As a Primary Health Network (PHN) we are required to publish a range of plans and reports which demonstrate how we are supporting the implementation of the government’s primary health care reform activities and managing the associated funding.
Needs Assessments
A key function of PHNs is to undertake ongoing health needs assessments. We work closely with health service providers and consumers to identify the priority health needs for Western Sydney. We can then commission services that support health service delivery, access, and equity, and ensure health care is delivered efficiently and effectively across the region.
The program Needs Assessment will continue to inform planning and commissioning activities throughout the breadth of activities and programmes undertaken by Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN). This Needs Assessment will inform planning on a three-year cycle.
We will continue to expand the range and depth of topics addressed in the Program Needs Assessment and incorporate new and updated information when it becomes available.
Activity Work Plans
WSPHN is required to develop Activity Work Plans for each financial year and submit these for approval to the Department of Health. The plans are informed by the WSPHN Needs Assessment where key issues and priorities have been identified and underpin the strategic direction of the organisation. The plans must be approved by the Department before PHN activities can proceed.
Updated annually, the plans outline the activities to be delivered as part of our Strategic Plan.
The public versions of WSPHN’s Activity Work Plans are available below:
Western Sydney Integrated Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan
The Western Sydney Integrated Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan (the Regional Plan) is an agreement about what has to change, by when, how, and who will be responsible for leading the change. The Regional Plan has a three-year focus (2020-2022) to align with the planning cycles of state health organisations and that of WentWest, as the Western Sydney Primary Health Network (WSPHN). The Regional Plan will guide collaborative governance, planning, commissioning and monitoring by the Western Sydney Local Health District and WentWest as the lead agencies.
Commissioning Framework
The WentWest Commissioning Framework is designed to enhance service delivery and patient outcomes in Western Sydney. The framework guides us to effectively and efficiently meet community health needs through integration, building our partnerships and advocacy.
The Commissioning Framework is delivered through a three-phase process under which all commissioning activity and decision-making takes place. We use the National PHN Commissioning Model that was developed by the Department of Health in 2016.
Relationship to Partnership Framework
Since 2002, WentWest has been part of the Western Sydney community, offering support and education to primary health care providers. We have built key partnerships to progress the region’s health system, including transforming systems of care to make them more accessible and person-centred. We use a values-based and standardised approach to partnering with Western Sydney communities and our broader relationship groups. The Framework shows how we will achieve our objectives and responsibilities with our partners.
The WentWest Relationship to Partnership Framework outlines WentWest’s priorities, actions, principles, and processes for building relationships and developing partnerships. The scope of these activities extends from the commissioning and enabling of services and programs to supporting integration and capacity building across the Primary Health Network – transformation. It reaches across working with all levels of government to progress local, state, and national priorities, to developing WentWest’s community and consumer partnership program.
National Primary Health Network Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework
The National Primary Health Network (PHN) Cooperative has launched the National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework. The input of allied health peak bodies, practitioners, PHNs, and other stakeholders draws on insights and perspectives gathered through an extensive consultation process and informs future engagement strategies to support allied health contributions to consumer and community outcomes.
A greater focus on the allied health professions as part of primary health care is essential to improving access, outcomes, integration, safety, quality and cost-efficiency across the health system. With clear leadership and resourcing, there is an opportunity for PHNs to play a key role in supporting the allied health sector as an essential part of an integrated patient-centred health system.
Read more about the National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework and case studies highlighting the positive impact PHNs have made in their regions thus far.
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