Ayr Workshop One Of Many Successes

For NQ Primary Health Network

More than 150 primary health care service contracts have been delivered across north Queensland, valued at more than $63.7 million, as outlined in the recent Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) 2022-23 Annual Report.

Other significant milestones have been highlighted, including more than 4,000 engagements with primary health providers and notable advancements in mental health services.

Board Chair Terry Mehan said NQPHN was committed to strategically advancing health care access and outcomes for North Queenslanders.

“Our focus is to commission primary health care services that cater to the unique health needs of our region, ensuring quality healthcare reaches every corner of North Queensland,” he said.

A significant NQPHN accomplishment in the 2022-23 financial year included collaboration with the Groundswell Project to conduct Compassionate Communities train-the-trainer workshops.

NQPHN Executive Director Health System Integration and Innovation Karin Barron said during the 2022-23 financial year, NQPHN continued to take a leading role in engaging and supporting primary care providers through various capability and capacity-building activities.

“Our teams trained more than 380 health community connectors across North Queensland to play a stronger role in supporting local people and families during end-of-life experiences,” she said.

“One of the face-to-face workshops was held in Ayr, with 20 residents registering to become health community connectors.

“The Burdekin health community connectors are engaged when there’s a referral for informal wraparound support for individuals and families who are affected by life-limiting illnesses.

“When they are not supporting people, they signpost and share information as proactive community members.”

Meanwhile, an ambitious 12-month program to dramatically improve access to culturally safe health assessments and coordinated care for First Nations people was also a highlight of 2022-23 financial year.

With 13.75 per cent of the identified Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander population of northern Queensland having a billed 715 Health Assessment in a 12-month period, the First Nations Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) program was developed to improve access.

“The program attracted 75 participating health services, with more than 545 face-to-face and virtual education event participants,” Ms Barron said.

NQPHN’s 2022-23 Annual Report can be viewed at annualreport.nqphn.com.au.

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Healthy End of Life Program (HELP) Impact and Engagement Coordinator Niki Read