22 October 2024

Eligible mental health service providers are invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) to codesign and deliver Universal Aftercare services within South Western Sydney to support people following a suicide attempt or suicidal crisis.

Eligible organisations can now submit their RFP to South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) until Monday, 11 November 2024.

 

Procurement overview

In 2022, suicide was the leading cause of death for young people aged 15 to 24, with more than 3,200 lives lost across Australia. Men and First Nations people are particularly at risk, with men making up 75 per cent of suicide deaths and First Nations people being twice as likely to die by suicide.

SWSPHN currently commissions The Way Back service as the primary aftercare program in South Western Sydney, offering non-clinical psychosocial support for those who have attempted suicide or faced a suicidal crisis. This service will continue until September 2025, after which SWSPHN will transition to a new Universal Aftercare service under a bilateral agreement with the NSW Government.

Starting from April 2025, SWSPHN will commission a new Universal Aftercare service to continue providing assertive, non-clinical support. Through the co-design process and guidance from Aftercare Best Practice Guidelines, the provider will collaborate with SWSPHN and South Western Sydney Local Health District to ensure the service meets local needs. The program will focus on delivering person-centred and trauma-informed psychosocial support services for people following an attempted suicide or suicidal crisis.

 

Program principle

The service provider will:

      • promote strength and resilience by helping individuals build and maintain supportive social and family networks
      • provide non-clinical psychosocial support which complements clinical care, offering practical assistance to ensure safe and connected living
      • tailor support to each individual’s unique circumstances and needs following a suicide attempt or crisis
      • deliver timely support immediately after a hospital or mental health service visit, addressing the heightened risk during this critical period

 

Procurement timeline

Action Date
Information session Thursday, 31 October 2024 at 11am
Last queries date Wednesday, 6 November 2024
RFP closing date Monday, 11 November 2024 at 5pm
Evaluation period November – December 2024
Recommendations to SWSPHN board and executive February 2025
Successful applicant notified and contract negotiations March 2025
Contract execution Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Unsuccessful applicants notified Tuesday, 1 April 2025
Establishment and Embedding Phase Tuesday, 1 April 2025 – Tuesday 30 September 2025
Full implementation and service delivery commencement Wednesday, 1 October 2025

 

Information session

Potential respondents are invited to attend an information session to receive an overview of the RFP, outcomes sought, the process for submission and to ask questions.

When: Thursday, 31 October 2024
Time: 11am
Register: Meeting Registration – Zoom

All questions and answers as well as PowerPoint slides, will be posted on Tenderlink within one week of the meeting.

 

Submission accepted via Tenderlink

This Request for Proposal is available on SWSPHN’s Tender Portal – Tenderlink: www.tenderlink.com/swsphn

Interested parties are encouraged to register for SWSPHN’s Tender Portal to ensure they:

  • will receive email notifications when new procurement opportunities are published in relevant categories
  • can access the online forum to address any questions about the program and procurement process
  • can download and view procurement documentation electronically and
  • will be able to submit applications through the e-tender box facility

Deadline for submissions is Monday, 11 November 2024 at 5pm.

 

Enquires

Enquiries regarding this notification can be directed to Amy Prince, Director of Planning and Performance care via Melissa McIntyre, melissa.mcintyre@swsphn.com.au

14 July 2024

Help reduce falls-related injuries among older people in our community. Eligible organisations are invited to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) to deliver the Stepping On – Falls Prevention program within South Western Sydney.

 

Procurement overview

SWSPHN is seeking to commission an organisation with experience delivering the Stepping On program or a similar program. Your organisation will be expected to provide the program within South Western Sydney, which consists of the Bankstown, Camden, Campbelltown, Fairfield, Liverpool, Wollondilly and Wingecarribee local government areas. Phase one will commence in October 2024, and full implementation will commence from January 2025 and run for 12 months.

 

 

About Stepping On

Stepping On is for older adults living in the community who are aged 65 and over, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander adults aged 45 and over. It is appropriate for older people who:

Stepping On logo

  • have had a fall in the past year or have a fear of falling
  • are living independently with or without a walking stick
  • able to speak conversational English or the language in which the group is facilitated

The program is not appropriate for people with cognitive impairments which limit their ability to follow instructions or participate in a group setting (eg dementia, Parkinson’s disease), those who do not live independently in the community or are in an assisted living facility, and those who are permanently dependent on a walking frame.

