Caption: Ray Messom, CEO, WentWest, Western Sydney Primary Health Network
Over the last five years, WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network has partnered with a number of trailblazing practices in Western Sydney who have embarked on the journey toward Patient Centred Medical Home (PCMH).
On Wednesday 30 March, we proudly hosted over 70 general practice delegates across Western Sydney for the first PCMH Networking Evening. This group of general practices have committed to the transformation of primary care.
The PCMH model plays a pivotal role in achieving improved health of populations, enhanced patient experiences, health care cost reductions and better support for health professionals.
The evening was a great success as we shared learnings and insights from experienced PCMH practices and explored the successes and challenges from those that are new to this initiative. The evening also provided a wonderful opportunity for these delegates to engage with our Practice Development Team and panelists, including Jane Assange – WentWest Director, Primary Care Transformation & Integration, Tim Perry – WentWest General Practice Pharmacist Lead, Dr. Natalie Cochrane – General Practitioner at Mount Druitt Medical Centre, Michelle Dean – Practice Nurse at Riverstone Family Medical Practice and Deb Chowdry – Practice Manager at Walters Road Medical Centre.
“From conception to execution all involved made a remarkable contribution. I’m sure the practice teams went home proud of their achievements and proud to be part of the WentWest family. This relationship-building is the yeast that leavens the system transformation that improves care. Well done everyone. Five Stars!” Dr Michael Fasher, GP Clinical Director at WentWest said, remarking on the success of the event.
Experience demonstrates that practices with a quality improvement focus, who adopt and work through the 10 Building Blocks of High Performing Primary Care, develop a greater capacity over time in both their business and clinical models, to sustain transformation, in turn shaping the practice of the future.
The foundational elements of engaged leadership, data-driven improvements, patient registration and team-based care are the first steps PCMH practices will focus on to create quality general practices of the future.
In 2019 WentWest sent a contingent of physicians and health managers to visit advanced primary care practices in the US. The purpose was to learn from and engage with practitioners who are actively working to increase both the quality and accessibility of primary health care within their communities. The WentWest 2019 U.S. Study Tour report provides a great insight into high functioning integrated primary care.
For more information on PCMH speak with your WentWest Practice Development Officer, call our Helpdesk on 8811 7117 or visit our website.