Increasing Immunisation Rates in the Cumberland LGA
On 24 October 2024, we hosted our third Cumberland Health Care Neighbourhood Networking event at The Holroyd Centre at Merrylands. This event follows the success of previous place-based events within this region which have united health care professionals and community members to improve health outcomes in such a culturally diverse pocket. The focus of the […]
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 […]
Palliative Care Resources for Health Professionals
Palliative care is a holistic, person and family-centred approach designed for individuals facing an active, progressive, advanced disease, with limited prospects for cure. The primary objective is to optimise the quality of life for patients living with a life-limiting or terminal illness by identifying and treating symptoms which may be physical, emotional, spiritual or social. […]
Helping Patients Overcome Barriers to Breast Cancer Screening Participation
In Australia, the lifetime risk of being diagnosed with breast cancer is one in seven for women and one in 556 for men. In addition, around 80% of new breast cancer cases occur in women aged 50 and older [1]. Early detection and proper treatment can greatly enhance breast cancer survival rates, with mammograms being […]
Connecting Patients to the Right Mental Health Support
October is Mental Health Awareness Month, with this year’s theme, “Let’s Talk About It” prompting all to reflect on our mental health and wellbeing. Mental health is a key component of overall health and wellbeing covering a range of disorders including anxiety, depression and substance abuse disorders. In a recent report conducted by the Australian […]
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 […]
The 2024 Western Sydney Immunisation Bike Competition Begins
The Western Sydney Immunisation Bike Competition is back for its annual run. Since its inception in 2011, the competition has helped immunise 16,972 children. Last year alone, over 500 children registered through our participating general practices. The 2024 competition runs until 31 January 2025. Every child who receives their 12-month, 18-month or four-year-old immunisation from […]
Shaping the Future of Health Care in Western Sydney: 2024 Impact West Summit
Left to right – Ms Lindsay Cane AM: WentWest Board, Conjoint Professor Diana O’Halloran AO: WentWest Chair, Steven Adams: WentWest Board, Jane Assange: WentWest, Anthea Markham: WentWest, Dr Michael Fasher: WentWest, Dr Norman Swan AM, Michelle Quinn: WentWest and Andrew Newton: WentWest CEO. Last week, we hosted the landmark all-day event, the 2024 Impact West […]
Promoting Child Health and Wellbeing: The Blue Book
Western Sydney is home to a diverse and growing population, with 52.6% of Western Sydney residents born overseas and 58.2% using a non-English language at home1. Both statistics are higher than the NSW average of 34.6% and 32.4% respectively1. With a high level of cultural diversity in the region, GPs have an important role 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 […]