Program objectives are to

  • increase awareness of falls risk and develop knowledge to prevent falls
  • assist older people in maintaining personal independence
  • encourage, inform, and improve older people’s physical activity skills with a focus on strength and balance training
  • increase self-efficacy in participants, which facilitates a follow-through with falls prevention strategies
  • use a cognitive behavioural approach to find new ways of thinking and behaving in relation to falls prevention in a small group context

Each program runs for seven weeks with a booster session. Weekly sessions are two hours long. Key content includes balance and strength exercises, home hazard solutions, community safety, safe footwear, implementing medication reviews, low vision and falls, vitamin D and calcium and public transport safety.

New program facilitators will be required to undertake Stepping On training to become a qualified facilitator.

 

Proposal timeline

Action Date
RFP open Monday, 15 July 2024
Last queries date Wednesday, 7 August 2024
RFP closing date Monday, 12 August 2024 @ 5pm
Evaluation period 13 August – 27 August 2024
Successful applicant notified and contract negotiations September 2024
Unsuccessful applicants notified September 2024
Contract commencement  1 October 2024
Phase 1 establishment October 2024
Phase 2 establishment January 2025

 

Submissions accepted via Tenderlink

This Request for Proposal is available on SWSPHN’s Tender Portal – Tenderlink: www.tenderlink.com/swsphn

Interested parties will need to register for SWSPHN’s Tender Portal to ensure they:

  • will receive email notifications when new procurement opportunities are published in relevant categories
  • can access the online forum to address any questions about the program and procurement process
  • can download and view procurement documentation electronically and
  • will be able to submit applications through the e-tender box facility
Tenderlink

 

Enquiries

Enquiries regarding this notification can be directed to Anna Dasler, Integration and Priority Populations Team Lead at anna.dasler@swsphn.com.au or Amy Prince, Director of Planning and Performance care of Melissa McIntyre, melissa.mcintyre@swsphn.com.au

24 June 2024

Service navigator showing support got CALD, refugee or homeless person

Eligible services are invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) to establish service navigation supports across South Western Sydney to improve the health outcomes of people from diverse cultural backgrounds, refugees and/or people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The successful tenderer will deliver critical health navigation services throughout the region.

This opportunity is a result of community consultation which took place earlier this year, followed by co-design sessions to help develop the service navigation guidelines which form part of this tender request.

 

Procurement overview

South Western Sydney PHN is inviting proposals to commission a service which offers service navigation support to address the health needs of the following identified vulnerable population groups within our region. 

  1. People who are homeless. This includes those sleeping rough, couch surfing or living in temporary housing.
  2. People who speak a language other than English at home. This includes those from diverse cultural and/or religious backgrounds. These people may be born overseas and may be a refugee.

The primary objective is to commission a service which links community members to appropriate primary healthcare services to enhance access to primary care.

Consortia applications are welcome.

 

A service navigator will:

  • Serve as a single point of contact for individuals from CALD, refugee and/or homelessness backgrounds.
  • Connect patients with community health services
  • Connect patients with a regular general practitioner for ongoing care
  • Set patients up with a Medicare card where eligible
  • Utilise supplementary fees to cover primary care costs
  • Work with each individual to provide personalised support tailored to their specific health needs
  • Promote access to preventative healthcare measures such as cancer screening

The commissioned organisation/s will ensure the delivery of holistic services which address the gaps and barriers faced. The service navigator will organise appropriate and streamlined care.

For people from CALD and refugee backgrounds, the service navigator will understand each patient’s context and diverse background, and provide a culturally appropriate, trauma-informed and person-centred service.

For people who are homeless, sleeping rough, couch surfing or living in temporary housing, the service navigator will understand the healthcare barriers each patient faces and provide appropriate, trauma-informed and person-centred support.

As part of this project, SWSPHN will provide supplementary funding to be used for: 

  • General practices visits
  • Health checks
  • Pathology
  • Preventative health activities such as vaccinations, cancer screening and STI/BBV testing
  • Wound care
  • Medical form support
  • Allied health (Speech therapy and podiatry)

Foreign students can access navigation services but will not be eligible for supplementary cost coverage.

