Health Resource Directory
Arm injuries
(4 items)Clavicle fracture
A clavicle fracture is a broken collarbone. Your collarbone is in your shoulder and connects your arm...
Shoulder dislocations and instability
A shoulder dislocation is when the upper arm bone comes out of the shoulder blade socket. Shoulder...
Blood-related conditions
(7 items)Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps the body...
Myeloma
Myeloma, also called multiple myeloma, is a type of blood cancer affecting plasma cells. Plasma cells are...
Cancer
(13 items)Acute leukaemia
Acute leukaemia is a type of blood cancer that develops quickly. If you have acute leukaemia, your...
Breast Cancer Survivorship
Breast cancer survival rates are improving. This means that are more and more women who are...
Cervical screening
Cervical screening is a test that checks for early signs of cervical cancer. When cervical cancer is...
Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL)
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) is a type of blood and bone marrow cancer. The bone marrow is...
Head and neck cancer
Head and neck cancer is a general term used for different types of cancers that develop in...
Oesophageal cancer
Oesophageal cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the cells that line the oesophagus. The...
Child development
(8 items)Developmental milestones
GPs use milestones to track your child’s development. Milestones are the skills and tasks children can do...
Short stature in children
A child with short stature is much shorter than other children of the same age. When a...
Temper tantrums
Temper tantrums, also known as tantrums, are emotional outbursts. If your child is having a tantrum, they...
Child physical health
(6 items)BCG vaccination
The BCG vaccine is the vaccine for tuberculosis, also known as TB. Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial...
Physical activity in children
Regular physical activity is essential for your child’s health, growth and development. Kids need to be active...
Covid-19
(5 items)Coronavirus and aged care facilities
A COVID-19 outbreak is a serious health risk for people who live in residential aged care facilities....
Stopping the spread of COVID-19
A new type of coronavirus was detected in late 2019. This virus can cause a severe respiratory illness called coronavirus...
Culturally and linguistically diverse communities
(2 items)Refugee health assessment
A refugee health assessment is a detailed check of a person who has arrived in Australia as...
Refugee Health Assessment in Children and Adolescents
The refugee health assessment is a detailed check of a child or adolescent who has arrived in...
Diabetes
(13 items)Diet and lifestyle
(7 items)Nutrition resources
Scroll down for recommended resources to guide you towards eating a healthier diet.
Drug and alcohol
(11 items)Cocaine, Ecstasy, and Other Drugs
Cocaine and ecstasy are two commonly used illegal drugs. These drugs are damaging to your health and...
Opioid dependence treatment
Opioid dependence treatment is treatment for people who are dependent on opioids. Opioids are pain-relieving medications. There...
Foot and ankle injuries
(5 items)Foot and toe injuries
There are many different types of foot and toe injuries, including fractures. A fracture is a broken...
Foot pain
Foot pain can affect the toes, midfoot, ankles, arches and heel. There are many types and causes...
Ingrown toenail
Ingrown toenails occur when your toenail grows into the skin of the toe. They are most common...
Gastrointestinal conditions
(4 items)Bowel cancer screening
The National Bowel Cancer Screening Program aims to help detect signs of bowel cancer early. Early diagnosis...
Iron therapy
Iron therapy is when you receive iron through an injection into a vein. This is also called...
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Vitamin B12 deficiency occurs when you don’t have enough vitamin B12 in your body. Our bodies need...
Genetic conditions
(3 items)Family risk of breast or ovarian cancer syndromes
One of the known risk factors for breast or ovarian cancer is a family history. Around 5%...
Family risk of colorectal or endometrial cancer syndromes
Around 10 to 15% of all people with colorectal cancer have a family history. Family history means...
Hand and wrist injuries
(6 items)Carpal tunnel syndrome
Carpal tunnel syndrome is caused by a pinched nerve in your wrist. The pinched nerve causes a...
Dupuytren’s contracture
Dupuytren’s contracture is a condition that occurs when the skin under your hand gradually becomes thick and...
Ganglia
Ganglia are small cysts. They contain a thick jelly-like material called synovial fluid. Ganglia are also called...
Trigger finger
If you have trigger finger, your finger will get stuck or locked after flexing, then snap back...
Heart
(4 items)Reducing your risk of cardiovascular disease
Cardiovascular disease is a term for a range of diseases that affect the heart and blood vessels....
Immunisation
(5 items)Adverse events following immunisation
Adverse Events Following Immunisation (AEFIs) is the term used to describe certain medical issues that people may...
Immunisation
Immunisation is the process of getting a vaccine against a serious disease. Vaccines contain very weak forms...
Immunisation and pregnancy
Getting certain vaccines before, during and after pregnancy protects you and your baby. Vaccines recommended for pregnant...
