SYDNEY NORTH NEIGHBOURHOOD HEALTH HUBS TO APPROACH HEALTH AND WELFARE IN HOLISTIC WAY Model designed to continue to learn from providers and consumers in priority populations
With
Jacqui Emery, CEO
Sydney North Health Network
Eugene McGarrell,
General Manager, Commissioning
Sydney North Health Network
SEGMENT
Filmed in Sydney | April 2026
The Northern Sydney Wellbeing Collaborative is an initiative designed to improve health and wellbeing in the Sydney North community by bringing together people across the health and social care sector, within community and local stakeholders to respond to health and social challenges.
Many people struggle to access the right care at the right time, leading to gaps, delays, and confusion when navigating the health system. By fostering collaboration and integration, the Wellbeing Collaborative will support a primary care system that works better together, making it easier for individuals to receive early intervention and preventative care. By working together and in partnership, Sydney North Health Network aim to create more connected, accessible, and person-centred services that address key health challenges locally, including chronic illness, mental health, aged care, alcohol and other drugs (AOD), and suicide prevention.
The Collaborative operates using a local approach, meaning that local community voices shape the solutions that work best for them. Through local collaboratives, SNHN will bring together service providers, community organisations, and people with lived experience to co-create and implement solutions that respond to community needs. These insights will inform the development of three Neighbourhood Health Hubs in the Sydney North region, and will provide a central point for integrated care and support in the local community. The launch of the Hubs is expected July 2026.
Australian Health Journal spoke to Sydney North Health Network CEO, Jacqui Emery and General Manager, Commissioning, Eugene McGarrell.
These are expected to deliver the following:
- Stronger local connections between healthcare, social care, and community services
- Improved health outcomes for vulnerable and at-risk populations
- A community-led approach that ensures services are shaped by local needs and solutions
- Simplified access to care through integrated Wellbeing Hubs
- Building greater health equity in the Northern Sydney region.
- Reduced demand on acute health services with a focus on prevention and early intervention
- Better coordination to reduce service fragmentation and duplication
Source: Adapted from the Sydney North Health Network website
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Thyroid health into pregnancy
‘Without an adequate amount of thyroid hormone mothers can be exposed to hypertensive disorders of pregnancy, including gestational hypertension and preeclampsia or eclampsia, which affect around 10% of pregnant women and are the leading causes of maternal and neonatal mortality worldwide. Mothers who suffer from hypertensive disorders during pregnancy are at increased risk of long-term cardiovascular consequences and hypertensive disorders in subsequent pregnancies. Evidence also indicates a risk of reduced cognitive ability to their offspring.
‘Knowing if you are genetically predisposed to Hashimoto’s or Graves’ Diseases, which are both thyroid autoimmune disorders is important to be aware of, to ensure all appropriate tests are ordered. Autoimmune disorders may predispose mothers to a thyroid problem during pregnancy’, says Professor Creswell Eastman, who also serves as the ATF’s Principal Medical Advisor.
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