Mental health psychology and/or psychiatry visits may be covered under supplementary services, however assessments such as an autism diagnosis will not be covered.

 

Program principles 

The service navigator team will:

  • Be embedded within an existing service location in South Western Sydney to provide accessible and patient-centred support. 
  • Develop individualised care plans based on comprehensive initial assessments to ensure tailored and effective service delivery
  • Ensure seamless referrals to culturally competent health and social services through a “no wrong door” approach
  • Establish appropriate governance to maintain quality standards, cultural competence and fulfill reporting requirements
  • Participate in evaluation activities to assess the effectiveness of the service and identify areas for improvement

Download notice [PDF]

 

Proposal timeline

Action Date
RFP open Wednesday, 3 July 2024
Information session Wednesday, 10 July 2024 @ 2pm
Last queries date Thursday, 1 August 2024
RFP closing date Wednesday, 7 August 2024
Evaluation period 29 Aug – 5 Sept 2024
Recommendations to SWSPHN board and executive Friday, 13 September 2024
Successful applicant notified and contract negotiations October 2024
Unsuccessful applicants notified November 2024

 

Submissions accepted via Tenderlink

This Request for Proposal is available on SWSPHN’s Tender Portal – Tenderlink: www.tenderlink.com/swsphn

Interested parties are encouraged to register for SWSPHN’s Tender Portal to ensure they:

  • Will receive email notifications when new procurement opportunities are published in relevant categories
  • Can access the online forum to address any questions about the program and procurement process
  • Can download and view procurement documentation electronically and
  • Will be able to submit applications through the e-tender box facility
Tenderlink

 

Information session

Attend the information session for potential respondents to receive an overview of the tender process and requirements, and an opportunity to ask questions relating to the tender documentation.

When: Wednesday, 10 July 2024, 2pm
Where: Zoom

Register

 

Enquiries

Enquiries regarding this notification can be directed to Amy Prince, Director of Planning and Performance care of Melissa McIntyre, melissa.mcintyre@swsphn.com.au

20 June 2024

Fairfield Urgent Care Clinic banner depicting Medicare logo

Eligible general practices are invited to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP) to establish a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic with Fairfield Local Government Area.

 

Procurement overview

South Western Sydney PHN is seeking to commission one existing general practice or community health centre in Fairfield LGA to be set up as a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. The Fairfield Medicare Urgent Care Clinic will be one of 29 new federally-funded clinics opening across Australia. This builds on the 58 clinics already opened since July last year. In total, 87 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics will be open nationally. The Urgent Care Clinic program aims to ease the pressure on hospitals and give patients more options to see a healthcare professional when they have an urgent but not life-threatening need for care.

 

Proposal timeline

Action Date
RFP open Thursday, 20 June 2024
Information session Wednesday, 26 June 2024 @ 5pm
Last queries date Monday, 15 July 2024
RFP closing date Monday, 22 July 2024 @ 10am
Evaluation period 23 July – 9 August 2024
Recommendations to SWSPHN board and executive Monday, 29 August 2024
Successful applicant notified and contract negotiations September 2024
Unsuccessful applicants notified October 2024
Service commencement Friday, 1 November 2024

 

Submissions accepted via Tenderlink

This Request for Proposal is available on SWSPHN’s Tender Portal – Tenderlink: www.tenderlink.com/swsphn

Interested parties will need to register for SWSPHN’s Tender Portal to ensure they:

  • will receive email notifications when new procurement opportunities are published in relevant categories
  • can access the online forum to address any questions about the program and procurement process
  • can download and view procurement documentation electronically and
  • will be able to submit applications through the e-tender box facility
Tenderlink

 

Information session

Attend the information session for potential respondents to receive an overview of the tender process and requirements, and an opportunity to ask questions relating to the tender documentation.

When: Wednesday, 26 June 2024, 5pm
Where: Zoom

Register

 

Enquiries

Enquiries regarding this notification can be directed to Amy Prince, Director of Planning and Performance care of Melissa McIntyre, melissa.mcintyre@swsphn.com.au

24 April 2024

Health professionals working well togetherA request for proposal (RFP) is now open for eligible organisations to deliver care coordination services to support patients through My Care Partners – a program aimed at supporting general practices in South Western Sydney to manage patients with complex chronic diseases who are at risk of being hospitalised. 

