Philosophy Statement

The philosophy of Women’s Health Services is based on an understanding of health within a social context. This social model of health acknowledges that health is determined by a broad range of factors: social, environmental, economic and biological. This model also recognises that differences in health status and outcomes are related to gender, age, socio-economic status, ethnicity, environment, disability, sexuality and discrimination.

The social view of health also recognises that there is a range of essential elements necessary to support the promotion of health. These include:

• Addressing issues of equity and access
• The provision of appropriate primary health care
• Ongoing consultation with all stakeholders
• Community development processes
• Consultation and advocacy
• Preventative health measures
• Health promotion and education

In accordance with these principles, WHS provides services which

• Encompass all of women’s lifespan, and reflect women’s various roles in Australian society, not just their reproductive role.
• Promote the participation of women in debate and decision making about health issues, their own health care, health service policy, planning, delivery and evaluation
• Recognise women’s rights, as health care consumers, to be treated with dignity, in an environment which provides for privacy, informed consent, confidentiality and safety
• Acknowledge that informed decisions about health and health care require accessible information, which is appropriately targeted for different socio-economic, educational and cultural groups
• Use existing data, research and policy concerning women’s health, as well as incorporating women’s views about their own health and the best strategies to address their health needs, in service planning and development
• Provide appropriate women’s health care to women
• Ensure equity and accessibility of services without financial, cultural, geographic and or other barriers
• Ensure effective community management and operation of women’s health centres by women, for women
• provide a broad range of services and strategies within a preventative and holistic framework, which
  • are provided for women by women
  • value women’s own knowledge and experience
  • facilitate the sharing of women’s skills, knowledge and experience
  • link women’s individual experience and health needs to the social and cultural context of women’s lives
  • empower women challenge sex-role stereotyping and gender discrimination which affect health, increase the accessibility, sensitivity and acceptability of health services or women
  • relate to identified health priorities at the local and state level

These principles are informed by the National Women’s Health Policy.