Public Health Unit support for GPs is a key part of primary health in South Western Sydney, with Dr Rose Sacca offering a fitting analogy for how the Public Health Unit and general practice work together.
The staff specialist with South Western Sydney’s Local Health District says GPs and public health are both part of the wider community health team – looking after the same patients.
“Public health is the backstage crew of the medical world, because few patients know we exist, while GPs are the starring cast,’’ Dr Sacca says. “Because everyone knows and respects their GP.”
As a staff specialist with the Public Health Unit (PHU) Dr Sacca works across a broad range of areas.
“Public health has different roles depending on the country and its health system,’’ Dr Sacca said. “In Australia, we work across several areas and priority populations. It ranges from communicable disease, vaccination and environmental health to epidemiology and emergency management.
“We often focus on disadvantaged or priority populations and advocate for those who fall through the cracks of the broader healthcare system.
“This work encompasses a broad range of activities, from contact tracing an infectious exposure or environmental testing, to community outreach and ad hoc clinics.’’
Right now, Dr Sacca’s focus is health in the Pasifika community and rheumatic fever and rheumatic heart disease in South Western Sydney.
Her colleague, Dr Janelle Slattery, is leading the district response to congenital syphilis and the immunisation program funded by NSW Health.
The unit’s Acting Director, Dr Stephen Conaty, is an environmental health expert and, until recently, was the Director of Environmental Health for the state.
“We offer a range of support including advice on testing, diagnosing and treating notifiable diseases and support and advice on vaccination,’’ Dr Sacca said.
“Much of our work with GPs is due to vaccination or communicable diseases. Currently it’s syphilis, measles and pertussis. There are also often questions relating to travel and illness because we have a diverse population who frequently travel to visit friends and family or host international visitors in their household.
“We work on identifying future risks to public health, for example avian influenza, and providing an emergency response, as well as identifying and ameliorating any environmental health risk, such as cooling tower testing for Legionnaire’s disease. We are also keen on further education and teaching in these areas so try to do presentations, grand rounds and contribute to relevant HealthPathways as much as possible.’’
A long-term goal of the Public Health Unit is to develop an ongoing and interactive relationship with the region’s primary care providers by working more closely with SWSPHN.
“We both work to improve the health outcomes of the community as a whole and public health brings certain content knowledge, communication skills, wider health system data and stakeholder engagement,’’ Dr Sacca said.
“The PHN represents local primary care providers, especially GPs, and has access to primary care data and trends as well as helping to deliver primary care. They also offer federal stakeholder engagement and ongoing support and training to our region’s GPs. We both produce health reports and conduct research. We are committed to continue to collaborate in these valuable areas.’’
And the final message to GPs?
“We are very approachable so please contact us if you have any concerns,’’ Dr Sacca said. ‘’We look after the same communities and patients so we may contact you for clinical information or assistance in reaching patients.
“Australians have a high level of trust in their GPs. We absolutely cannot do our work without the help of GPs.’’
GPs can call the PHU on 1300 066 055 or email SWSLHD-PublicHealthUnit@health.nsw.gov.au. They also offer 24/7 cover for urgent public health issues such as a suspected case of measles. Call 8738 3000 and ask for the Public Health Officer on call.
This article appeared in Practice Pulse on Wednesday, 29 April 2026. If you are a GP, practice nurse or practice manager in South Western Sydney and do not get the weekly Practice Pulse email, speak to your Practice Support Officer.