 

About My Care Partners 

My Care Partners (MCP) is a joint collaborative initiative of South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) and South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD). The program commenced in 2021. Currently, 23 general practices are enrolled, supporting 121 patients. 

The main aim of My Care Partners is to reduce the risk of potentially preventable hospitalisations and improve the care for patients with chronic diseases who are at risk of being hospitalised. We do this by providing a patient-centred, integrated healthcare neighbourhood. 

 

Procurement overview 

To expand capacity of the program to more practices and patients, SWSPHN is seeking to appoint a service provider, external to SWSPHN and SWSLHD, for care coordination.

The commissioned provider will deliver the care enabling/facilitation and clinical services (care coordination/care navigation) components of the My Care Partners program to patients who have complex health needs, unmet social needs, and are identified as being at risk of potentially preventable hospitalisations. 

Read official notice 

 

Procurement timeline 

Action Date
EOI open 22 April 2024
Information session 12.30pm, 1 May 2024
Last queries date 14 May 2024
RFP closing date 17 May 2024
Evaluation period 20 May – 31 May 2024
Recommendation to SWSPHN Board June 2024
Successful applicant notified June 2024
Commence contract negotiations June-July 2024
Unsuccessful applicants notified 1 August 2024
Contract commencement 1 August 2024
Phase 1 establishment 1 August – 30 November 2024
Phase 2 full implementation 1 December 2024 – 30 June 2025

 

 

Information session

An information session will be held to assist potential respondents in their submission for the My Care Partners Care Coordination procurement, The session will provide an overview of the tender process and requirements, and an opportunity to address questions relating to the tender documentation.

Attendees who have accessed the tender documents within SWSPHN’s Tender Portal before the information session may be in a better position to ask and understand information during the session.

Time: 12:30pm AEST
Date: Wednesday, 1 May 2024
Register: Zoom

 

Submissions accepted via Tenderlink 

This expression of interest is on SWSPHN’s Tender Portal – Tenderlink: www.tenderlink.com/swsphn 

Interested parties are encouraged to register for SWSPHN’s Tender Portal to ensure they: 

  • will receive email notifications when new procurement opportunities are published in relevant categories 
  • can access the online forum to address any questions about the program and procurement process 
  • can download and view procurement documentation electronically and 
  • will be able to submit applications through the e-tender box facility 
Visit the SWSPHN Tenderlink portal

 

Enquiries  

Enquiries regarding this notification can be directed to Director of Planning and Performance, Amy Prince, at amy.prince@swsphn.com.au

18 March 2024

An EOI is now open for the commissioning of an eligible organisation to deliver an after-hours GP service for residents of the Wollondilly Shire Council to receive prompt GP care in the sociable and unsociable after-hours periods that aligns with the after-hours practice incentive payment (PIP).

 

Background

South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) does not currently commission a service accessible to the entire Wollondilly LGA. Short term funding will be used to run a pilot program for 12 months. Thus, SWSPHN aims to commission a service provider to deliver an after-hours GP service for residents of the Wollondilly Shire Council.

 

Procurement overview

SWSPHN is seeking to commission an eligible organisation to establish and deliver an after-hours GP service for residents of the Wollondilly Shire Council. The organisation will deliver medical treatment and advice when a regular GP is not available, ensuring that the Wollondilly community has access to suitable healthcare at all times of the day or night and hospital emergency rooms are left for emergencies. After-hours care can be provided via face-to-face or telehealth consultation; either at home or in a clinic depending on the provider.

The supplier will work in accordance with the after-hours Practice Incentive Payment (PIP) guideline including:

  • the ability to develop formal arrangements to provide after-hours support to the practice.
  • the provision of a care summary back to the patient’s regular GP.

