HeathLink Directories
About Us
Background
Established in 1985, HealthLink was originally a drop-in Consumer Health Information service for patients, their families, carers and the staff of Westmead Hospital. Since then health information needs and technology have changed and we now focus on developing and maintaining high quality databases that can reach a wider audience.
A major part of our role is to support the consumer information and health promotion initiatives of Sydney West Area Health Service by providing access to information about health and community related support services.
Our databases are designed for:
- The general public
- Health professionals including General Practitioners
- Allied health professionals
- Community Health staff
- Pharmacists
- Libraries
- Information services
- Professional associations
- Federal, state and local government agencies
- Community Workers
- Non government organisations
- Advocacy organisations
- Support groups
Easy Access
3 user friendly search techniques mean that HealthLink Western Sydney is simple to use. Searches can be performed:
- by typing text into the FIND: field
- by using keywords or topics
- geographically (by typing in town or postcode)
Advanced technology and a sophisticated keyword system ensure fewer false hits. Each keyword fits into a hierarchy of terms that move from general keywords like lung to specific keywords like Asbestosis. This allows you to step up and down levels in the hierarchy, being as specific or as general as you like.
HealthLink Western Sydney also has the ability to synonym match. Often health professionals and lay people use different terms to describe the same thing. For example, the medical term for a heart attack is myocardial infarction. In a case like this, keywords are linked to synonyms so that the system will find the record you need, regardless of which term you use.
Unique searching
HealthLink Western Sydney is underpinned by a unique geographical proximity search system. The system matches the postcode or suburb selected by a user with the location of the service they are searching for. The system then lists the records so that the closest appropriate service is always listed before services that are further from the user.
Internet version - where available, links to street directory
maps pinpoint the location of the service that has been selected.
Floppy disk version - an interactive digital map allows you
to refine your search based on geography.
Reliable
HealthLink Directories follow strict quality control procedures when creating and maintaining records. This ensures consistency of data and means that records are relevant and succinct.
Accurate
All our records are updated and verified annually and we constantly research and add relevant new services.
Equitable access
Because not everyone has Internet access HealthLink Western Sydney is also available on floppy disk. It costs $44 per annum (includes GST) and runs on most IBM compatible personal computers that have Windows 95 or later software.
