Primary healthcare in the spotlight at leadership lunch
11 Jul 2024
Value for money and access to quality healthcare were the subjects of discussion when SWSPHN CEO, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, joined other health sector advocates at a luncheon hosted by the Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue in Parramatta on Wednesday, 10 July.
Representatives from Greater Western Sydney’s local health districts, primary health networks, private hospitals and other community representatives joined Federal Health Minister Mark Butler to discuss the Federal Government’s solutions to improve access, affordability and availability of healthcare services across the region.
A particular focus of discussion was the critical role played by primary healthcare centred around general practice, and the need to better integrate it with both hospital and aged care.
Mr Butler also discussed the success, and continued roll-out, of its Urgent Care Clinics, which are helping to reduce the pressure on public hospital emergency departments.
The Western Sydney Leadership Dialogue was established in 2015 to shine a light on key issues in the region, spark debate and nurture a national conversation about the Greater West in order to better shape it for the future.
The non-profit regional think tank aims to connect the right people, influence progress and effect positive social and economic change.
Greater Western Sydney has one of the youngest, fastest growing and most diverse populations in the nation.
As of the 2021 census 41 per cent of Greater Western Sydney residents were born overseas, the top countries being India, China, Vietnam, Philippines, Iraq and Lebanon.
Almost half (46 per cent) of the region’s population speak a language other than English.
Around three per cent identify as an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander person.