WentWest at National Workforce Summit
“Primary Health Networks are well positioned to support primary care workforce planning using their deep local knowledge, established relationships, and ability to engage meaningfully with health professionals and communities.” WentWest Senior Manager Primary Care, Jasmine Glennan proudly co-presented at this week’s National Workforce Summit alongside Capital Health Network. Representing the NSW & ACT Workforce Planning and Prioritisation […]
BreastScreen NSW Service Opens at Blacktown
A new permanent BreastScreen NSW clinic has officially opened for appointments in the Blacktown CBD, providing women in the community with access to free breast screening services all year round. Minister for Health Ryan Park officially opened the new clinic, which will support the nearly 60 per cent of eligible women in Western Sydney Local […]
Cardiovascular Disease in Western Sydney: Recognise the Early Signs
Cardiovascular Disease is a major cause of death in Australia; responsible for causing around one in four (24%) of all deaths (1). In Western Sydney, many people face significant heart health challenges and have a high chance of developing cardiovascular diseases due to lifestyle factors such as Unhealthy Diet, Physical Activity, Smoking & Excessive Alcohol […]
Helping Keep Community Safe During Extreme Heat
Western Sydney is naturally hotter than other areas of Sydney, typically experiencing temperatures 6-10 degrees hotter than the rest of the city. Ongoing development within Western Sydney means that the region experiences a higher urban heat island effect than other parts of Sydney. These conditions combined with exponential population growth mean that our region is […]
Mental Health Support: A Response to the Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The Australian Government has launched mental health and community wellbeing support services to address the psychological harm and community distress caused by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza region. As the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, we are collaborating with Central and Eastern Sydney, Northern Sydney and South Western Sydney Primary Health Networks (PHNs) […]
Celebrating Western Sydney’s Stronger Medicare Awards Finalists
Congratulations to two outstanding health care professionals from Western Sydney who have been named finalists in the Stronger Medicare Awards, recognised for their dedication to improving the health of the community. Dr Siow Liew, a devoted general practitioner (GP) at Bidwill Family Practice and the team at Street Side Medics, have both made significant contributions […]
Dr Walid Jammal to be Awarded Sidney Sax Medal
On Thursday 26 September 2024, the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association announced that Dr Walid Jammal, Western Sydney GP, will be awarded the 2024 Sidney Sax medal for outstanding contributions to the development and improvement of Australia’s health care system. The Sidney Sax Medal was first awarded by the Australian Healthcare and Hospitals Association in […]
First Mount Druitt Health Care Neighbourhood Networking Event
On Thursday 5 September 2024, we hosted our first Mount Druitt Health Care Neighbourhood networking event at Blacktown International Sports Park. The event successfully expanded the place-based approach which has been applied in the Cumberland region, aiming to provide greater connectivity between local health care providers. On the night, over 70 health professionals, community members […]
Holistic Care for People from Refugee Backgrounds
People from refugee backgrounds face a number of challenges when accessing health care services. Understanding their background and journey can give all health care professionals a greater understanding of how to provide best-practice health care. Refugees and internationally displaced people may have experienced many traumatic experiences relating to conflict, persecution, environmental degradation and poverty, resulting […]
WentWest Stories, STARTTS: Tohan’s Story
The NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors (STARTTS) is a non-profit organisation providing culturally appropriate psychological treatment, support and community interventions. STARTTS’ South Sudanese Youth Ambassador (SSYA) Program helps young people increase their mental health literacy, social connections and wellbeing. The program provides ongoing support to a pool of […]