Practice Census set to transform primary care planning in South Western Sydney
16 Jun 2025
In a move aimed at strengthening the future of general practice across South Western Sydney, SWSPHN has launched its first-ever General Practice Census – a two-part digital survey designed to provide the region with up-to-date workforce intelligence.
SWSPHN Workforce Strategy Coordinator Hannah Reveley said the census offered a faster, more automated way of capturing up-to-date primary care workforce data in South Western Sydney.
“The Practice Census offers a more streamlined communication approach,” she said.
“It was introduced as a trial alternative to the paper-based annual practice profiles, GP/GP registrar and practice nurse profiles for 2024-2025.
“Practices, GPs and nurses can complete the surveys quickly and in their own time.”
The census consists of two survey rounds: the first, a practice-wide survey, which was completed in January 2025, and the second, a health practitioner survey, released in February 2025 with ongoing data collection.
Why a new census was needed
Ms Reveley expressed how essential accurate and current data is to effectively support general practices across the region.
“Having accurate and current data will allow us to tailor the support we provide to your practice’s specific needs,” she said.
“For GPs and nurses, this means better guidance, resources and assistance.”
The census will also help inform the Greater Western Sydney Primary Care Workforce Strategy, a joint initiative between SWSPHN, Nepean Blue Mountains PHN and Western Sydney PHN.
Understanding the workforce crisis
The census came at a critical time for the region, which is experiencing a range of workforce challenges, Ms Reveley said.
“Workforce shortages are already being experienced across the region, impacting community access to primary care services,” she said.
“We’re also seeing an ageing GP workforce and difficulty recruiting and retaining practitioners, including both GPs and nurses.”
She said the census would help identify:
- gaps in the general practice workforce and areas needing improvement
- strengths and weaknesses in the region’s workforce to guide professional development
- key factors influencing recruitment and retention
“This information will be used to develop strategies which address the needs of the population and improve recruitment and retention rates, leading to better care and outcomes for our community.”
Why participation matters
SWSPHN is encouraging all GPs, registrars and nurses across the region to complete the survey.
“Completing this short survey will help ensure your healthcare service details are current in our systems,” Ms Reveley said.
“It also means we can contact you with relevant information like CPD events, grants and training opportunities and guide broader health system improvements and workforce planning.
“The health practitioner survey only takes a few minutes to complete. It aims to gather data, which is recent, relevant and accurate – which benefits everyone.”
What to do if you haven’t received the survey
If eligible GPs, registrars and nurses haven’t received their survey link, support is available.
Check your work and personal email inboxes for your individual health practitioner survey from southwesternsydneyphn@swsphn.com.au.
Otherwise, please notify your practice support representative or contact the SWSPHN Workforce Strategy team at primarycareworkforce@swsphn.com.au or phone (02) 4632 3000.
Data privacy and security
Ms Reveley emphasised the importance of data privacy and security, confirming all information shared was handled securely.
“The data provided will be securely stored on our Customer Relationship Management platform” she said.
“Data used to inform planning, needs assessments and system improvements is aggregated and de-identified. If we receive information about services outside our catchment, we will not use it without your explicit consent.”
Looking ahead
As South Western Sydney continues to grow, ensuring a well-supported, sustainable primary care workforce is vital.
“This census is helping us listen to our healthcare professionals and act on what they tell us,” she said.
“It’s the foundation for better-informed decisions – and ultimately, better health outcomes for our region.”
Find out more about the SWSPHN Practice Census
Image: SWSPHN Workforce Strategy Coordinator Hannah Reveley.