For the Practice Incentives Program (PIP), the complete after-hours period is:

  • outside 8am to 6pm weekdays
  • outside 8am to 12pm on Saturdays, and;
  • all day on Sundays and public holidays

The complete after-hours period is further broken into:

  • a sociable after-hours period – 6pm to 11pm weeknights, and;
  • an unsociable after-hours period – 11pm through to 8am weekdays, hours outside of 8am and 12pm Saturdays, and all-day Sundays and public holidays.
Read Official Notice

 

Procurement timeline

Action Date
EOI Open Monday, 18 March 2024
Last queries date Monday, 8 April 2024
EOI Closing Date Friday, 12 April 2024
Evaluation Period 29 April – 10 May 2024
Successful Applicant Notified Thursday, 16 May 2024
Negotiate and Finalise Contract 17 May 2024 – 31 May 2024
Unsuccessful Applicants Notified Monday, 1 July 2024
Contract Commencement Monday, 1 July 2024

 

Submissions accepted via Tenderlink

This expression of interest is on SWSPHN’s Tender Portal – Tenderlink: www.tenderlink.com/swsphn

Interested parties are encouraged to register for SWSPHN’s Tender Portal to ensure they:

  • will receive email notifications when new procurement opportunities are published in relevant categories
  • can access the online forum to address any questions about the program and procurement process
  • can download and view procurement documentation electronically and
  • will be able to submit applications through the e-tender box facility

Tenderlink

 

Enquiries

Enquiries regarding this notification can be directed to Commissioning Manager, Domenic Zappia at Domenic.Zappia@swsphn.com.au

14 March 2024

A Request for Proposal (RFP) is open for the commissioning of an eligible organisation to deliver Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) trauma-informed Local Care Team services, within South Western Sydney.

 

Procurement overview

South Western Sydney PHN is seeking to commission a supplier to deliver assessment, case management and care coordination, within a trauma-informed service to Family, Domestic and Sexual Violence (FDSV) to post-acute victim-survivors across South Western Sydney.

The Local Care Team will

  • be embedded within an existing service within South Western Sydney and develop an integrated recovery care plan based off the initial assessment.
  • ensure referrals to FDSV trained and trauma-informed mental health care services.
  • consist of professionals appropriately trained in FDSV-specific trauma-informed care.

The service model will align with the DoHAC’s Model of Care, Supporting Recovery – Pilot Program. It is a prescribed model which is part of the Australian Government’s National Plan to End Violence against Women and Children 2022–2032.

Read Official Notice

 

Proposal timeline

Action Date
RFP Open 21 March 2024
Information Session 28 March 2024
Last queries date 15 April 2024
RFP Closing Date 18 April 2024 @ 5pm
Evaluation Period 19 April – 17 May 2024
Recommendation to SWSPHN Board 27 June 2024
Successful Applicant Notified Week of 1 July 2024
Commence Contract Negotiations July 2024
Unsuccessful Applicants Notified July 2024
Contract Commencement 1 August 2024
Phase 1 Establishment 1 August 2024
Phase 2 Full Implementation 1 November 2024

 

Submissions accepted via Tenderlink

This Request for Proposal is available on SWSPHN’s Tender Portal – Tenderlink: www.tenderlink.com/swsphn

Interested parties are encouraged to register for SWSPHN’s Tender Portal to ensure they:

  • will receive email notifications when new procurement opportunities are published in relevant categories
  • can access the online forum to address any questions about the program and procurement process
  • can download and view procurement documentation electronically and
  • will be able to submit applications through the e-tender box facility

Tenderlink

 

Information session

Attend the information session for potential respondents to receive an overview of the tender process and requirements, and an opportunity to ask questions relating to the tender documentation.

When: Thursday, 28 March 2024, 11am.
Where: Zoom

Register

 

Enquiries

Enquiries regarding this notification can be directed to Commissioning Manager, Domenic Zappia at Domenic.Zappia@swsphn.com.au

26 February 2024

As part of the Targeted Regional Initiatives for Suicide Prevention funding program South Western Sydney PHN has undertaken extensive consultation and co-design to identify barriers to seeking help, and to enhance and improve access to local services.

Key findings from the consultation process told us stigma and a lack of awareness about suicide and local services, along with a lack of culturally appropriate supports were significant barriers to people seeking help.

Recommendations from co-design include:

  • Ensuring non-clinical and peer-led mentoring services promoting social connectedness are known
  • Establishing peer-led support services to connect people who have similar experiences of suicidality or suicide bereavement
  • Funding public awareness campaigns to breakdown stigma and encourage help-seeking

As a key measure to address co-design recommendations, SWSPHN is offering Suicide Prevention Grants of between $50,000 and $200,000 for regional initiatives.

