Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) has released two new targeted Needs Assessments to strengthen primary care planning and improve health outcomes for priority populations across the region.
The Homelessness Primary Care Needs Assessment and the Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Primary Care Needs Assessment were commissioned by WNSW PHN and conducted by Linéaire Projects. Together, they provide detailed insights into current service provision, gaps and opportunities to better support people experiencing homelessness and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds in Western NSW.
These assessments complement WNSW PHN’s broader Health Needs Assessment process, which is undertaken every three years using qualitative and quantitative data to identify the region’s key health and service priorities.
In addition to this core work, WNSW PHN undertakes targeted needs assessment projects to build a deeper understanding of specific population groups and service issues. The homelessness and CALD assessments form part of this approach, helping to inform future commissioning, partnership development and system improvement.
People experiencing homelessness and people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds often face complex barriers to accessing primary health care. These assessments bring together data, stakeholder input and lived experience to identify service gaps, improve coordination and support more inclusive, locally responsive models of care.
The full reports are available on the WNSW PHN website:
- Homelessness Primary Care Needs Assessment in Western NSW
- Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) Primary Care Needs Assessment in Western NSW
WNSW PHN encourages healthcare providers, community organisations and stakeholders to review the findings and use the insights to support collaborative planning and improved access to care across Western NSW.
