Namarata Sawhney is the practice manager at Deer Park Medical Centre, a large and busy practice in Melbourne’s west.
Deer Park itself is a bustling and diverse suburb. As its population moves and matures, so too do its health needs. For Namarata, steering a practice comprising 13 doctors, 10 allied health providers and a brigade of nurses and administrative staff means understanding exactly how the area is changing, and why.
“Being embedded within the local community is vital for effective patient care and successful referrals,” she says.
“When a practice is well-integrated into its community, it establishes strong connections with local support services, including family violence resources and other specialised services. These relationships ensure that patients receive comprehensive care tailored to their specific needs.”
One important way Deer Park Medical Centre is able to meet the often-complex needs of its client base is through taking advantage of quality improvement activities and education and training packages offered by North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN).
Namarata has overseen the practice’s involvement, in particular, in two of NWMPHN’s groundbreaking programs: the Primary Care Pathways to Safety family violence project, and the Risk Assessment, Recall and Referral project.
The first involves all staff in learning to recognise and respond to patients disclosing the impacts of family violence, including understanding referral pathways to local and crisis assistance.
The second involves improving early detection of cardiovascular and diabetes risk. The practice implements recall programs every six months, promoting preventive care and lifestyle improvements to maintain a proactive approach to primary health.
“Health is ever evolving, and patient needs can vary significantly,” explains Namarata.
“With team members bringing unique expertise and interests, it is crucial to stay current with new knowledge and training. Ongoing education enhances our team’s skills and ensures that we meet our patient’s diverse needs effectively.”
Namarata’s commitment to improving standards in general practice isn’t limited to her own workplace. In April 2023 she became a member of NWMPHN’s General Practice Expert Advisory Group (GPEAG), which meets several times a year and provides insight and guidance to the organisation.
“GPEAG brings together professionals with extensive experience in health care to provide strategic guidance on primary care initiatives,” she says.
“As a practice manager with a background in health care administration, my role within the group involves leveraging my skills to contribute to program design, prioritising workforce development initiatives, and ensuring that future programs are aligned with the real needs of primary care professionals in our region.
“The emergent effect of bringing together GPs, practice nurses, and practice managers into one room is incredibly powerful. This diverse mix of perspectives creates a collaborative environment where different facets of healthcare delivery are represented.
“GPs contribute clinical expertise, practice nurses bring insights from the frontlines of patient care, and practice managers add operational and strategic viewpoints.”
And all of them add a strong interest in changing the health care system for the better. One of NWMPHN’s important roles is to advocate – whether to government or the broader health sector – for reforms that improve efficiency within the system and effectiveness in patient care.
Namarata nominated five areas in which she would like to see solid growth:
- workforce sustainability and support
- integrated mental health and primary care services
- advancements in digital health Infrastructure
- preventive care and chronic disease management funding
- addressing health inequities.
“By advocating on these fronts, NWMPHN can help shape government policies that not only improve the health outcomes of patients but also create a more resilient and efficient health care system for the future,” she says.
Namarata’s commitment to primary health care at Deer Park and beyond was publicly recognised in 2024, when the Australian Association of Practice Management named her as Victorian State Practice Manager of the Year.
