OUR PRINICIPLES OF PRACTICE 

"Health is a complete state of physical, mental, spiritual and social wellbeing, not merely the absence of deases and infirmity"  (World Health Organisation)

The social model of health acknowledges that a broad range of factors determines health including social, economic, cultural, environmental, biolgical and political factors.

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 model of health informs our service delivery by reflecting the broader environment in which a woman lives - her family, community, workplace - and her ability to access health care services and other service systems.

The social model of health also recognises that there are a range of 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; and
• health promotion and education.

Throughout their lives, from childhood to old age, women will have different health experiences and outcomes from men, based on both biological factors and gender roles.  It is important that these differences are recognised and acknowledged.In accordance with the social model of health, WOMEN'S Healthworks provides services for women, by women, according to the following principles:

1. Women will be involved in, and have control of, decisions about their health and wellbeing.
2. Women will have access to information and education to assist them to make informed choices.
3. Women will be offered affordable and accessible services.
4. WOMEN’S Healthworks will focus on primary interventions as well as a preventative approach to women’s health and wellbeing.
5. WOMEN’S Healthworks will actively promote strategies to maintain and improve women’s health and wellbeing.
6. Women will be offered a safe and supportive environment, with privacy and confidentiality respected.
7. Women have the right to dignity and respect.

WHW will undertake to:

• Provide all services in a fair, equitable and compassionate manner.
• Act with integrity, honesty and professionalism.
• Take pride in what we do, be positive in our work and accountable for our actions.
• Offer high quality services and continuously strive for improvement.

OUR VALUES 

Women and their unique needs shape our services.

Integrity

Professional, ethical, confidential, accountable and honest.

Mutual Respect

Respecting the dignity and uniqueness of every women.

Visionary

Innovative, creative and courageous.

Strengthening Relationships

Building, establishing and nurturing respectful partnerships within our organisation and community.