North Queenslanders with chronic conditions living in rural and remote areas will soon have support closer to home, thanks to a new team-based healthcare program.

Under the Multidisciplinary Allied Health Teams program, funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), allied health providers from Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay will work with local GPs and other local primary care providers in the region’s rural and remote communities.

The face-to-face and telehealth services are due to begin on 1 July 2025.

Following a robust tender process, NQPHN is pleased to announce the service providers that will establish the program:

The providers, in partnership with NQPHN, will codesign services that reflect the needs of each area, with consultation beginning in the coming weeks.

NQPHN CEO Ben Tooth said rural and remote areas of North Queensland experienced higher rates of chronic conditions and potentially preventable hospitalisations, compared to the rest of the state.

“We know GPs, allied health workers, and community members in these areas need more support,” he said.

“This program brings in allied health specialists to work alongside local teams and GPs, so people with chronic conditions can access timely care without having to leave their community.

“It will make a real difference to help them manage their conditions and stay out of hospital.

“We’re proud to partner with providers who share our commitment to improving care for people in regional, rural, and remote areas.”

Croydon, Georgetown, and Mount Garnett

Director and Physiotherapist Nick Kenny, from Active Performance in Cairns, said every person, regardless of gender, age, cultural background or postcode, deserved access to high-quality allied health services.

“It is a sad reality that many who suffer from chronic health conditions in rural areas, like Croydon, Georgetown, and Mount Garnett, are left with no option but to leave their homes and move to the cities,” Mr Kenny said.

“This program will ensure that community-based allied health services are accessible, and individuals and their families will be supported to manage their health conditions while choosing to remain in their community.

“It’s the first time that regular face-to-face allied health services, such as physiotherapy, occupational therapy, dietetics, and psychology, will be provided to these communities, based on need.

“We are extremely excited for the opportunity to work with NQPHN to create an impactful and sustainable allied health service model.”

Hughenden and Richmond

General Manager Allied Health Sarah Bohan, from NWRH in Townsville, said the Multidisciplinary Allied Health Teams program would enable allied health specialists to work with local providers to support their communities.

“This new program enables us to continue delivering a work-in, work-out model for multidisciplinary care for the rural Hughenden and Richmond communities,” Ms Bohan said.

“We will partner with these communities and work with the GPs in real-time to be adaptive to people’s chronic disease needs.

“Our clinicians are trained to support the management of diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease among many others that require team care.

“We are thrilled to keep working with NQPHN who continue to drive innovative and community-led approaches to deliver better health outcomes to the people of North Queensland.”

Moranbah, Clermont, Dysart, and Middlemount

Associate Professor Tom McMillan, the Director and Specialist Musculoskeletal Physiotherapist of Physio Plus in Mackay, said the program was a game-changer for the residents of Moranbah, Clermont, Dysart, and Middlemount.

“By increasing access to expert multidisciplinary care, we can help people live healthier more independent lives,” Assoc Prof McMillan said.

“For individuals with chronic conditions, timely and tailored care can make all the difference.

“This program ensures they receive the right interventions when they need them to help reduce the risk of complications and improve their overall wellbeing.

“At Physio Plus, we’re proud to be selected as a provider for this initiative. Our team is passionate about delivering high-quality care, and we look forward to supporting the Isaac community through this program.”

The Multidisciplinary Allied Health Teams Program is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care under the Building a Stronger Medicare package.