Important Update: Capacity Tracker® replaced with New Alert System
Posted June 27, 2024
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Effective 1 July 2024, the PHN will discontinue the use of Capacity Tracker®. Introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, Capacity Tracker® has been essential in managing infection control supplies and COVID-19 vaccination resources. However, with the end of the COVID-19 emergency response, we are transitioning to a comprehensive, multi-hazard alert system.
The new alert system will enable providers to report various hazards, including natural disasters, cybersecurity events, and infectious disease outbreaks. Accessible via the PHN website, the new system will streamline business continuity support.
At the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Hunter, New England and Central Coast PHN rolled out Capacity Tracker® to assist General Practices, Pharmacies and Residential Aged Care providers with the tracking of infection control supplies, and COVID-19 vaccination relevant resources. Capacity Tracker® also allowed providers to set off business continuity alerts to the PHN to receive assistance.
In 2023, the Department of Health and Aged Care declared the end of the COVID-19 emergency response. While providers and the public should avoid complacency, it is time to transition from emergency mode to managing COVID-19 alongside other infectious diseases.
The PHN would like to thank all providers who participated and used Capacity Tracker® during recent years, to streamline and improve the effectiveness of the COVID-19 response activities in the region.
In the unique Australian context, a primary care provider’s business continuity can be negatively affected by a multitude of hazards, including, but not limited to, bushfires and floods, extreme weather, outages, cybersecurity events, infectious diseases outbreaks, accidents, and more extreme events with lower likelihood like earthquakes and tsunamis.
To alert the PHN of a situation that affects a primary care provider’s business continuity, providers will be able to access a concise alert form via an alert button found on the PHN home page and disaster management landing page.
After entering their emergency contact details and some information about the nature of the situation and its effect on the business, the PHN will respond to the provider to assist them with their response and recovery.
For more information, refer to FAQ below.
Is this form suitable when I am in danger?
No. Call 000 if you’re in danger or have a medical emergency.
Follow the advice of first responders at all times.
Do I have to participate and use this form?
No, the use of this form is voluntary. You don’t have to alert the PHN of business continuity issues. The assistance offered by the PHN is complimentary.
What support can I expect from the PHN?
The PHN is well connected among first responding agencies, including but not limited to the Local Health Districts, Reconstruction Authority NSW, councils and a multitude of local health and wellbeing support organisations. For primary care providers, response to and recovery from emergencies and disasters can be complex and involve multiple stakeholders. When affected by an event it can be very overwhelming to find the right help. The PHN can assist with connecting you with the right stakeholders and can assist you to identify the best support options for your business.
Why is the PHN active in this space?
In a nutshell, our ultimate goal is to safeguard primary care provision during disasters.
The PHN acknowledges that primary care providers are an important pillar of the communities they live in and that they play a crucial role in a community’s disaster response and recovery. Moreover, primary care businesses are important employers in their region, and protecting their business continuity is important for long-term viability and a sustainable, resilient health workforce. This is why our focus is on supporting disaster preparedness activities and providing assistance in response and recovery through stakeholder liaison and individually tailored solutions.
For more information on PHN disaster management initiatives and support options, visit:
If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact the PHN disaster management team.
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Allied health professional First Nations Health Worker / AMS General Practitioner Health Professionals Nurse Pharmacist Practice Manager RACF Specialist Commissioning
