WHM welcomes the opportunity to respond to the draft ACT Virtual Care Strategy. As a women’s health organisation working closely with women and gender diverse people in the community, we support the ACT Government’s commitment to improving access and efficiency of care through virtual models. However, to ensure equitable outcomes, these models must be designed with a gendered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed lens.
Without an intentional focus on inclusion, safety, and equity, these benefits will not be realised for many women and gender diverse people – particularly those already underserved by the healthcare system. In our submission, we aim to provide feedback and recommendations that will encourage inclusive design, meaningful community uptake of virtual care and benefit from the real opportunities such models can present.