This renewed agreement reflects our shared vision for a truly integrated, patient-centred health system - one that improves outcomes for everyone across the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas. By working together, we can take a more coordinated and holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring people receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time.

Our shared joint governance structures, like our Joint Community Advisory Committee and Integrated Health and Wellbeing Committee has shown firsthand the power of collaboration. 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.  

Our Joint Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Strategic Plan has helped facilitate many joint projects. One example I am particularly proud of is the colocation of SafeHaven, a NSW Health funded suicide prevention service, within the Penrith Medicare Mental Health Centre. This kind of integration is helping to improve the overall experience of those accessing mental health support and is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when we align our efforts.

The MOU has also provided a platform to reinforce 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.

We are passionate about cultivating a ‘one health system’ mindset, one that works seamlessly together even if 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.

Together, we’re committed to building a joined up, equitable, and responsive healthcare system, that grows with our community and adapts to meet local needs. Through shared leadership and ongoing collaboration, we look forward to continuing to turn regional priorities into real action across acute, community and primary care.