Building health connections through research and collaboration

Health connections, Western NSW Primary Health Network
Health connections, Western NSW Primary Health Network

Partnering to improve health outcomes in Western and Far West NSW

Health connections, Western NSW Primary Health Network

We believe that better health outcomes start with building strong health connections and partnerships with local service providers. Our collaborations with research institutions, health organisations and community stakeholders are designed to generate practical insights, shape future services and strengthen health access and equity across the region.

Whether you’re a university, a research group or a healthcare provider, we will work with you to solve real-world health challenges and drive innovation in primary care.

Health connections, Western NSW Primary Health Network

We are a member of the Western Health Research Network (WHRN), an alliance of Universities, Local Health Districts, Primary Health Care Providers, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, and Non-government Organisations.

Health connections, Western NSW Primary Health Network

Current research partnerships

Health connections, Western NSW Primary Health Network

WNSW PHN is co-designing resources with GPs and consumers to improve the use of genomics in general practice. This project supports practitioners in understanding and applying genomics to improve care.

This trial explores whether a text-message based health and wellness program (EMPOWER-SMS GP) for breast cancer survivors can improve lifestyle outcomes and management of resources for GPs. The project was co-designed with patient advocates, GPs, health professionals, researchers.

High blood pressure is a major risk factor for heart attack, stroke and other cardiovascular diseases.

The AUS HEARTS Project is a research program that aims to strengthen hypertension detection, treatment, and control in rural, regional and remote Australia. It involves working with key stakeholders in rural primary healthcare to adapt, implement and evaluate the World Health Organisation’s HEARTS technical package, a globally proven, evidence-based approach for hypertension in primary care settings. The goal is to find better ways to support people to manage their blood pressure and improve heart health outcomes.

Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) is partnering with the University of Sydney and other organisations to help deliver the project across Western and Far West NSW. WNSW PHN will support local general practices and health professionals by providing education and training, encouraging participation in quality improvement activities, and helping to share research findings across the region. Through this partnership, WNSW PHN aims to improve cardiovascular health and reduce the impact of heart disease in rural and remote communities.

Interested in partnering with us?

If you’re a researcher, healthcare stakeholder or university seeking research collaboration with WNSW PHN, please reach out to us to discuss a partnership further.

Health connections begin with collaboration. Our partnerships create real pathways to stronger care, smarter research and better outcomes for our region.

Previous Collaborative Projects

Health connections, Western NSW Primary Health Network

Care Partnership – Diabetes

After several years of collaboration, the Care Partnership – Diabetes (CP-D) Program concluded on 30 June 2026, leaving behind a stronger, better-connected diabetes workforce and a lasting legacy for communities across Western and Far West NSW.
 
Funded by NSW Ministry of Health and delivered through a partnership between Western NSW Local Health District, Far West Local Health District, Western NSW Primary Health Network (WNSW PHN) and Rural Doctors Network (RDN), the program was established to improve outcomes for people living with Type 2 Diabetes in Western and Far West NSW by strengthening workforce capability, improving access to care and creating a more integrated health system.
 
Over the life of the program, partners worked together to address the unique challenges of delivering diabetes care across one of the most geographically dispersed regions in NSW. Through education, clinical support, service improvement initiatives and stronger integration across primary and hospital care, the program has helped build a sustainable foundation for better diabetes management into the future.
 
WNSW PHN was pleased to contribute to the program and will continue our work in improving health outcomes for those living with Type 2 Diabetes in our region.
Health connections, Western NSW Primary Health Network