How we assist with
Last updated September 29, 2023
Our Primary Health Network works with health care providers across the Hunter, New England and Central Coast to deliver a range of primary health care services that meet identified needs and close service gaps for people living in our region.
We analyse and integrate information and data to support health planning and health service delivery in our region.
Our aims are to:
- Identify & address health needs in our communities
- Support and develop improved health care delivery in the primary care sector
- Develop and implement improved care pathways and models of care
- Commission health services to communities to close service gaps - we are not a service provider
Learn more about how we commission services.
Programs
Our Primary Health Network funds a range of primary health care providers to deliver programs and services to meet local health care needs and close service gaps across our region:
Explore How we assist with

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.
Care for Older People
The PHN commissions programs, provides support and shares resources to help delay the entry of older people into Residential Aged Care Facilities and reduce avoidable hospitalisations.

Collaborations
Join with us to deliver innovative, locally relevant solutions that measurably improve the health outcomes of our communities.

Commissioning
HNECC is one of 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) funded by the Australian Government to commission programs and services. Commissioning is a core activity of PHNs, and underpins all the work that we do. PHNs do not provide health services, but rather commission them and support service providers to improve efficiency and quality.

Digital Health
To support primary health care services, the PHN has developed the Health-e Together Digital Care Program, which includes the following:

Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence
Now more than ever, Primary Care plays a vital role in caring for people experiencing family and domestic violence.

First Nations Health
The PHN works with our communities and health providers to improve access to services, promote health literacy and support the management of health conditions for First Nations people living and working in our region.

General Practice
The PHN’s Primary Care Improvement Team partner with practices to build a better Australian primary health system.

Health Planning
We look at a number of things to help us plan health services, including: The things we 'need' for good health - which we find in what people say, what experts say, and in what our data shows us; and the things that 'determine' or influence our health.

Mental Health
Our PHN works with clinicians, service providers, people with a lived experience and local communities to commission mental health care that reflects local needs and focuses on safe, effective and quality service.

Palliative and End-of-Life Care
The PHN is funded under the Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care measure which aims to improve palliative care coordination.

Rural Health Access
The PHN is working to improve access to primary health care in its rural communities.

Workforce
We offer support to all primary care providers across our region with their health workforce needs.
More information
More information about this and other population health topics is available on our Resources page.
Links to other information from some of our key data sources can be found on the Other information about health in our region page.
For any other information or enquiries please contact the Health Planning and Performance Team by email: healthplanning@hneccphn.com.au
Health Planning Compass
For more information about the people in our region and their health, see the HNECC PHN Health Planning Compass