Internet site offers a guide to services

Launching the site, Health Minister John Thwaites said it would provide clear and concise information about all aspects of Inner South Community Health Service, which is supported by more than $6 million a year from the Government.

The Service offers assistance for people with disabilities, Home and Community Care for older residents, community health, public dental treatment, drug services, and promotion of mental health and general health.

The website has a user-friendly format and covers all the services available at the Inner South Community Health Service’s five sites across the Cities of Port Phillip and Stonnington.

It provides a clear and concise guide to services, describing them in detail and also outlines issues like eligibility requirements and referral processes.

The site—at www.ischs.org.au—was established in conjunction with Working Edge, a ‘work-for-the-dole’ initiative run by Taskforce Community Agency.

Mr Thwaites also presented the inaugural Reward and Recognition Award to staff of the Service’s Women’s Health and Disabilities Clinic.

The Award was instituted by the Service’s Board of Management to recognise excellence in job performance and service delivery to strengthen the health of the community.

Community Health Nurse (Youth Focused) Penelope Lee, Generalist Casework Counsellor Anne O’Connor and Social and Reproductive Nurse/Community Midwife Katy Ragheb received the Outstanding Group Project award.

The Women’s Health and Disabilities Clinic is an initiative of the Service’s Community, Youth and Family Health Program.

It provides assertive outreach to engage transient women who have a psychiatric, intellectual or physical disability so they can access breast and cervical health screens and follow-up treatment.

The project involves visiting women in non-traditional community settings, building relationships and developing trust so women are comfortable enough to have health screenings and follow-up treatment.

It combines outreach activities, clinical work and tailored health education that is responsive to specific needs.

The award acknowledges the work is difficult and demanding—and often traumatic for the women receiving the service, many of whom have disabilities and find it hard to discuss their sexuality.

• For more information on the Inner South Community Health Service Community, Youth and Family Health Program contact manager Jo Howard on 9534 0981 or email jhoward@ischs.org.au.