2020 vision for the future of health

Patients at the heart of healthcare was the focus of planning for the future at a recent forum of leading western Sydney health organisations.

The forum was initiated and led by WentWest’s clinical and consumer councils.

Representatives of NSW Health, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) and Western Sydney University also attended.

The main focus of the forum was how to improve integrated care in western Sydney and how to best take forward the WSLHD-Western Sydney Primary Health Network integrated care program.

WentWest acting chief executive officer, Brendan Peek was thrilled to see so many strong stakeholders at the forum.

“It was a day of robust discussion focussing on integrated care across Western Sydney, with many key issues explored including the importance of a consumer-centred model,” Mr Peek said.

“We look forward to continuing this discussion with our valued partners, as we shape a sustainable primary health care system that benefits and acknowledges our community.”

WSLHD integrated care and community health acting executive director Luke Felicetti said a big theme on the day was about how to bridge the gap between general practice and hospitals.

“Improved patient access to services in the community and a smoother transition to hospital and back home is key to achieving better health outcomes for residents,” Luke said.

“More than ever, healthcare is focused on the patient experience. We want to create positive experiences for patients when they access healthcare services and include them in decision making.

“Our aim is to keep people out of our emergency departments and hospitals where possible, and allow them to remain with their families and communities because we know that patients recover better and faster at home.

“The partnership that WSLHD has with WentWest is notably one of the strongest relationships in the state.

“This has meant we have been able to lead the way in developing a number of integrated care models in western Sydney to achieve better service delivery and improvements in hospital efficiency and patient outcomes.”

For further information visit the WentWest website.