This year marks 10 years since the establishment of the Primary Health Networks (PHNs). A decade of working to build healthier communities, both nationally across 31 PHNs and locally through the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) in the Far West and Western regions of NSW.
PHNs were established by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing in 2015. Their role is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the healthcare system, particularly for those most at risk of poor health outcomes.
WNSW PHN Executive Manager of Corporate Services Graeme Allen has been here since the PHNs’ inception.
“I’ve seen firsthand how WNSW PHN has transformed over the past 10 years; growing not just in size, but in impact.
“We’ve broadened our reach, deepened our connections, and consistently kept community needs at the centre of everything we do.”
As we’ve grown, our focus has sharpened around three key goals that guide everything we do to improve health outcomes in our region:
- Identifying local gaps in health services and commission (or fund) services or system improvement, particularly in underserved or vulnerable populations.
- Building the capacity of primary care by supporting GPs and other primary care providers by offering training and professional development, support quality improvement including accreditation and workforce planning, and help with adopting new systems and technologies.
- Supporting the development of a more connected and cohesive healthcare system by connecting general practitioners, allied health professionals, hospitals, specialists and community services. This helps ensure patients experience well-integrated care, especially those with complex or chronic conditions.
WNSW PHN CEO, Brad Porter said he’s proud to see the way PHNs have evolved and to be part of the impact being delivered today.
“We are proud of the crucial role we play in ensuring people at risk of poor health outcomes receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
“We do that through funding chronic disease care for Aboriginal people in Integrated Team Care or expanding access to mental health support through services like Strong Minds Western NSW.
“We remain committed to leading, supporting and strengthening person-centred primary health care across our region.”
Reflecting on the last decade has also given us space to look ahead at our commitment to innovation, collaboration and continuous improvement in primary health care.
With strong local partnerships and a deep understanding of our region’s unique needs, WNSW PHN will continue to work to close the health gap and build healthier, more connected communities into the future.
