Commissioning

We recognise some people and communities don’t have the same access to quality health care and experience ongoing poor health outcomes. 

As the operator of WA’s three Primary Health Networks, mapping and understanding these under-served communities and the barriers they face is crucial.

We commission health care services based on data and target them to those most in need.

This includes assessing and prioritising needs, planning and designing services, shaping the structure of supply, contracting service providers, and monitoring and evaluating their performance and our commissioning direction.

We enable health professionals to work effectively and deliver comprehensive care, helping at-risk individuals stay well in the community and avoid unnecessary hospital admissions and delayed discharge.

We are innovative in our approach, developing evidence-based solutions to local problems and scaling them state-wide where evaluated and evidenced.

Commissioning at WAPHA

Commissioning is how WAPHA turns population health needs into practical, locally relevant primary health care services across Western Australia. As the operator of Perth North, Perth South and Country WA PHNs, we are responsible for guiding and directing Australian Government investment to where it can have the greatest impact for those who need it most.

Commissioning is a continuous cycle of understanding need, designing solutions, partnering with providers, and monitoring and improving outcomes over time.

Through our core role as a commissioner of health services, we work to improve access, equity and quality of care, with a focus on delivering this for people and communities who face barriers to good health.

Our Commissioning Principles

WAPHA’s commissioning approach is guided by a clear set of principles that ensure funding is used responsibly, transparently and in ways that deliver meaningful health outcomes for WA communities.

1) Demonstrated need
We commission services where there is a clear, evidenced need and where investment will make the greatest difference.

2) Value for money
As a commissioner of health services, our interpretation of value prioritises quality outcomes, equity, integration and improved access to care for WA communities.

3) Fairness, openness and transparency
Our commissioning processes are designed to be fair, ethical and transparent. Our competitive tender processes support trust, probity and accountability, while encouraging

4) Socially responsible commissioning
As a responsible steward of public funding, we look beyond the sourcing process to consider broader benefits and risks for communities, the health system, the economy and the environment. Our approach supports sustainable services, ethical supply chains and positive social impact alongside health outcomes.

Our Approach to Commissioning

Commissioning at WAPHA is an iterative process. It is a continual cycle involving the development and implementation of services based on needs assessment, planning, procurement, monitoring and evaluation.

Strategic planning We start by assessing population health needs, priorities and gaps, using data, service insights and stakeholder input. This informs annual planning decisions about where investment will have the greatest impact. Procuring services We design services and shape the market to respond to identified needs, then procure and contract services in a transparent and consistent way. This stage focuses on setting clear expectations around outcomes, service delivery and performance. Monitoring and evaluation Once services are in place, we actively manage performance and evaluate outcomes. We work with providers to ensure that activities are delivering value and impact for the community.

Commissioned services policies and procedures

Access our policies and procedures