It Takes a Village: Strengthening Health Partnerships in Cumberland
The recent Cumberland Health Care Neighbourhood Networking event brought health professionals together to strengthen trust and improve outcomes for children and families. The evening focused on collaboration – exploring challenges and opportunities for providers working side by side to ensure every child and family can thrive. It was a powerful reminder that it truly takes […]
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 […]
Enhancing Medication Management in Western Sydney Aged Care
Pharmacists are being embedded in residential aged care homes to enhance medication safety and streamline treatment plans, thanks to a newly funded initiative aimed at improving resident health outcomes. A recent study of NSW residential aged care homes (RACHs) found that medication incidents affect more than one-third of older adults in RACH settings [1]. These […]
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 […]
Sydney’s United Approach to Refugee Mental Health
Supporting people affected by the Gaza conflict is the focus of a recent mental health initiative offering tailored local services, and culturally sensitive support that’s improving emotional wellbeing and community connection. A joint initiative of Western Sydney, Central and Eastern Sydney and Sydney North Primary Health Networks, The Wellness and Resilience: Gaza Conflict Project tailored […]
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] […]