In celebration of Allied Health Professions Day, the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) hosted a series of Allied Health breakfasts throughout October. Participants engaged with the PHN and one-another as the theme “Stronger Together” provided the topic for discussion and highlighted the benefits of a multidisciplinary team-based care.
The HNECC PHN Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nankervis said the aim of the breakfasts was to broaden our engagement and encourage two-way conversations with Allied Health teams across our region. “The PHN is committed to raising awareness of the important role that Allied Health Professionals play in primary care. The aim of the breakfasts was to establish engagement with practices who are not aware of the services provided by the PHN, and gain feedback on other types of support the PHN may be able to provide.”
110 Allied Health Professionals attended the breakfast series which was held in 6 locations across the region including the Central Coast, Lake Macquarie, Armidale, Tamworth, Taree and Newcastle with some New England practices to receive individual site visits. The attendees represented a wide range of professions including Exercise Physiologist, Speech Pathologists, Occupational Therapists, Dietitians, Pharmacists, Physiotherapists, Podiatrists, Psychologists, Social Workers, Audiometrist, Optomitrist, Allied Health community connector and administrators of allied health practices.
Recurring themes from the series included clinician wellbeing, workforce support and the need for education around business skills, inclusive health care, cultural training and digital health platforms.
The PHN will assess the series evaluations and include key themes and suggestions in project planning to continue and increase support to Allied Health Professionals. The PHN thanks all participants for their valuable contributions to our primary care community.