Steven Adams Honoured with OAM
“We are on this earth for a very short time. It is our responsibility to contribute to build a stronger and healthier future for our next generation.” Steven Adams OAM. WentWest is incredibly proud to share that Board member, Steven Adams has been awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for “service to […]
1800MEDICARE: A Single Front Door for Health Consumers
1800MEDICARE is a simple, reliable entry point to Australia’s health system—helping people find the right care, first time. Available 24/7 via phone, web and app, the free service connects consumers with registered nurses who can provide advice, assess symptoms and guide them to the most appropriate care. At a system level, 1800MEDICARE is designed to: Reduce pressure on […]
RSV Surging Early in Western Sydney
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) in Western Sydney is tracking high again in 2026, with more than 5,000 cases already reported by May, signalling an early and sustained season and reinforcing the need for strong primary care readiness. New local data show RSV notifications have remained elevated since becoming notifiable in September 2022, rising sharply from […]
Listening and Walking Together
Listening and acting together to make real health change for First Nations communities in Western Sydney was a key theme of National Reconciliation Week for WentWest. The 2026 Reconciliation Week theme, All In, calls on all health professionals to work with community to continuing to listen, strengthening partnerships, and supporting a health system shaped by […]
Breaking Barriers: Improving Cancer Screening in Cumberland
Health professionals, community organisations and residents came together at the recent Cumberland Neighbourhood Networking event to explore how to improve cancer screening participation across the region. Discussions focused on encouraging people to visit their GP and to feel confident sharing their experiences with family and friends. The session, Strengthening Cancer Prevention, is the fifth in […]
New Digital Health Course Announced
The Australian Digital Health Agency has launched a free digital health eLearning course for nursing and midwifery students. Developed in collaboration with La Trobe University, the Digital Health Foundations for Nursing and Midwifery: Competency Preparation for Placement course includes five modules covering digital professionalism, leadership and advocacy, data and information quality, information-enabled care, and technology in practice. […]
MyHealth Record – Updated Legislation
The My Health Record legislative framework has been updated to ensure the My Health Record system remains contemporary, clear and aligned with modern digital health practices. The new My Health Records Regulations 2026 and My Health Records Rules 2026 modernise and clarify requirements, including those relating to security and record-keeping, while improving readability and supporting […]
Never miss a BEAT: Take Action This Heart Week
This Heart Week, we’re encouraging health professionals to Never miss a BEAT by using the latest tools and resources to deliver more Heart Health Checks to eligible patients. Heart disease remains Australia’s leading cause of death, with one Australian experiencing a heart attack or stroke every four minutes. In Western Sydney, many people face significant […]
Syphilis Cases on the Rise in Australia
Syphilis cases are on the rise in Australia, with case numbers more than doubling over the past decade (2014 – 2024) (1). Due to the scale and severity, syphilis was declared a Communicable Disease Incident of National Significance (CDINS) in 2025 by the Australian Centre for Disease Control (CDC) (2). Syphilis can affect anyone, with […]
Meeting Rising Demand for Early Psychosis Care in Western Sydney
The future of early psychosis care for young people was the focus of the annual Australian Early Psychosis Program (AEPP) forum, held in Westmead earlier this month and supported by WentWest. Demand for youth mental health and early psychosis services is rising sharply across Western Sydney, with headspace services reporting that presentations have doubled in some areas. In just six months, […]