In 2021, we surveyed the needs of over 450 general practitioners (GPs) and allied health professionals (AHPs) in Western Sydney to understand the current health challenges and how to better support health professionals. This year, managers of residential aged care facilities (RACFs) will also be invited to participate. As the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, WentWest relies on these annual surveys to uncover localised needs, develop initiatives and allocate resources that empower primary care staff to deliver quality, patient-centred care. By being part of the conversation and responding to the survey, you help influence health care in Western Sydney.
What has been Implemented Since Last Year’s Survey?
The 2021 survey provided us insight into the ongoing way COVID-19 has shifted interactions between health professionals and patients. Despite the added pressure and uncertainty of COVID-19, 63% of GPs and 77% of AHPs still reported a high level of work satisfaction.
COVID-19 had an enormous effect on the way we care for patients who are homebound or living in a residential aged care facility (RACF). In last year’s survey, 38-39% of GPs stated that they had decreased RACF or home visits, and 13-15% said they had ceased visits altogether.
This year, we formed a Healthy Ageing team to address the health care needs of older Australians. The new team is designed to strengthen partnerships between RACFs, GPs and other health care providers to improve access to telehealth care, out-of-hours support and chronic health management initiatives and builds on the strong relationships formed with RACFs during the COVID-19 vaccination rollout. The team also provide quality training and education opportunities to the aged care workforce, with over 200 staff trained in CPR this year.
45-54% of GPs reported that high-intensity, acute and specialist interventions were very hard to access, and, as a result, mental health service awareness and access have been a priority for WentWest in 2022. Mental health service awareness campaigns have included features in newsletters, videos, consumer stories, community press and mental health awareness campaigns on social media. Mental health classification has expanded to five levels of care, and additional training and resources will be rolled out to health professionals over the coming year.
We’re using the detailed data contained within these survey findings to develop and design new services and look for ways to improve initiatives within our community.
Take Part Now
Take part in this year’s survey and help shape the future of primary care in Western Sydney.
The survey is open to all general practice staff, allied health professionals and RACF managers in Western Sydney. It is completely de-identified unless you choose otherwise.