Each year, some 4,000 people who have experienced persecution or other serious human rights abuses settle in New South Wales. Common refugee experiences include torture, war or civil unrest, the loss of family and friends through violence, and prolonged periods of deprivation. These experiences can have major implications on health status and the delivery of health care.

The NSW Refugee Health Service was set up by the NSW Department of Health in 1999 to help meet some of these challenges. We aim to promote the health of people from a refugee background living in NSW by assisting refugees, and the health professionals who work with them.