Mental Health Referral Spoke Strengthens Service Navigation
The WentWest Mental Health Referral Spoke is an innovative, free service designed to support complex mental health and psychosocial referrals. Operating via the Medicare Mental Health phone line and GP referrals, the service enhances access and continuity of care. Since 2025, nearly 600 referrals have been processed by the WentWest referral team, with an average processing time of no […]
Whalan Medical Centre Achieves Remarkable Turnaround in Cervical Cancer Screening Participation
Cervical cancer is one of the most preventable forms of cancer, yet screening rates in Western Sydney remain significantly below the national average. With local data showing only 29% of eligible individuals participating in screening; compared to the national benchmark of 70%; the gap is both concerning and urgent to address. Whalan Medical Centre has […]
Health Professionals Be Alert for Malaria in Western Sydney
Western Sydney health professionals should be aware of malaria cases in people recently arrived from Africa. The World Health Organisation (WHO) African region was home to 94% of malaria cases (246 million) and 95% (569,000) of malaria deaths in 2023 (1). Recommendations Screen and test all refugees who have travelled from or transited through a malaria-endemic area within […]
Award Win at theMHS Conference: Shifting the Landscape for Suicide Prevention
The Year 2 Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) has recently received recognition at Mental Health Services (theMHS) conference with a Convenor’s Choice award for their abstract submission ‘Shifting the Landscape for Suicide Prevention in NSW – Year 2 lived experience monitoring and evaluation co-design project’. WentWest employee Jay Gardener was supported to attend the conference […]
Better Access Mental Health Program
Changes to the Better Access initiative will improve access, reduce complexity, and support stronger patient–GP relationships. Effective 1 November, 2025, the changes will make GPs and Prescribed Medical Practitioners (PMP) more central to the management of mental health care under Medicare, subject to the passage of legislation. Key Changes All Mental Health Treatment Plans and referrals […]
Improving Health Outcomes for Patients in Opioid Dependence Treatment: Primary Care Input Needed
The University of Sydney is calling for input from primary care professionals as part of a project addressing the complex health challenges faced by people in opioid dependence treatment. Background Primary care professionals in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) regularly encounter patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), often without explicit awareness of their treatment […]
Mental Health Matters in Western Sydney
Mental health is a crucial part of our overall wellbeing—it influences how we connect with others, perform at work, and care for our physical health. The importance of looking after mental health cannot be overstated. A recent study found that over 50% of people living in Western Sydney experienced a low level of psychological stress.[1] […]
Mt Druitt Community Health Centre Celebrates 50 Years of Impact in Western Sydney
Last week, WentWest proudly joined the celebration of Mt Druitt Community Health Centre’s 50th birthday — a remarkable milestone for a centre that continues to make a lasting impact in Western Sydney. Hosted by Integrated and Community Health (ICH), part of the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), the event honoured five decades of care, […]
Masterclass Mobilises Western Sydney Against Rising Diabetes Rates
More than half of Western Sydney’s population is overweight and at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (1), Western Sydney health professionals are taking the lead to address the problem. More than 450 gathered for the Western Sydney Diabetes Masterclass in Parramatta recently. Hosted by Western Sydney Diabetes, in partnership with WentWest, the Western Sydney PHN, and the Western […]
Immunisation Bike Competition Returns for 2025
Registrations are open for general practices in Western Sydney to join the 2025 Immunisation Bike Competition, running from 1 October 2025 to 31 January 2026 with Western Sydney one-year-old immunisation rates below target at 92%, the competition is a great opportunity for GPs to move the dial for their community. How it Works Children aged […]