About Us
Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre is a community managed, not for profit organisation that empowers the women of the Shoalhaven to take control of their own wellbeing by providing multidisciplinary health and intervention services in a caring, feminist environment.
Our Vision
Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre (SWHC) has a vision for a peaceful and equitable society, where all women are empowered, respected and enjoy optimum health and wellbeing.
Our Mission
Shoalhaven Women's Health Centre empowers women to take control of their health and wellbeing through the provision of accessible, multidisciplinary integrated health services within a safe, caring, supportive, feminist environment.
Our Philosophy
SWHC is committed to empowering women and valuing women's life experiences. We strive to incorporate into our work the feminist ideal of women’s right to a valued place in society; accountability in providing quality multidisciplinary, integrated health care services; professional integrity in maintaining ethical standards in the provision of services; and on-going development and support for staff and volunteers. Our decision making process is guided by equity, effectiveness, relevance and appropriateness. Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre operates from a feminist perspective that views health within a social context as emphasised by the World Health Organisation and supported by the frameworks within Health Ministries both State and Federal.
This view recognises that:
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Health is determined by a broad range of social, environmental, economic and biological factors;
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Differences in health status and health objectives are linked to gender, age, socio-economic status, ethnicity, disability, location and environment, racism, sex-role stereotyping, gender inequality and discrimination, ageism, sexuality and sexual preference;
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Health promotion, disease prevention, equity of access to appropriate and affordable services and strengthening the primary health care system are necessary, along with high-quality illness treatment services;
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Information, consultation and community development are important elements of the health process. Furthermore, critical considerations in women’s health include:
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Women's health being understood as encompassing all of a woman's lifespan and reflecting women's various roles in Australian society, not just their reproductive role;
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The greater participation by women in decision making about health services and health policy, as both consumers and providers;
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The recognition of women's rights, as health care consumers, to be treated with dignity in an environment which provides for privacy, informed consent and confidentiality;
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The availability of accessible information which is appropriately targeted for different socioeconomic, educational and cultural groups; and
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Women's health policy and services must be based on accurate data and research concerning women's health, women's views about health, and strategies which most effectively address women's health needs.
Our History
Coming soon....
Publications & Strategies
Business Plan
Strategic Plans
​​​​​​​​​​​​​​Strategic Plan Summary 2019-2029
Governance
Your Rights & Responsibilities
The Shoalhaven Women's Health Centre is committed to providing a high standard of health care to women who use our service.
YOUR RIGHTS ARE:
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To feel welcome at the Centre
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To have a safe supportive environment
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To be treated with dignity, courtesy and respect
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To be shown respect for your culture
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To receive professional and prompt service
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To be assured of confidentiality and privacy
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To bring a support person with you to the centre
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To be treated in a non-discriminatory manner at all times
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To have the services of an interpreter upon request
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To know the name of the staff member who is assisting you
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To information that will assist you to make informed health care choices
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To gain information that will assist you to make informed health care choices
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To make decisions about your own health care
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To accept and/or reject advice or treatment
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To request a second opinion
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To read your health records and be given a copy on request
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To refuse services from students
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To refuse to take part in research
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To be informed about the cost of services provided by the centre
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To a fair investigation of any complaints (please request a copy of our Complaints Brochure)
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To be informed that the centre is bound by mandatory reporting laws
AS A WOMAN USING THIS SERVICE YOU HAVE A RESPONSIBILITY TO:
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Be on time for appointments and contact the centre if you are unable to keep your appointment.
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To ask questions to become informed about your health condition and any suggested treatments
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Know your personal medical history, including any details of any drugs or medications you are currently taking
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Inform centre workers if you are seeing someone else for the same problem
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Respect the rights of other women using the centre
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Treat the centre staff with courtesy and respect
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To not attend the centre is you have a communicable airborne disease or infectious illness. Please respect the health of others.
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Not attend the Centre under the influence of alcohol or other drugs
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Assist the centre in seeking a fair resolution to any complaint you make of the centre
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To help make the centre a safe place for all women
Limits of confidentiality include:
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Client disclosure of a serious crime
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A worker is subpoenaed to present information in a Court of Law
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When the client needs to be protected from harming themselves or others.
The Shoalhaven Women’s Health Centre welcomes and encourages feedback from clients either verbally or in writing.
If you are unhappy with any aspect of our service, please let us know and we will do our best to solve the problem.
If you wish to make a complaint about our service, please see the "How to make a Complaint" brochure in the waiting room or at the front reception desk.
Please talk to a member of staff, who will explain the complaints policy to you, and will assist you in making the complaint.