Wentworth Healthcare and NBMLHD renew commitment to strengthen healthcare system

Wentworth Healthcare, who is largely Federally funded, coordinates and supports the delivery of high-quality primary healthcare and helps address local health needs and service gaps. State funded NBMLHD, provides a range of acute and sub-acute in-patient hospital services in addition to outpatient and outreach community-based health services. 

The new agreement outlines a continued shared vision to deliver integrated, patient-centred care that is accessible to everyone across the region. Together, the two organisations will continue to work on a wide range of projects to strengthen the health system by enhancing service coordination and providing a more holistic approach to improving the health and wellbeing of people living in the community. 

Currently, Wentworth Healthcare and NBMLHD share a Joint Community Advisory Committee and a Joint Boards’ Integrated Health and Wellbeing Committee. Over the last six years, this joint governance has been crucial in helping both organisations work closely together to integrate the local health response, especially during the region’s multiple disasters and the pandemic. 

Both organisations have delivered a Joint Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan, which has helped facilitate many joint projects. An example was the colocation of NSW Health funded suicide prevention service SafeHaven, into the Commonwealth funded Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre, helping improve the overall experience of those accessing mental health support. 

Wentworth Healthcare CEO, Lizz Reay, said the MOU formally recognises the close relationship that already exists between the two organisations and builds on their existing long-standing partnership. 

“We are passionate about cultivating a ‘one health system’ mindset for people living in our region, We want a seamless local health system, even if the different parts are funded by different governments or entities. We need to continue our efforts to ensure healthcare is delivered in the most appropriate setting and when it is needed, while improving continuity of care so that people don’t get lost when they move from one health service to another. This Agreement strengthens our mutual commitment to prioritising a joined up, equitable healthcare system centred around quality health services,” said Ms Reay. 

NBMLHD Chief Executive Brad Astill echoed the importance of collaboration in delivering care that meets the diverse needs of the region. 

“Our region’s strength lies in its diversity, and our healthcare approach must reflect that. Through open communication, shared decision-making and collaboration with our stakeholders we can build a resilient and responsive healthcare system, one that can be tailored to the individual health needs of everyone in our community,” said Mr Astill. 

The MOU also provides a platform to reinforce the shared priorities such as disaster and emergency management, better referral pathways, and disadvantaged communities, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, those experiencing mental health concerns and those at risk of, or affected by suicide. 

“By aligning our efforts, we are building a more integrated, equitable, and patient-centred health system that responds to the needs of our growing community. Through strategic collaboration and shared leadership, we will continue to turn regional priorities into coordinated action across acute, community and primary care,” concluded Ms Reay.