From AI to human experience: Presenting the future of healthcare at western Sydney forum

Graeme Loy, Chief Executive, Western Sydney Local Health District (WSLHD) recently attended the Greater Western Sydney Future Health Forum 2023 alongside Minister for Health and Regional Health Ryan Park and more than 300 clinicians, academics and industry stakeholders to discuss the challenges around supporting a sustainable healthcare system in a rapidly growing western Sydney.

Speaking at the 2023 GWS Future Health Forum, delivered by the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue in partnership with local health districts, The Hon. Ryan Park MP said the investment was critical to support a sustainable healthcare system in Sydney’s booming west.

“Greater western Sydney is one of our state’s fastest growing regions and will be home to more than six million people by 2041,” Mr Park said.

“As the communities of greater western Sydney grow, the NSW Government is committed to ensuring their essential services, like healthcare, grow with them.”

The event was an opportunity to discuss some of the key challenges in western Sydney including the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in clinical care, how to embrace change and celebrate success, fostering relationships with other stakeholders such as non-government organisations (NGOs) and the importance of bringing everything we do back to the human experience. Multiple panels were conducted discussing key healthcare issues for western Sydney.  

WSLHD CE Graeme Loy participated on the Wicked Problems of the West panel discussion, alongside Sonia Marshal (Acting Chief Executive SWSLHD) and Lee Gregory (Chief Executive, Nepean Blue Mountains) discussing the complexity and diversity of the region.

“One of the key challenges we have is around developing care models which are closer to people’s homes,” Mr Loy said.

“For example through our InTouch program and Virtual Care we can make sure people are treated in their own home, preventing unnecessary presentations to the emergency department, and also ensuring exemplary human experience.”

Adam Leto, Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue CEO, facilitated the discussion and welcomed the focus on providing tailored healthcare services to meet the growing and diverse needs of one of Australia’s fastest-growing populations.

“It is critical that we continue to take a holistic approach to providing the healthcare services the communities of the west need and, importantly, to plan for future needs,” Mr Leto said.

Key issues explored during the forum’s speeches, panel sessions and presentations included:

1. Understanding the role of planning, design, transport and amenity in improving health outcomes
2. The role of sport in improving community health outcomes, and leveraging the private sector for grass-roots growth
3. Infrastructure and services needed to help safeguard communities from the effects of extreme heat
4. Untapped opportunities within the care economy to spark productivity, improve efficiencies and address cost-of-living pressures
5. Attracting investment, supporting research innovation health and retaining talent in western Sydney.

At the event, Dialogue Chairman Christopher Brown AM presented the Patrons’ Prize for Corporate Civic Leadership to Richard Alcock AO, former Chair of the Western Sydney Local Health District.

“It was an honour to recognise the invaluable contribution of these distinguished healthcare leaders,” Mr Brown said.

“Their tireless efforts and professionalism have enriched the region’s health services, while their leadership has inspired the next generation to continue to advocate for the communities of greater western Sydney.”