News & Announcements

The Cessnock UCC was the first to commence operations on 3 October, followed by Tamworth on 30 October. The Gosford clinic, now renamed Peninsula Medicare UCC, began seeing patients on 20 November and Lake Haven Medicare UCC (Wyong locality) opened its doors on 11 December. Since the clinics have opened, they have safely seen over 1,600 patients. Typical presentations include upper respiratory infections, acute ear pain, and quick onset rashes.

After identifying a lack of social connectedness in the elderly following COVID-19, the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) commissioned Live Life Get Active to pilot the Active Ageing Program in five retirement villages across the region.

Pitch Night is back in 2024, with Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) and The Funding Network (TFN) hosting two live crowdfunding events in April at Lake Macquarie and Tamworth. The events will support four organisations to share their story and raise vital program funds so they can localise their suicide prevention pilot projects to support our communities.

Forecasters are warning the upcoming summer season will be both hotter and dryer than in recent years. With that in mind, the PHN is urging Hunter, New England and Central Coast residents to be prepared, stay informed and know their options.

The 2023 Resilient Australia Awards were held this month at NSW Parliament House, where The Resilience Project was recognised as one of three finalists in the Mental Health and Wellbeing category for their 2022 Mid Coast project following bushfire and floods.

Aimed at youth leaving high school (at any age/level), the platform incorporates resources, videos and advice to assist young people to navigate life after school.

The PHN is offering Drought Suicide Prevention Grants to encourage communities to improve their resilience and wellbeing and increase preparedness.

The Peninsula Medicare Urgent Care Clinic at Umina Beach is now accepting patients following an official opening by Member for Robertson Dr Gordon Reid MP and CEO of HNECC Primary Health Network Richard Nankervis.

Earlier this year, the Australian Government introduced MyMedicare – a voluntary new patient registration system that aims to formalise the relationship between patients, their general practice, general practitioner (GP) and primary care teams.

A Geriatrician and co-founder of Hunter Ageing Alliance, John is also a highly valued member of the PHN's Hunter Manning Clinical Council and our Palliative Care and care for older people reference group.