Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) delivered 205 primary healthcare service contracts across the region, investing more than $80 million into primary and mental health care, according to its 2023-24 Annual Report. 

Board Chair Jeff Stewart-Harris said Northern Queensland PHN was committed to improving primary health outcomes in regional, rural, and remote areas across the region.  

“The report highlights the progress made this year through the collaboration and innovation of our staff, service providers, healthcare workers, and partners, all working towards the same goal of helping people live happier, healthier, and longer lives,” Mr Stewart-Harris said. 

“Looking back, we’re proud of the contributions made by our teams through our strong partnerships with primary healthcare providers such as general practices, pharmacies, allied health services, aged care homes, and Aboriginal health services.” 

Interim CEO Ben Tooth said the 2023-24 Annual Report featured key achievements and success stories that showcased the positive impact of health services in the community that have been funded by Northern Queensland PHN. 

“Our commitment to delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time for North Queensland communities continues to guide our work,” he said. 

“As an organisation, we focused on our core functions to coordinate, commission, and build capacity in local healthcare services to improve care quality, access, and equity. 

“We’re proud to highlight the last financial year's results and showcase the dedicated work and collaboration of our passionate teams, partners, providers, and healthcare professionals to address the region’s health needs.” 

Highlights from the 2023-24 Annual Report include: 

• More than 73,000 people received mental health services funded by Northern Queensland PHN, 15,460 of them were new clients. 

• Over 40,900 Integrated Team Care services were coordinated for First Nation’s peoples by the region’s 12 service providers.  

• The care finder program recorded more than 1,590 client engagements to help vulnerable older people. 

• The two Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Cairns and Townsville have recorded more than 12,000 visits each since opening almost 12 months ago (6,000 in the 2023-24 financial year). 

• After engaging with more than 580 stakeholders, Northern Queensland PHN recently remodelled North Queensland’s mental health stepped care services and launched MyndKind. 

• Northern Queensland PHN worked closely with all four hospital and health services in the region to progress the Joint Regional Needs Assessment, which will be released next year. 

• 27 clinicians were placed in North Queensland, including 18 GPs, four physiotherapists, an occupational therapist, podiatrist, registered nurse, social worker, and speech pathologist. 

• Financial support was made available to health professionals under the Maternal and Child Health Workforce Uplift program for professional development directly related to primary care child and maternal health capability. 

• A professional development program specifically for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and health practitioners was implemented. 

• Northern Queensland PHN hosted 76 education and training events for the continuous professional development of more than 1,650 participants. 

NQPHN’s 2023-24 Annual Report can be viewed here.