Last updated January 23, 2024
A Better Health for the Bush Initiative
The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (the PHN) has successfully secured pilot funding under the Federal Government’s Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) Program, which will see Glen Innes as a pilot site to introduce an innovative healthcare model.
The Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network invites service providers in the Domestic, Family and Sexual Violence (DFSV) (including child sexual abuse) and Mental Health sectors to attend an online information session.
The PHN continues to reform the mental health sector in response to pressures on services and workforce. Clinical Care Coordination services are evidence-based mental health interventions delivered by multi-disciplinary teams to manage the care of clients with complex mental health concerns.
The Greater Choice for at Home Palliative Care measure (GCfAHPC) provides funding for coordinating palliative care through PHNs. As being cared for and dying at home is most people’s preference, the initiative aims to help make that possible. A recent Palliative Care Needs Assessment identified the need for an End of Life Coordinator, a role that will be commissioned in a pilot program in the Hunter region.
To maintain probity and confidentiality, HNECC will only announce the outcome of the tender exercises when internal endorsement processes have been finalised and contracts with all successful tender respondents have been executed.
Following a highly contested Request for Proposal (RFP) the PHN has recently commissioned the following organisations to deliver early intervention initiatives that promote healthy ageing, slow decline and support the ongoing management of chronic disease. These services will support older Australians to live longer in the community and form part of a significant investment in care for older people/aged care reform in response to the recommendations of the Royal Commission. Services will be operational from 1 October 2023.
| Organisation Name | Region | Contact information |
|---|---|---|
| Novacare Community Services Limited | Greater Newcastle, Lower & Upper Hunter Valley | 1300 363 654 |
| Rural Fit Pty Ltd | Mehi, Peel & Tablelands | Tamworth - 02 6765 9866 / Gunnedah - 02 6742 1412 |
| Coast & Country Primary Care | Central Coast | Contact Aunty Di O’Brien on 02 4365 2294 |
| Kinetic Medicine Pty Ltd. | Mid-Coast | Make a Referral — Kinetic Medicine | Exercise Physiology to Help You Get Better. Stay Better. Live Better. or 02 6557 7479 |
The Australian Government has commissioned the Primary Health Network to establish 58 Medicare Urgent Care Clinics (UCCs) across Australia, including 14 in NSW, over the next five years.
Across the Hunter New England and Central Coast PHN, Medicare UCCs will offer treatment for urgent but non-life threating illnesses and injuries requiring same day assessment for people who may otherwise have visited an emergency department.
Medicare UCCs will work hand in glove with local hospital systems and primary health care providers to ensure that people receive the right care and are referred to the right place for their needs.
Medicare Urgent Care Clinics now open: