Australia’s first Statewide Health Literacy Hub has been officially launched, marking a pivotal step towards improving health experiences and outcomes for NSW residents.
NSW Health is investing $3.7 million over three years and partnering with Western Sydney Local Health and the University of Sydney to launch the Statewide Health Literacy Hub which is designed to address the challenge of low health literacy in NSW.
Health literacy refers to how people access, learn from, and use health information and services, to look after themselves. Low health literacy affects more than half of all Australians.
The Hub will serve as a centre for online training, practical tools and resources and translational research aimed at improving healthcare staff’s communication skills, empowering patients to manage their health, and promoting equity throughout the state’s health system.
The Hub will foster partnerships between healthcare providers and community organisations to help people navigate the NSW healthcare system so they can access the right care when they need it.
Through helping people access, understand and use healthcare services, the Hub will aim to alleviate pressure on Emergency Departments, reduce hospital readmissions, and improve patient health experiences and outcomes.
Further information on the Statewide Health Literacy Hub can be found at https://www.healthliteracyhub.org.au/
Minister for Health Ryan Park:
“The Hub is about more than just information. It is about ensuring that every person in NSW, no matter their background, has access to clear, compassionate, and effective healthcare.
“By equipping our health workforce with the tools and strategies for clear communication, the Health Literacy Hub is poised to transform how healthcare is delivered and experienced, leading to better, more equitable outcomes for all.
“Clear, respectful and empathetic communication can help people better understand their health conditions and treatment options, and help patients follow post care instructions, resulting in fewer hospital readmissions.”
Minister for Medical Research David Harris:
“The Health Literacy Hub has a key role in turning research into real-world solutions, ensuring that new knowledge drives meaningful change across our diverse communities.
“Low health literacy affects more than half of Australians, and we know that is leading to poorer health outcomes and increased pressure on the healthcare system.
“This Statewide Health Literacy Hub is a great initiative which will empower staff to provide clear and easy to understand information to everyone.”
Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District, Graeme Loy:
“Having started right here at Western Sydney Local Health District the Statewide Health Literacy Hub is something we are incredibly proud of. This Hub began as a local initiative and it’s inspiring to see it now being expanded statewide.”