Townsville Head to Health, run by Neami National and funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) through the Australian Government’s PHN program, provides a front door for anyone seeking mental health support for themselves, a friend, or family member, without needing a referral or appointment, and with no out-of-pocket costs.

The centre is located centrally at 32 Walker Street, Townsville and will be open 10am-10pm Monday to Friday, and 12pm-8pm on weekends, starting from next Thursday 27 January.

Web and phone supports are available now through the centre, which softly commenced in December 2021.

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said this new service is designed to provide Townsville residents with increased access to immediate mental health supports.

“Townsville Head to Health is designed to provide a central point to provide residents with information and support, and to connect them with existing local services in the region,” said Ms Whyte.

“The service provides a welcoming, safe, and inclusive space, that embraces a ‘no wrong door’ approach to assist people to receive the right support, in the right place, at the right time for both their immediate needs and to establish connections to ongoing support.

“Adult residents within the Townsville region experiencing mental health crisis or distress are able to access the service without an appointment or by calling ahead to speak with the team before arriving.

“Family and friends of a person in distress or in need of support are also encouraged to seek assistance for their loved one by contacting Townsville Head to Health.

“Referrals to the service will also be accepted from GPs, community service organisations, and primary care providers.

“We are proud to work in collaboration with Neami National to bring Head to Health to Townsville, to help residents live happier, healthier, longer lives.”

Neami National is the lead service provider for the centre and works in partnership with locally based specialist services Richmond Fellowship Queensland, Lives Lived Well, and Townsville Multicultural Support Group, with support from NQPHN.

Neami National Chief Executive Officer Tom Dalton said collaboration was key to establishing the centre and ensuring it is suitable to the needs of locals.

“Townsville Head to Health is the combination of working closely with NQPHN and our partners and being responsive to the feedback and input from the local community,” said Mr Dalton.

“We hope to create a trusted service that meets the evolving needs of the people of Townsville.

“I encourage the community to visit the centre to see the warm and welcoming space and the support they can offer you, either now or in the future.

“Many of the staff have a lived experience of mental health issues themselves and are passionate about helping people find the right care for their individual needs.”

Townsville Head to Health is one of eight trial sites across Australia, announced as part of the Australian Government’s $2.3 billion National Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan.

Individuals can access Townsville Head to Health by calling (07) 4766 8444, visiting headtohealth.neaminational.org.au/townsville/townsville-head-to-health, or in person from next Thursday (27 January) at 32 Walker Street, Townsville.

Member for Dawson Mr George Christensen MP and Federal Member for Rural Health the Hon Dr David Gillespie MP today announced the Mackay region has been provided Distribution Priority Area (DPA) status under exceptional circumstances.

The announcement came as welcome news for Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) who advocated for the change following extensive consultation with local general practices and collaboration with Health Workforce Queensland.

The Australian Government uses the Distribution Priority Area (DPA) indicator to identify distribution challenges in Australia’s medical workforce.

Factors considered for DPA status include patient flows using Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS) data, Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) demographic data, the size of the GP workforce, the location and number of practices, and the region’s size and geography.

Under the system, general practices in places with DPA status can employ international medical graduates and Australian-trained bonded doctors who are required to work in priority areas to access the MBS.

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said NQPHN welcomed the announcement by Mr George Christensen MP and Dr David Gillespie MP as it will assist local practices to recruit GPs.

“The change to Mackay’s DPA status is a great outcome for the region and reflects what we and general practice have been advocating for,” said Ms Whyte.

“The issue of GP and other primary care workforce shortages is arguably the most significant problem facing primary health care delivery in rural and remote Australia, and is an issue that NQPHN takes very seriously.

“Practices in Mackay are experiencing GP shortages and patients are regularly waiting weeks to see a GP, some are even closing their doors to new patients.

“With the opening of the borders, and emergence of the highly contagious Omicron variant in Queensland, we are seeing more and more cases of COVID-19 in the Far North and more pressure being put on our general practice workforce.

“In September 2021, NQPHN, with the assistance of Health Workforce Queensland, Mackay Hospital and Health Service, James Cook University, and Mackay general practices, submitted a Request for Exceptional Circumstances Assessment of non-DPA status for the Mackay region to the Australian Government Department of Health.

“DPA status for the Mackay region provides support to practices by giving them access to a larger recruitment pool to fill gaps in staffing and increase their capacity to provide services to residents.

“I’d like to thank Mr Christensen and Dr Gillespie for their support to obtain DPA status for Mackay.

“It’s also important to recognise and thank general practice for providing exceptional care to residents at this very busy time and with stretched resources.”