World Kidney Day: A Call to Action for Western Sydney Health Professionals
Chronic Kidney Disease affects 1 in 10 people and often progresses silently until irreversible damage occurs. In Western Sydney, chronic disease drivers such as diabetes, hypertension and cardiovascular disease are major contributors to CKD risk. How GPs Can Strengthen Early CKD Detection 1. Proactively screen high‑risk patientsUse simple blood (eGFR) and urine ACR testing for patients with: Diabetes Hypertension Cardiovascular disease […]
MyMedicare Privacy Notice Updated
The MyMedicare Patient Privacy Notice has been updated to provide clearer information about how personal details are collected, used and securely shared across government agencies involved in MyMedicare. This update improves transparency and supports compliance with the Australian Privacy Principles, ensuring you can feel confident that your information continues to be handled safely and respectfully. […]
HealthPathways – A Unique Resource
Concerns about data privacy, lack of support, incompatibility and being time-consuming are potential barriers for health professionals using digital health support tools according to a recent study (1). With the use of technology, including digital decision support tools, becoming more prevalent in general practice, it’s increasingly important that health professionals have access to bespoke digital […]
Immunisation Bike Competition: Vaccination Rates for Young Children Improve in Western Sydney
Western Sydney Immunisation rates for young children have risen thanks in part to the annual WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Immunisation Bike Competition. On-time vaccination is the best way to protect your child, family and community against vaccine-preventable diseases. Under the National Immunisation Program, vaccines are due at birth, 6-8 weeks, 4 months, […]
National Advance Care Planning Week 2026 – A Call to Action for Western Sydney Clinicians
National Advance Care Planning Week (16–22 March) is an important reminder for all of us working in health care: despite strong community support for planning ahead, only one in three Australians have taken steps to plan their future healthcare, and just 6% have completed a formal advance care directive. For clinicians across Western Sydney, this […]
World Obesity Day 2026: A Call to Action for Western Sydney
Western Sydney continues to face some of the highest rates of overweight and obesity in Australia, with half of the population above a healthy weight and at risk of chronic disease. Western Sydney residents are twice as likely to develop diabetes compared to those living in Sydney’s Eastern or Northern suburbs—impacting especially Aboriginal, Torres Strait […]
Genomics Hub Helps GPs with Genetic Detection
Western Sydney GPs now have access to a new national learning hub designed to strengthen early recognition of genetic conditions in primary care. Funded by WentWest and developed in Western Sydney, the PRECISE Genomics in Primary Care Hub, delivered by Medcast, offers rapid, point‑of‑care education and practical tools tailored specifically for general practice. Genomics is […]
Supporting Your Patients During Ramadan
Ramadan is an important month of fasting, reflection and community for many patients across Western Sydney. With 10.7% of Western Sydney residents identifying as Muslim, Islam is the second‑largest religion in our region, meaning a significant number of patients will be observing Ramadan and may require tailored clinical support during this period (1). For GPs, Ramadan presents […]
Healthy Ageing in General Practice
Spotlight on Frailty Prevention Frailty affects up to one in four people aged 70 and over, increasing the risk of falls, functional decline, hospitalisation and reduced quality of life. Early detection and timely intervention can help older adults stay active, independent, and at home for longer. To support general practices and practice teams across Western […]
New Changes to Digital Health: Better and Faster Access (Share by Default)
Important updates are being made to the way health information is shared in Australia’s healthcare system. New laws were recently introduced which ensures more health information will be automatically uploaded and available sooner in My Health Record. This change will help patients and healthcare providers have quicker access to the latest information, so patients can […]