Chair Report

2022 will be my last year as Chair of the HNECCPHN as I will be stepping down at the AGM. I’d like to take a moment to reflect briefly on my time as the inaugural Chairperson of the Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN, on the challenges and achievements of the last seven years and on our firm vision at the outset to focus on innovation in primary care at both a program and systems level.

Innovation and Impact is a fitting theme for this year’s report as we celebrate and showcase the opportunities created by our staff and teams to explore new and pioneering ways to achieve better health outcomes for the people in our communities.

The past year has not been without its challenges as we continue to navigate through the evolving landscape of COVID-19 and natural disasters such as bush fires and major flood events.

To meet the health and wellbeing needs of our flood affected communities we distributed some $325,000 in Flood Recovery Grants. It has been gratifying to see the many wonderful initiatives supported by these grants. Some of which are showcased in this report.

There is so much to recognise across our geographically dispersed PHN. As you read through the achievements and highlights in this report, I’m sure you’ll be impressed by the range and the impact of our work.

As the PHN works to close out the 2018-2023 Strategic Plan it is pleasing to see the considerable achievements and significant progress made against the key strategic objectives and implementation roadmap over the past four years.

This progress is made possible by the commitment of many. I express my sincere thanks to my fellow Board members. Along with the Board I acknowledge and appreciate the hard work and dedication of our CEO, Richard Nankervis, the Executive team, our PHN staff, our Clinical Council, committee and community members.

As part of our Board renewal process Dr Grahame Deane AM and Graham McGuinness OAM retire at this year’s annual general meeting. Both Directors have been on the Board since the PHN’s foundation in 2015. Their significant clinical and strategic influence has led to continuous improvement in primary care for residents across the Hunter New England and Central Coast Regions.

Being the first Chairperson of the Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN has been a privilege and honour. As I conclude my term and retire as Chairperson can I encourage you to stay innovative – to seek pattern changing and courageous ideas, to execute them effectively, and as always to continue to put people at the centre of all that you do.

I do hope you enjoy reading this year’s annual report.

JANE SCHWAGER AO
Chairperson