 

What activities will be funded?

Activities delivered under these grants must aim to:

  • Promote social connectedness and reduce loneliness through peer approaches; and/or
  • Reduce stigma around suicide and promote help seeking through increased awareness of suicide and increased access to relevant local services

These activities must focus on priority populations including men, First Nations people, recent refugees, veterans, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living in semi-rural and rural areas, those experiencing financial hardship, and people who identify as LGBTQIA+.

See guidelines for more details.

 

Who can apply?

The following can apply:

  • Non-government and government funded organisations
  • Community managed organisations or groups
  • Private entities

SWSPHN will only accept one submission per grant applicant. Applicants must have an ABN or partner with an organisation with an ABN to manage the grant on their behalf.

See all terms and conditions in the Suicide Prevention Grants Guidelines.

 

How to apply

To apply:
Step 1: Review Regional Suicide Prevention Grant Guidelines
Step 2: Download and complete the Expression of Interest
Step 3: Email the completed application form to communitygrants@swsphn.com.au by 5pm, 25 March, 2024.

Late applications will not be accepted.

20 February 2024

Expressions of interest are sought from practices within South Western Sydney to take part in the Whole of Practice Capacity Building Initiative for Opioid Dependence Treatment.

Are you interested in developing your practice’s ability to support patients requiring opioid dependence treatment? This unique opportunity offers attractive remuneration of $20,000 and enables practices to gain access to free training and ongoing support.

The initiative is offered by South Western Sydney Primary Health Network (SWSPHN) to GP practices, to maximise their response to Australian Government changes to the PBS in relation to Opioid Dependence Treatment (ODT) medications and treatment.

 

Background

South Western Sydney PHN is committed to supporting local clinical pathways into primary care to improve outcomes for patients receiving Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) treatment. Ongoing SWSPHN AOD initiatives include promotion of service integration, educational for general practitioners and practice nurses and commissioning of treatment services.

 

About the initiative

SWSPHN seeks expressions of interest from South Western Sydney GP practices interested in implementing this whole-of-practice initiative. Successful practices will participate in educational opportunities, develop referral pathways for stable patients and be provided with ongoing support from South Western Sydney Local Health District (SWSLHD) Drug Health Services.

 

Incentives up to $20,000 per practice are available for completion of activities as follows:

1. One-off payment of $6,000 for completion of all educational opportunities:

  • Completion of Opioid Treatment Accreditation Course (OTAC) for two or more GPs or Nurse Practitioners per practice, including generous CPD hours. Placements will be provided by SWSLHD Drug Health Services.
  • Free training and opportunities for one or more practice nurses to work at the top of their scope in treatment of patients on ODT and other AOD presentations. Training will be provided by SWSLHD Drug Health Services with allocated CPD hours.
  • Free half day training for one or more front line staff to improve confidence and knowledge to work with patients on ODT, and patients with general AOD presentations. Training will be provided by Lives Lived Well.

2. One-off payment of $14,000 for completion of activities to develop referral pathways with SWSLHD Drug Health Services, and evidence that training has been put into practice:

  • Work with SWSLHD Drug Health Services to transition patients to and from tertiary services into primary care, where stable patients are referred to primary care and patients requiring stabilisation are referred to Drug Health Services.
  • Engage in supports offered by SWSLHD Drug Health Services, which include access to medical officers, networking and support from Drug Health Services for practice nurses, in-practice support from Drug Health Service Clinical Nurse Consultants and telephone support for GPs and practice nurses from the GP Drug and Alcohol Advice and Support Service.