Influenza immunisation
The influenza immunisation is a vaccine that protects against the flu. It’s recommended for anyone over the...
Travel vaccination
Travel vaccinations are vaccines that protect against the serious diseases you may encounter when travelling overseas. Overseas...
Infectious diseases
(2 items)Rabies and bat lyssavirus
Rabies and Australian bat lyssavirus are viruses that spread through bites or scratches from infected animals. These...
Zika virus
Zika is a virus that spreads through infected mosquito bites. It can also be sexually transmitted. In...
Kidney and bladder conditions
(6 items)Acute kidney injury
Acute kidney injury is a form of kidney damage that occurs quickly, over a period of days...
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary or accidental leakage of urine. This affects 30% to 50% of...
Leg injuries
(3 items)Knee pain
Knee pain is pain that you can feel in the knee joint or around the knee. Knee...
Prepatellar Bursitis (Housemaid’s Knee)
Prepatellar bursitis is a type of knee injury that occurs when the bursa, in the front of...
Local health services
(7 items)Community health centres
South Western Sydney Local Health District has 18 community health services across the district providing a range of services:
Emergency care
Note: For emergencies, dial 000 and ask for AMBULANCE.
Multicultural services and translated resources
This page lists resources on many health conditions with translations for non-English speakers. Scroll down to find information from children’s...
Telemonitoring
Telemonitoring is when your GP or healthcare professional monitors your health data electronically. Examples of health data...
Triple I (hub)
Triple I is SWSLHD’s centralised intake, information and intervention centre for primary and community health services within...
Lung conditions
(5 items)Pneumonia
Pneumonia is a serious lung infection caused by a bacteria or virus. It can affect one or...
Medical procedures
(2 items)Vaginal pessaries
A vaginal pessary is a removable device that is put into the vagina. It is used to...
Medical tests
(24 items)Myocardial perfusion scan
A Myocardial Perfusion Scan (also known as a Sestamibi Scan) is a test to examine the blood...
Mental health
(18 items)Antipsychotic medication
Antipsychotic medications help manage symptoms of psychosis, a serious mental health condition affecting the mind. People with...
Anxiety
Anxiety is the most common mental health issue. It can be a normal and healthy response to stress. It can...
Depression
Depression is when feel people feel low or down for at least two weeks. Depression can...
Eating disorders
Eating disorders are mental health conditions that cause a person to develop disordered or extreme eating habits....
Psychosis
Psychosis is a serious mental health condition affecting the mind. People with psychosis can experience an altered...
Nervous system
(4 items)Medicinal Cannabis
Cannabis is a type of flowering plant in the family Cannabacae. This plant has been used as...
Respiratory compromise in neuromuscular conditions
People with neuromuscular conditions have a high risk of developing respiratory compromise or failure. Respiratory failure means...
Transient ischaemic attack (TIA)
A transient ischaemic attack, also known as a TIA, occurs when blood supply to the brain is...
Older person's health
(7 items)Before entering a Residential Aged Care Home (RACH)
Before entering a Residential Aged Care Home (RACH) it is important for your GP to look at...
Older person’s health assessment
An over 75s health assessment is a yearly test that helps your GP to: identify any health...
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary or accidental leakage of urine. This affects 30% to 50% of...
Palliative care
(11 items)Managing the final stages of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a serious lung disease that blocks airflow and makes it difficult...
Palliative care pain management
More than 65% of palliative care patients experience pain. People with cancer, osteoarthritis, end-stage renal failure, neurological...
Self-care for family and carers in palliative care
Caring for someone who is dying is both rewarding and challenging. It is normal to feel distressed...
Sleep disturbance in palliative care
People who are nearing the end of their lives may have difficulty sleeping. There are many reasons...
Pregnancy
(24 items)Foetal movements
Foetal movements is a term that refers to the baby’s movements in the womb during pregnancy. If...
Hypertension in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia
Hypertension in pregnancy and pre-eclampsia are two serious medical conditions that can occur at any stage during...
Mental health and pregnancy
Pregnancy can be an emotional time for many women. It’s not uncommon for pregnant women to experience...
Pregnancy and weight gain
During pregnancy, some weight gain is normal. How much weight you gain depends on what you weighed...
Routine antenatal care
Routine antenatal care refers to the regular appointments and tests you have during your pregnancy. You’ll need...
Umbilical Hernia
An umbilical hernia is a lump under the belly button (navel) that may be detected at birth...
Sexual health
(16 items)Abnormal vaginal discharge
If you are having more vaginal discharge than usual, it may be a sign that something is...
Epididymo-orchitis
Epididymo-orchitis is inflammation of the testes and epididymides (tubes attached to each testicle). Epididymo-orchitis can be mild...
Permanent Contraception (Steralisation)
Sterilisation is a method that permanently prevents pregnancies. This can be done in both males and females....
