As the new CEO of WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA), I am excited to engage with national, state, and local stakeholders to advance our vision of better health, together, building a more connected and equitable healthcare system for all Western Australians.
In the ten years since inception, WAPHA has grown to become the largest and, arguably, one of the most innovative Primary Health Network (PHN) operators in Australia. Our state-wide model has been acknowledged by the Australian Government as an optimal PHN model for its efficiency and effectiveness. This recognition is not merely testament to our past achievements but, more importantly, a signal of the pivotal role PHNs will play in shaping the future of our health system.
PHNs are recognised by the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing for their contribution to the health care system, especially in contextualising, localising, and delivering on national integrated primary health care reforms.
Serving a vast state like WA, with its diverse regions, comes with its own set of complexities. As the operator of WA’s three PHNs, WAPHA has earned its place in the health system as a trusted partner, delivering on our PHN commitments and collaborating with other agencies to improve access to primary health care and shift the dial on health equity.
Building on that trust, my focus will be on ensuring our work delivers the greatest value and impact.
Innovation and reform
Fostering innovation will remain a key priority and we will continue to leverage models of care and technology as essential tools in achieving our goals, both at a state and national level in the digital and data programs we lead on behalf of the PHN group.
The Australian Government’s transformative Strengthening Medicare agenda, and the critical role PHNs play in implementing these reforms, will shape our future.
This will see a change in many activities WAPHA commissions to better support people in under-served communities and locations, working with general practice, allied health professionals, Health Service Providers and our commissioned health services to develop innovative and integrated models of care.
Collaboration and coordination
Collaboration between WAPHA and key federal and state health agencies will be critical to maximising the impact of our respective resources, thus the importance of the current tripartite WA Collaborative Commissioning Partnership cannot be overstated.
Formalised shared commitments such as this will support the delivery of a high-quality, equitable health system that continuously improves consumer and provider experiences, population health outcomes, and health system cost efficiencies.
As CEO, I am committed to championing the role of primary health care with a ‘one health system’ mindset. This includes general practice and allied health as pivotal to the ongoing strength and resilience of our WA health system and communities.
This commitment is about leveraging the impact of a robust primary health care sector and ensuring under-served communities receive the care they need closer to home and avoid unnecessary hospitalisations.
On leadership
Leadership brings with it the responsibility to support and develop our people, creating an environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.
I am committed to working in pursuit of our organisational goals and delivering on the requirements and ambition of the Australian Government. We will achieve this by ensuring our team is aligned with our vision, mission and values, and by equipping them with the knowledge, tools and resources they need to succeed.
We are tasked with understanding, contextualising and solving complex issues, and it is only through the combined efforts of our team and external partners that we can navigate these challenges effectively. No single person or entity can do it alone.
Looking ahead
I am energised by the opportunity to contribute to a health system that is responsive to the needs and aspirations of the people we serve. Together, with trusted partners, we will continue to innovate, collaborate and champion the cause of primary health care. Our collective efforts will pave the way for a healthier future for those Western Australians currently experiencing persistent and acute health inequities.