAN developed and trialled an updated VAN crisis service called ‘in their time’ at Tamworth Hospital. The trial involved increasing the scope of the current Sexual Assault Crisis Service (SAS) to provide an integrated response to domestic and family violence, and child protection.
A collaborative model of change management was introduced to the emergency department, relevant managers, clinical and cultural leaders, and the existing SAS crisis workforce to create an evidence-based and clinically sound model of care. High levels of training and support were also provided.
After the success of this model in Tamworth, HNELHD VAN established a second integrated VAN crisis service within the Lower Mid North Coast Health service at Manning Base Hospital.
Meet the other finalists for the Health Equity Award.
The 2025 Health Equity Award is proudly sponsored by LeasePLUS.
