Statewide Intellectual Disability Health Service

 

Specialised Intellectual Disability Team - Easy Read fact sheet has information to support people with an intellectual disability who need extra support with their health.

About the service

The focus of the specialised Intellectual Disability Health Service (IDHS) is supporting and building the capability of the health system to meet the health care needs of people with intellectual disability in NSW.

The IDHS is made up of a network of six teams and nine clinical positions across NSW.

What we offer

The Intellectual Disability Health Service offers:

  • comprehensive health assessment and recommendations for a person with intellectual disability who has an unresolved complex or chronic health need that cannot currently be met by accessing usual care pathways, including:
    • referrals for other health assessments and health services
    • recommendations for support services
    • dietary advice, advice on medication, physical activity and social activity
    • advice on managing ongoing care
  • capacity-building for health professionals, including:
    • webinars, skills training and other education sessions
    • joint consultation, case conferences and advice on assessment/care of people with intellectual disability.

Eligibility for a comprehensive health assessment

Referrals for a comprehensive health assessment can only be made by a general practitioner or other medical specialist (e.g. paediatrician). Referring clinicians can complete a referral form, available from their local service, or write a comprehensive referral letter.

More information about the IDHS is available in the Core Service Elements.

Contact

For more information, contact your local service.

Local health district Pho​ne number
Email address
Hunter New England and Central Coast(02) 4924 6067 HNELHD-IntellectualDisabilityTeam@health.nsw.gov.au
Mid North Coast, Northern Sydney and Northern NSW(02) 9926 5777 NSLHD-IntellectualDisability@health.nsw.gov.au
Illawarra Shoalhaven, Nepean Blue Mountains and South Eastern Sydney(02) 8566 1222 SESLHD-SIDHT@health.nsw.gov.au
Sydney(02) 9378 1364 SLHD-STRIDES@health.nsw.gov.au
Southern NSW LHD and South Western Sydney(02) 9794 1820 SWSLHD-FairfieldCHC-SDHT@health.nsw.gov.au
Far West, Murrumbidgee and Western NSW (02) 6369 8542 WNSWLHD-SIDHT@health.nsw.gov.au
Western Sydney0448 722 918 NSWH-WSLHD-IntellectualDisability@health.nsw.gov.au

Evaluation

In 2025, the Intellectual Disability Health Service was evaluated. Read about how the network and its hub-and-spoke model is working across NSW in Evaluation of the Intellectual Disability Health Service - Final Report.

Current as at: Wednesday 14 January 2026
Contact page owner: Disability, Youth and Paediatric Health