Chair Report 22-23
It’s an honour to be writing my first Report as Chair of the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (the PHN).
My first year has been one of learning. As the PHN closes out it’s 2018-2023 Strategic Plan, it’s inspiring to see the work that has been achieved with the direction of our previous Chair Jane Schwager, the Board, Executive and staff. It’s also been a time for providing guidance, alongside the Board and Executive team, to help shape the strategic objectives and vision for the five years ahead, which will build upon the successful foundations laid since the PHN’s inception.
Priorities and Performance is a fitting theme for this year’s report, as we celebrate and showcase the achievements attained by our staff and teams, identifying unmet needs and exploring innovative ways to achieve better health outcomes for the people across our vast region.
As we continue to recover from COVID-19, respond to ongoing natural disasters, and address shortages in workforce, the PHN has prioritised upskilling and recruiting of health care professionals. Some of the activities I’d like to highlight are our work with Allied Health, including the Allied Health Reconnection Grants, which we’re offered to encourage primary care Allied Health providers to implement ideas to re-engage or enhance care whilst promoting sector collaboration.
The Domestic Family Violence (DFV) pilot program identified a critical gap in the current DFV environment which was addressed with the development of a program providing timely primary health care, including both physical and mental health for the victim and their children. The nurse-led outreach service, developed by the PHN, was successfully launched on the Central Coast, assisting 50 women and 30 children.
The 2023 Primary Care Quality and Innovation Awards was also a highlight of the year for me. I was inspired by the demonstration of excellence in primary care that’s delivered across our region, and I certainly look forward to the ceremony in 2024.
In addition to my appointment as Chair, three new members joined the Board this year, Professor Stephanie Short from the Central Coast, Dr Rohana Wanasinghe from Narrabri and Ms Tracey McCosker as our Hunter New England Local Health District representative.
Stephanie Short is an honorary professor in the Faculty of Medicine and Health at the University of Sydney with a clinical and academic background. With expertise in health policy analysis, strategic thinking, models of care and health workforce, Stephanie's advice has been welcomed in the development of the new strategic plan.
Dr Wanasinghe, a General Practitioner working in Narrabri, has provided invaluable insights and direction regarding improvements to health care access for rural NSW and increasing the rural health workforce.
As you read through the stories of priority and performance in this report, I’m sure you’ll be impressed by the range and the outcomes of our work, achievements made possible by the dedication of many. I express my sincere thanks to our CEO, Richard Nankervis, for his ongoing hard work and dedication as well as my fellow Board members, the Executive team, our PHN staff, our Clinical Councils, Community Advisory Committees, and community members.
WENDY MACHIN
Chairperson