Better Access Mental Health Program
Changes to the Better Access initiative will improve access, reduce complexity, and support stronger patient–GP relationships. Effective 1 November, 2025, the changes will make GPs and Prescribed Medical Practitioners (PMP) more central to the management of mental health care under Medicare, subject to the passage of legislation. Key Changes All Mental Health Treatment Plans and referrals […]
Improving Health Outcomes for Patients in Opioid Dependence Treatment: Primary Care Input Needed
The University of Sydney is calling for input from primary care professionals as part of a project addressing the complex health challenges faced by people in opioid dependence treatment. Background Primary care professionals in Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) regularly encounter patients with opioid use disorder (OUD), often without explicit awareness of their treatment […]
Mental Health Matters in Western Sydney
Mental health is a crucial part of our overall wellbeing—it influences how we connect with others, perform at work, and care for our physical health. The importance of looking after mental health cannot be overstated. A recent study found that over 50% of people living in Western Sydney experienced a low level of psychological stress.[1] […]
Dementia Forum Insights: CALD Support on the Rise
Dementia is one of the fastest-growing health challenges in Australia with an estimated 12,000 people living with dementia in Western Sydney and many remaining undiagnosed.[1] This issue was the focus of the Western Sydney Community Dementia Forum, held last week in Blacktown. Hosted by WentWest, and supported by Dementia Australia and the Western Sydney Local […]
Mt Druitt Community Health Centre Celebrates 50 Years of Impact in Western Sydney
Last week, WentWest proudly joined the celebration of Mt Druitt Community Health Centre’s 50th birthday — a remarkable milestone for a centre that continues to make a lasting impact in Western Sydney. Hosted by Integrated and Community Health (ICH), part of the Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD), the event honoured five decades of care, […]
Masterclass Mobilises Western Sydney Against Rising Diabetes Rates
More than half of Western Sydney’s population is overweight and at risk of developing type 2 diabetes (1), Western Sydney health professionals are taking the lead to address the problem. More than 450 gathered for the Western Sydney Diabetes Masterclass in Parramatta recently. Hosted by Western Sydney Diabetes, in partnership with WentWest, the Western Sydney PHN, and the Western […]
Suicide Prevention Day: Focus on Western Sydney Women
On World Suicide Prevention Day, Western Sydney clinicians are being urged to provide extra support to women following a rise in suicide-related behaviours among women in the region. [i] The Western Sydney Primary Health Network is calling on health professionals to check in with women on their mental health during regular check-ups. Between 2018 and 2022, […]
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 […]