Thrush (Vulvovaginal candidiasis)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection in the vagina. It is caused by a growth of candida...
Urethral discharge in males
Urethral discharge refers to fluid that leaks from the urethra (the tube that carries urine and semen...
Shortness of breath action plan
(1item)Breathlessness (Dysponea)
Breathlessness, or shortness of breath, can happen for a range of reasons, including: Lung conditions such as...
Skin conditions
(11 items)Corns and calluses
Corns and calluses are areas of thick, hard skin. They mostly form on the feet and toes....
Eczema / atopic dermatitis
Eczema, also called atopic dermatitis, is a skin condition characterised by dry and irritated skin. Eczema usually...
Melanoma
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer. Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the...
Warts and verrucas
Warts and verrucas are small, hard lumps on the skin. They are caused by different strains of...
Supporting your health
(21 items)Carer supports
Caring for a friend or family member can be a difficult, challenging task. Many people provide informal...
Constipation
Constipation is defined as difficulty passing stools which may be infrequent (<2 per week), painful or hard....
Department of Veterans’ Affairs
The Department of Veterans’ Affairs is a government department that offers support for people who have served...
Disability support services
Disability support services are services that help people with disabilities, their families and carers. The Australian government...
Driving and vehicle assessment
If you have a medical condition that could affect your ability to drive safely, you will need...
Energy rebates for medical equipment and low income households
Low Income Household Energy Rebate The NSW Government provides assistance measures to help households with their energy costs. Eligibility for...
Gastroenteritis
Acute gastroenteritis is the sudden onset of diarrhoea, with or without vomiting, fever or abdominal pain. It...
Haematuria (blood in urine)
Blood in urine can be: Macroscopic which means blood can be seen in urine without needing tests...
Hand hygiene
Hand hygiene is the process of cleaning your hands with soap and water to prevent spreading diseases....
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is due to an overactive thyroid. The thyroid is a gland in the neck. It makes...
Make the GP part of your family
What is a GP? GPs, or general practitioners, play a central role in the delivery of general health treatment and...
My Health Record
My Health Record is a secure online summary of your health information. The record keeps information about...
National Disability Insurance Scheme
The National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) offers financial support for Australians who have permanent and significant disability....
Organ and tissue donation
Organ and tissue donation is the process of donating your organs and tissues to people who are...
Polypharmacy
Polypharmacy is when people are taking five or more medications each day. These can be prescribed, over...
Return to work
Returning to work after an illness can be challenging, but your GP is here to help. Returning...
Self-care for people with cancer
Living with cancer impacts your physical and emotional health in many ways. It’s normal to face challenges...
Subclinical Hyperthyroidism
Subclinical hyperthyroidism is when you have low thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with normal thyroid hormone levels. TSH...
Vitamin D Deficiency
Vitamin D deficiency occurs when you don’t have enough vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D helps...
Your Healthcare Journey
You are the centre of your healthcare journey You are the best person to be in charge of your own...
Women's health
(25 items)Breast Cancer Survivorship
Breast cancer survival rates are improving. This means that are more and more women who are...
Chronic pelvic pain
Chronic pelvic pain is abdominal and/or pelvic pain that has lasted for at least 6 months. It...
Endometriosis
Endometriosis is an inflammatory illness with lesions of endometrial-like tissue outside the uterus. It can cause pelvic...
Heavy menstrual bleeding
Heavy menstrual bleeding means a heavy period. This can affect a woman’s quality of life. Most menstrual...
Intermenstrual and post-coital bleeding
Intermenstrual bleeding is bleeding from the vagina that happens when not having a period. Bleeding that happens...
Menopause
Menopause is defined as not having a period for more than a year in a non-pregnant woman....
Pelvic organ prolapse
Pelvic organ prolapse is when one or more pelvic organs bulge into the vagina. This happens when...
Period pain (dysmenorrhoea)
Dysmenorrhoea means a painful period. It is common but often under-diagnosed or treated. It can make life...
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is a common endocrine disorder. It often affects young women’s metabolism and...
Postmenopausal bleeding
Postmenopausal bleeding is any bleeding from the vagina that happens after menopause. Around one in ten women...
Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS)
Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) is the physical and psychological symptoms that happen each menstrual cycle. They happen during the...
Subfertility
Fertility means how easy it is for someone to have a baby. Subfertility is when a person...
Thrush (Vulvovaginal candidiasis)
Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a fungal infection in the vagina. It is caused by a growth of candida...
Urinary incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary or accidental leakage of urine. This affects 30% to 50% of...
Vaginal pessaries
A vaginal pessary is a removable device that is put into the vagina. It is used to...
Wounds
(3 items)Burns injuries
A burn injury occurs when skin is injured by heat. Common causes of a burn injury include...