Our Origins
Our organisation’s origins began with the Nepean Division of General Practice, the Blue Mountains GP Network and the Hawkesbury-Hills Division of General Practice who came together to form Wentworth Healthcare. We were registered with the Australian Securities and Investment Commission (ASIC) as a company limited by guarantee on 24 February 2012.
Many PHNs began in a similar way. Divisions of General Practice was a national Australian Government program established in 1992 to support GPs and improve links with the wider health system. In 2011, 120 Divisions of General Practice were replaced by 61 Medicare Locals, which were established to help coordinate primary care and strengthen population health.
Becoming a Primary Health Network
After becoming Wentworth Healthcare in 2012, we first provided the Nepean-Blue Mountains Medicare Local, before transitioning to become the provider of the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network on 1 July, 2015. Our region has the same boundaries as the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District and together we serve the health needs of the communities of the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith.
The Federal Government created the Primary Health Networks (PHN) program to build primary care capacity, improve coordination, and importantly for the first time, commission services to address local health needs. There are 31 PHNs across the country. in 2025, we celebrated 10 Years providing the Nepean Blue Mountains Primary Health Network.
Strong Local Ties
Our Governance Framework includes clinical and community advisory groups who also live and work in our region, reinforcing our strong local ties and knowledge.
Some of our staff have been with us since our origins from Divisions of General Practice and bring a wealth of knowledge and local experience to their roles. Many of our staff live within the region, deepening our connection to local communities and strengthening our understanding of the communities we serve.