Specialised Intellectual Disability Team - Easy Read fact sheet has information to support people with an intellectual disability who need extra support with their health.

About the service

The focus of the specialised Intellectual Disability Health Service (IDHS) is supporting and building the capability of the health system to meet the health care needs of people with intellectual disability in NSW.

The IDHS is made up of a network of six teams and nine clinical positions across NSW.

What we offer

The Intellectual Disability Health Service offers:

  • Comprehensive health assessment and recommendations for a person with intellectual disability who has an unresolved complex or chronic health need that cannot currently be met by accessing usual care pathways, including:
    • Referrals for other health assessments and health services
    • Recommendations for support services
    • Dietary advice, advice on medication, physical activity, social activity
    • Advice on managing ongoing care
  • Capacity-building for health professionals, including:
    • Webinars, skills training and other education sessions
    • Joint consultation, case conferences and advice on assessment/care of people with intellectual disability.

Eligibility for a comprehensive health assessment

Referrals for a comprehensive health assessment can only be made by a general practitioner or other medical specialist (e.g. paediatrician). Referring clinicians can complete a referral form, available from their local service, or write a comprehensive referral letter.

More information about the IDHS is available in the Core Service Elements.

Contact

For more information, contact your local service.

District Phone numberEmail address
Hunter New England LHD and Central Coast LHD(02) 4924 6067 HNELHD-IntellectualDisabilityTeam@health.nsw.gov.au
Northern Sydney LHD, Mid North Coast LHD and Northern NSW LHD (02) 9926 5777NSLHD-IntellectualDisability@health.nsw.gov.au
South Eastern Sydney LHD, Nepean Blue Mountains LHD and Illawarra Shoalhaven LHD (02) 8566 1222 SESLHD-SIDHT@health.nsw.gov.au 
Sydney LHD(02) 9378 1364SLHD-STRIDES@health.nsw.gov.au
South Western Sydney LHD and Southern NSW LHD (02) 9794 1820SWSLHD-FairfieldCHC-SDHT@health.nsw.gov.au
Western NSW LHD, Murrumbidgee LHD and Far West LHD(02) 6369 8542WNSWLHD-SIDHT@health.nsw.gov.au
​Western Sydney LHD​TBANSWH-WSLHD-IntellectualDisability@health.nsw.gov.au

Related links

Tools to support assessment, admission and discharge of patients with disability:


Current as at: Thursday 18 April 2024