The news is good for the Hunter, New England and Central Coast Medicare Locals, following the announcement of successful tenderers for the new Primary Health Networks (PHNs) that will replace Medicare Locals from July 1.
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The three leading primary health organisations have been successful in their collaborative bid to establish the PHN that will operate across their regions. PHNs will be responsible for improving the health of their communities by working cooperatively with hospitals (both public and private), general practitioners, specialists and allied health professionals like optometrists, physiotherapists and dietitians.
PHNs will differ from Medicare Locals in that they will not deliver services directly to the community, unless there is demonstrated market failure. PHNs will work to identify community health needs and priorities and then plan and respond to these needs by commissioning health service providers to establish appropriate and relevant care pathways.
Graeme Kershaw, CEO of New England Medicare Local said that they are very confident that the outstanding track record that all three organisations have in improving patient outcomes and working collaboratively with health professionals and consumers means the PHN will be well placed to make the transition to the new model.
“The intimate knowledge that all three organisations have about the health needs of the varying communities within the geographical footprint of the new PHN will be incredibly valuable in getting the new organisation up and running as quickly as possible,” he said. “Now that we have been given the go ahead to operate the PHN for our regions we’re looking forward to continuing the good work started by Medicare Locals and are enthusiastic about continuing our work in improving health services and outcomes for all communities,” Mr Kershaw added.
Federal Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce said patients in the New England Electorate will receive better access to frontline health services, following the announcement.
Mr Joyce said PHNs would work directly with GPs, other primary health care providers, secondary care providers, hospitals and the broader community to ensure improved outcomes for patients.
Mr Joyce said the Abbott Government had also added additional checks and balances via the creation of PHN Community Advisory Committees, which will ensure all patients and local communities can provide feedback to, and have direct input into, the PHN to ensure they deliver the localised health care requirements that were unique to their region.
PHNs were selected following a thorough tender process run at arm’s length by the Department of Health.