 

Eligible practices

  • Are located within the South Western Sydney region
  • Have two or more GPs and/or Nurse Practitioners committed to participating in the initiative
  • Have one or more practice nurses and front of practice staff committed to participating in the initiative
  • Must have electronic patient health record systems and business intelligence tools
  • Commitment to increasing numbers of patients receiving ODT

 

Further information and lodgment of EOI:

  • EOI opening date: Wednesday, 21 February 2024
  • EOI closing date and time: 5pm, Friday, 15 March 2024
  • Review by: 22 March 2022
  • Advise successful applicants by: 29 March 2024
  • Commencement: Mid-May 2024

Enquiries and further information:
Val Burge
SWSPHN Mental Health and AOD Programs Coordinator,
Ph: 4632 3057
Em: val.burge@swsphn.com.au

 

EOI - Whole of Practice Capacity Building Initiative for Opioid Dependence Treatment

"*" indicates required fields

This practice has two or more GPs and/or nurse practitioners committed to participating in the initiative*
This practice has one or more practice nurses and front of practice staff committed to participating in the initiative*
This practice uses an electronic patient health record system and business intelligence tool*
This practice has a commitment to increase the numbers of patients receiving Opioid Dependence Treatment*
Consent*

 

Next steps

SWSPHN will review each EOI on an individual basis and will contact selected practices to discuss next steps. Unsuccessful practices will receive notification via email.

25 January 2024

Victim-survivors of family, domestic and sexual violence in South Western Sydney will soon have access to a new service supporting their long-term recovery. 

Anglicare Sydney and CatholicCare Sydney are partnering to deliver the mental health services key component of the Supporting Recovery Program across the region, from 1 March 2024.  

Local Care Teams (LCTs) are another key component of the Supporting Recovery Program Model of Care and a LCT within South Western Sydney will also be established, with the supplier of this component yet to be announced. 

South Western Sydney PHN (SWSPHN) is one of six PHNs across the country commissioning services as part of the $67 million Department of Health and Aged Care program. 

SWSPHN Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keith McDonald PhD, said he was pleased South Western Sydney would benefit from the innovative program which aimed to improve health and wellbeing outcomes for victim-survivors. 

“The program will be trauma-informed, person-centred and recovery-focused, and offer psychological therapies and other appropriate wellbeing and social interventions within our region,” he said. 

“The point of difference to other family, domestic and sexual violence services will be its focus on longer-term recovery and healing services, rather than crisis support.” 

Services will initially be delivered to the Campbelltown, Liverpool and Fairfield communities due to higher rates of family, domestic and sexual violence in those local government areas (LGAs). 

However, services may be expanded across Bankstown, Camden, Wingecarribee and Wollondilly LGAs based on need and demand. 

There were approximately 5,234 domestic violence-related assault offences across South Western Sydney from July 2022 to June 2023 (NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research). 

 


South Western Sydney DV related assaults, July 2022-June 2023 

LGA

No. of DV-
related assaults 

Per 100,000 people 

NSW ranking 

Camden 

306 

255.1 

99 

Campbelltown 

998 

561.7 

49 

Canterbury-Bankstown 

1,457 

498 

71 

Fairfield 

961 

438.2 

64 

Liverpool 

1,228 

524 

54 

Wingecarribee 

135 

257.4 

97 

Wollondilly 

149 

275 

72 


The Australian Institute of Family Studies (Melbourne) reported in 2015 that populations at higher risk of family, domestic and sexual violence include women and children from:  

  • culturally and linguistically diverse communities 
  • people living with disability 
  • people from rural areas

Mental health services will include free, long-term and trauma-informed care via a no wrong door approach (which means every door in the public support service system is the “right” door to access support). 

Once commissioned, the LCT will be embedded into an existing service, and will manage individual cases, providing care and warm referrals to trauma-informed services for victim-survivors.  

Anglicare Sydney and CatholicCare Sydney will work in partnership with the LCT and the victim-survivor for identified stepped care and referral pathway needs as part of the program.  

Anglicare’s Head of Mental Health, Michael Sheedy, said: “Both our organisations have worked alongside victim-survivors of domestic and sexual violence across a wide range of communities for many years.

“That experience shows us again and again that the journey toward healing and recovery can take time, and we want to help people throughout that journey.” 

CatholicCare’s Director of Child and Family Safety Services, Kirsten Mead, said: “Being able to access tailored long-term mental health support is such an important part of healing for so many victim-survivors.

“This model of care enables people to receive the support they need in a flexible trauma-informed way and at no cost, which can often be a barrier to seeking help for many people.” 

The program is part of a suite of initiatives to reduce all forms of family, domestic and sexual violence and supports the implementation of the National Plan to End Violence Against Women and Children 2022-23.