Epidemiology, Executive Medical Services, provides a fundamental public health resource within Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) through the development of a key knowledge base that informs local health policy decisions; evaluation of processes and outcomes of existing health services and programs; and development of tools and methods for monitoring and reviewing the effectiveness of health care services and systems. Epidemiology supports planning and evaluation of public health interventions, systematic approaches to development of strategies and systems for routine surveillance and evaluation (including development of valid and meaningful indicators and databases), and local reporting on health status of populations and population groups.

The Social and Health Atlas produced by Epidemiology provides comprehensive health and socio-demographic data on the residents of WSLHD, and each of its five constituent local government areas, Auburn, Blacktown, Holroyd, Parramatta and The Hills Shire.

Five-year aggregated and ten-year trend tables and charts are used to present data on a range of selected health indicators, including life expectancy, ambulatory care, premature mortality, infant mortality, and birth and fertility rates. Morbidity (hospitalisations) and mortality (deaths) data for all diseases, malignant cancers, cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, as well as diabetes and injuries (including fall-related injuries, motor vehicle accidents and suicide) are provided. Incidence (new cases) data for malignant cancers are also provided.

Health-related behaviours such as smoking, physical activity, immunisation and the consumption of alcohol, fruit and vegetables are examined. Health status as measured by current asthma, overweight or obesity, diabetes and symptoms of psychological distress are also described. Comparisons are made with NSW data.

2011 Census data provide demographic information such as age and sex distribution, country of birth, language spoken at home, income, education, employment, Indigenous status, housing and estimated resident population.

Maps show suburb boundaries, Indigenous Areas, and variation in socio-economic status (measured by SEIFA) within and between the local government areas.