Being Prepared for Winter Illness and How to Protect Yourself This Winter
Western Sydney could be entering a challenging winter with influenza and other respiratory illnesses already on the rise, according to the latest data from the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System. Western Sydney Primary Health Network Clinical Director, Dr Michael Fasher has called on clinicians to begin their annual vaccination programs now in readiness for the […]
Broad Spectrum Changes to Antibiotic Guidelines
An unprecedented major update to antibiotic prescribing in primary care has been released by Therapeutic Guidelines. In the first of a three-stage release, the update focuses on common infections treated by GPs and treatment of serious infections managed in hospitals. In response to a changing clinical environment, Therapeutic Guidelines conducted the comprehensive multidisciplinary review of […]
Supporting Youth Mental Health in Western Sydney
Demand for youth mental health services has doubled in parts of Western Sydney, according to figures from headspace. More than 300 young people sought help from headspace Parramatta in the first few months of 2025 compared with 747 seeking help in all of 2024. Research shows that almost one in seven (14%) children and adolescents […]
Closing The Gap In Western Sydney
A new Australian Institute of Health & Welfare report highlights that regular primary care visits help First Nations people stay healthier, reduce hospital stays, and lower early death rates. Yet, in Western Sydney, disparities persist. There is still a significant gap in usage of primary health checks like the MBS 715 health check between local […]
Building Community-Led Suicide Prevention in Western Sydney
Tackling mental health, suicide and self-harm in Western Sydney needs innovative, community-led approaches. This week, in partnership with The Funding Network (TFN), WentWest launched the Western Sydney Pitch Night. Western Sydney Pitch Night will allocate funds to up to 3 key programs, each focused on locally led collaborations that seek to reduce suicide prevention activity […]
Shape the Future of Western Sydney GP Placements
Now is your chance to have a direct impact on the future of general practice in Western Sydney. The GP Workforce Planning and Prioritisation (WPP) consortium partners for ACT and NSW are reaching out to all GPs, GP Supervisors, GP registrars, Junior Medical Officers and Medical Students in Western Sydney. The goal of the GP […]
Immunisation Bike Competition Success
Immunisation rates for Western Sydney children are steadily rising thanks in part to the annual WentWest, the Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Immunisation Bike Competition. Latest data, published by the Department of Health and Aged Care, shows the immunisation rate for children 5 years and under increased by 1.42 per cent in the last decade. […]
Unlock a Smarter HealthPathways with Personal Logins
Streamlined, secure access and a personalised experience will be key features of the new HealthPathways system. From Monday 17 March 2025, health professionals must register for a personal login which will provide exclusive access to continuing professional development (CPD) activity tracking and an AI-enhanced Smart Search function. This change will offer a more convenient, secure and personalised experience. […]
Powerful Healing in Simple Ways
Refugee trauma, the stress of resettlement and uncertainty can cause great stress, pain and fear and negatively impact on people’s health and everyday functioning. But with timely support, people can begin to heal and live well. NSW Service for the Treatment and Rehabilitation of Torture and Trauma Survivors is a leader in healing for people […]
Advancing Health Equity: Update on the Western Sydney Citizens’ Assembly
The power of connection, collaboration and culture was showcased in an inspiring talk to the Western Sydney Citizens’ Assembly this month. WentWest’s Gaza Mental Health Response Coordinator, Amal discussed a coordinated effort to support communities affected by the Gaza conflict. Spanning multiple Primary Health Networks (PHNs) and involving collaboration with community leaders and organisations, the […]