Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is now inviting tender submissions to provide cultural competency training and other supports to mainstream primary health care providers across North Queensland.

Through the tender process, NQPHN will select appropriate provider(s) to plan, develop, and deliver Cultural Competency and Cultural Safety activities to mainstream primary health care services in Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Hinterland, and Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) regions.

NQPHN CEO Robin Whyte said the health needs of First Nations people is diverse and is more than just about an individual’s physical health.

“Evidence shows that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are more likely to access health services in environments that are physically, spiritually, socially, and emotionally safe, and where service providers communicate respectfully, build good relationships, have an awareness of the underlying social issues and understanding of culture, and where First Nations people are part of the health care team,” said Ms Whyte.

Improving cultural competency of mainstream primary care providers is one component of the Integrated Team Care (ITC) program, which is funded by the Australian Government under the Indigenous Australians’ Health Programme.

The ITC program supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live with complex chronic conditions to manage their conditions and to access and coordinate the health care they need.

“One of the aims of the ITC program is to provide Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people with an increased level of access to culturally appropriate mainstream primary health care services, including but not limited to general practice, allied health, and specialists,” said Ms Whyte.

“Another of the program’s aims is to foster collaboration and support between the mainstream and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health sectors.

“By achieving these two aims, First Nations residents in North Queensland will be better able to access the right care when they need it so they can better manage their chronic health condition and improve their health.

“We look forward to collaborating with the successful applicant/s to work towards achieving our vision of helping northern Queenslanders live happier, healthier, longer lives.”

This is an open-tender opportunity for a broad range of potential providers or consortia who can demonstrate the capability and capacity to deliver on the objective of improving the cultural competency of mainstream primary care services in Mackay, Townsville, Cairns and Hinterland, and Torres and Cape HHSs regions.

Applicants interested in applying for the tender should visit NQPHN’s online procurement portal at www.nqphn.com.au/commissioning/etenderbox

Tender applications close on 10 May 2022.