Allied Health

Why we support Allied Health ?

Allied health is the second-largest clinical workforce in Australia and demand for allied health over the next decade is expected to continue to grow, especially in rural areas. Allied Health plays a critical role in primary healthcare in helping people to lead healthier lives – and if they become unwell to receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

What does the PHN do to support Allied Health in our region?

Allied Health Strategy

In partnership with Allied Health Professionals, the PHN developed a regional specific Allied Health Strategy (AHS) for the Hunter, New England Central Coast.

Advisory Group

We set up an Allied Health Reference Group (AHRG) who provide multidisciplinary input and advice to guide the implementation of the AHS.

Commissioned services

We provide commissioned services such as the Priority Allied Health Services. We strengthen local availability of services such as allied health and mental health through commissioning activities designed to meet local needs.

Care Coordination

We set up networks to improve care coordination across general practice, allied health, hospitals, pharmacies and specialists’ services.

Data

We support Allied Health Practices to use their data to improve care for their patients.

Digital Health

We support Allied health with My Health Record set-up and implementation as well as with other digital health innovations such as specific allied health telehealth resources.

Grants and assistance

We provide information about government funding and assistance programs.

Quality Improvement

We design quality improvement initiatives and support the adoption of best practice care across areas including chronic disease, mental health and diabetes.

Training

We offer, and connect allied health with education, training, and networking events.

Members Assistance Program

We offer confidential and complimentary access to (3) counselling sessions for allied health employees in our region.

Clinical decision support

We offer clinical decision support tool and referral point for services in the region. To register for HealthPathways see below.

• Central Coast HealthPathways - then use the 'Register Now' link for access
• Hunter New England HealthPathways - then use the 'Register Now' link for access

• The PHN supporting Allied Health (download resource)
  

Contact

The PHN has established human resources to support Allied Health professionals.

Phone: 1300 859 028 or email: alliedhealth@thephn.com.au

How does the PHN Support Allied Health in our region?

Priority Allied Health Services Program (PAHS)

Our PHN provides funding to a number of organisations across the region who deliver a range of different allied health services through the Priority Allied Health Services Program (PAHS).

The aim of PAHS is to improve the health and wellbeing of people across our region by increasing access to a range of primary and allied health services and activities. They are provided in targeted communities, predominantly focusing on residents living in small and more rural locations with identified health needs.

The objectives of the PAHS program are to:

1. Provide and maintain access to supplementary allied health and primary care services that are based on identified health needs in each community.
2. Promote coordinated, multi-disciplinary team-based approaches to the provision of integrated primary health care services.
3. Provide and maintain access to relevant health promotion and preventative health programs and activities designed to promote health and wellbeing.
4. Encourage people in rural and remote Australia to adopt or modify behaviours to better manage their health and wellbeing.
5. Reduce barriers and improve access to primary health care services for older people who are living in a Residential Aged Care Facility (RACF) or in the community.
6. Reduce reliance on general practice for some aspects of the prevention and management of chronic conditions.

Services & Communities

Below is a list of the services and communities that are currently funded through the PAHS program:

Diabetes Education

Aberdeen, Cessnock, Denman, Merriwa, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Scone

Dietetics

Armidale, Barraba, Bingara, Bulahdelah, Cessnock, Dungog, Forster, Glen Innes, Gloucester, Gunnedah, Manilla, Moree, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, Quirindi, Scone, Singleton, Taree, Tea Gardens, Walcha, Warialda, Wingham

Exercise Physiology

Armidale, Barraba, Bingara, Boggabri, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Inverell, Manilla, Moree, Mungindi, Narrabri, Quirindi, Tenterfield, Walcha, Warialda

Healthy Ageing (groups)

Ashford, Barraba, Bingara, Bundarra, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Inverell, Manilla, Moree, Narrabri, Quirindi, Tenterfield, Uralla, Walcha, Warialda

Occupational Therapy

Boggabri, Gunnedah, Gwydir, Inverell, Moree, Narrabri, Wee Waa

Podiatry

Aberdeen, Armidale, Barraba, Boggabri, Cessnock, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Manilla, Moree, Murrurundi, Muswellbrook, Narrabri, Quirindi, Wee Waa

Physiotherapy

Armidale, Boggabri, Glen Innes, Gunnedah, Guyra, Inverell, Kootingal, Narrabri, Nundle, Quirindi, Tamworth, Tenterfield, Walcha, Wee Waa

Speech Pathology

Boggabri, Forster, Gloucester, Gunnedah, Inverell, Moree, Narrabri, Taree, Tamworth, Wee Waa

Referral to the PAHS program can be made by the clients regular General Practitioner. Preference should be given to clients with a Department of Human services issued health care and/or concession card.

Want to know more?

If you are interested to learn more about accessing these services please contact the Program Coordinator Emma Bohringer.