South Western Sydney seeks general practices for new care initiative
19 Oct 2026
South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) is inviting eligible practices to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) for My Care Partners. The program is expected to begin in early 2027, with contracts scheduled to start between mid-January and mid-February.
Bringing healthcare services together
My Care Partners aims to improve the way different healthcare providers work together for patients who may frequently need hospital care.
The initiative was developed through collaboration between SWSPHN, South Western Sydney Local Health District and community representatives. It connects participating general practices with a dedicated care coordination provider and other relevant services.
Under the model, practices help identify suitable patients, while care coordinators assess their needs and work with their healthcare team to organise support.
What participating practices receive
Practices accepted into the program can access several forms of financial and practical assistance, including:
- Initial setup and quality improvement payments.
- Additional payments for each enrolled patient, alongside eligible Medicare Benefits Schedule items.
- A dedicated service to assess patients and coordinate a 12-week period of support.
- Training to help staff identify suitable patients and improve practice processes.
- Digital tools for care planning and communication at no cost.
- Professional learning and networking opportunities with other participating practices.
Who can apply?
The invitation is limited to eligible practices in South Western Sydney. Applicants must meet all the following requirements:
- Hold general practice accreditation.
- Take part in SWSPHN’s Quality Improvement in Primary Care program.
- Use MedicalDirector or Best Practice and the associated billing software.
- Install and use the digital software required for My Care Partners.
- Employ a practice nurse for at least 12.6 hours each week.
- Provide protected work time for at least one GP, one practice nurse and one administration staff member to undertake program training and activities.
The program’s Request for Proposal document contains the detailed participation conditions and application instructions.
Important dates for applicants
Practices must submit their EOI through the designated online form by 5 pm on 6 November 2026. Applications sent by email or through other methods will not be accepted.
The final date for questions is 2 November 2026 at 5 pm. SWSPHN plans to notify successful applicants between 30 November and 11 December 2026. Contract discussions and final arrangements are scheduled to run from 14 December 2026 to 15 January 2027.
Practices seeking clarification can contact their Practice Advancement Officer or email tender@swsphn.com.au.
Early results show encouraging signs
The initiative started in August 2021 with five practices. Initially, South Western Sydney Local Health District provided the care coordination service. The program later expanded to cover all local government areas across South Western Sydney.
Since November 2024, Each has been commissioned to deliver care coordination. The program has supported more than 415 patients since its launch, and 18 practices are currently involved.
Western Sydney University’s early evaluation reported a decline in potentially preventable hospitalisation rates across three stages: from 0.63 before patients enrolled, to 0.58 during the intervention, and 0.54 during subsequent GP monitoring.
The evaluation also found that healthcare costs were approximately $2,875 lower per patient than for a matched comparison group. Reduced hospital admission costs accounted for most of the difference.
Feedback from participating practice staff was also positive. In a survey of 12 staff members conducted in July and August 2025, all said they would recommend the initiative to other practices, and all agreed that the care coordination team kept them informed about their patients. Meanwhile, 92% reported that the service had improved their patients’ overall health and wellbeing.
Patients also reported positive experiences, including feeling respected, listened to and involved in decisions about their care.
South Western Sydney seeks general practices for new care initiative
Source: South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN), EOI open: My Care Partners program,