Reports and plans
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is currently doing a refresh of its Health Needs Assessment (HNA) priorities for our region.
We would like to hear from stakeholders if the identified priorities in the 2021 HNA are still current, and whether there are any new health priorities emerging within our region.
The HNA is a systematic method to review the health issues faced by the North Queensland population which is comprehensively reviewed every three years with annual refresh updates. This key document assists NQPHN to plan evidence-based activities, aligned with our strategic priorities, to improve the wellbeing and reduce health inequalities of North Queenslanders.
- To read the detailed HNA document, visit: NQPHN Health Needs Assessment
- To watch a presentation about the HNA, visit: NQPHN HNA 2021 presentation
In addition to the survey, NQPHN analyses various datasets to inform the HNA mainly from the following sources:
- Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW)
- Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)
- Hospital and Health Services Local Area Needs Assessment (HHS LANA)
- Public Health Information Development Unit (PHIDU)
- Queensland Health
The information will be compiled together with a systematic analysis of primary health data and used to inform NQPHN's HNA.
- The survey will take about five minutes to complete.
- All responses will be anonymous and kept confidential.
- The data collected will be retained for a one-year period.
- Responses will be used to inform the HNA as mentioned above.
To provide your feedback, please visit: NQPHN HNA Refresh 2023 Feedback
Thank you! Your contributions will serve as a reference for local decision making and inform future NQPHN commissioning.
The updated HNA report for NQPHN was conducted in late 2021 in collaboration between NQPHN and its regional partners, stakeholders, health care services providers, community organisations, and residents.
The HNA is a working document that evolves as new and more relevant information becomes available. It provides an overview of the Northern Queensland PHN demographic profile identifying the greatest health needs within our region.
This information is then used to identify our key priority areas which in turn inform effective commissioning of services to help northern Queenslanders live happier, healthier, longer lives.
This assessment incorporates the needs of consumers as well as the health workforce, as they are essential to the delivery of health services to consumers.
NQPHN is currently undertaking a refresh of it’s HNA priorities, with more information provided below.
Resources
Reports and plans
It highlights our vision to help northern Queenslanders live happier, healthier, longer lives.
Our objectives and strategies will guide us to commission primary health care services that meet local health needs. We will support health professionals and service providers to assist all people across northern Queensland to receive the right health care, in the right place, at the right time.
The Strategic Plan 2021-26 was refreshed in 2023 to reflect changes
in national policy and our funding, and to explicitly include our commitment to becoming a high-performance organisation that is focused on our people, providers, and partners.
Resources
Our Region, Our People: Meet Dr Chris Gill
Reports and plans
The key objectives of Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are to:
- increase the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes
- improve coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Each PHN must make informed choices about how best to use its resources to achieve these objectives.
These documents, the Activity Work Plans (AWPs), capture those activities.
To reduce the rates of suicide and increase wellbeing within the ex-Australian Defence Force (ADF) community and their families, through transition, connection and adaption to life in Townsville post ADF.
To improve access to after hours health services and improve coordination and collaboration between services providers in the NQPHN region.
Outlines planned activities for:
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
- maternal and child health
- chronic disease management
- aged care
- health promotion and prevention
- flood recovery
- health systems improvement
- systems integration (HealthPathways)
- general practice support
- COVID-19
- Residential Aged Care Facilities (RACFs) influenza vaccination coordination.
Outlines planned activities including:
- improved identification of needs, planning, and collaboration
- improved outcomes and capacity in alcohol and other drugs treatment services in northern Queensland through system strengthening activities
- increased services and access for individuals from priority population groups including young people, FIFO/shift workers, women, people transitioning to/from prison, unemployed people, lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or intersex (LGBTI) people, and culturally and linguistically diverse communities
- improved workforce skills and knowledge in relation to AOD
- improved service delivery capacity of primary health care services
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Treatment Services
Outlines planned activities funded by the Indigenous Australian's Health Program Schedule including:
- care coordination and supplementary services
- culturally competent mainstream services.
Outlines planned activities including:
- low intensity mental health services
- child and youth mental health services
- psychological therapies for rural and remote, under-serviced, and/or hard to reach groups
- mental health services for people with severe and complex mental illness including care packages
- community-based suicide prevention activities
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mental health services
- stepped care approach
- regional mental health and suicide prevention plan
- Psychological Therapies for people in Residential Aged Care Facilities
- flood recovery.
Outlines planned activities including:
- updating the current needs assessment report to provide additional psychosocial support needs data on the NPS measure cohort in the NQPHN region
- commissioning of non-clinical mental health services and contracting of appropriate organisation/s providing services under the NPS, in accordance with NPS guidance material
- commissioning of service providers to administer the Continuity of Support (CoS) program in the NQPHN region
- monitoring/assessment/reporting on service delivery and financials, including ensuring access and training in the established data collection and storage for all funded programs in the NPS Measure, including CoS funded services
- commissioning and coordination of service delivery for clients who are eligible for support through services funded by the National Psychosocial Support transition funding
- allocation of NQPHN resources to plan, fund, and coordinate services under the Continuity of Support (CoS) measure, and the National Psychosocial Support (NPS) program, and provide support to Commonwealth community mental health clients to transition to the NDIS
Outlines activities for:
- COVID Allied Health Package GP Education
- Greater Choice for At Home Palliative Care Project.
Resources
These documents provide transparency about NQPHN's activities to the Australian Government and Australian public.
NQPHN's reports and plans include:
- Activity Work Plans (AWPs)
- Annual Reports
- Health Needs Assessments (HNAs)
- Strategic Plan
- program specific assessments, evaluations, and reports.
Our commitment to reconciliation
This MOU signing saw leaders from all seven PHNs across Queensland and QAIHC join forces and commit to working together to improve Indigenous health in Queensland.
It is the first type of agreement in Australia between a peak Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health organisation and multiple PHNs and is based on shared principles, mutual recognition, and supports future collaboration between the two parties.
QAIHC CEO Neil Willmett said that this is great news for the more than 186,000 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who live in Queensland.
“All of our organisations have been striving to improve health outcomes in Queensland. Working together will now assist accelerate improvements though a much needed collaborative approach,” Mr Willmett said.
“Each of the seven PHNs in Queensland is proud to be part of this historic MOU,” said Abbe Anderson, Chair of the Queensland and Northern Territory PHN CEOs group.
“All PHNs are committed to improving health outcomes for First Nations peoples, and we recognise the importance of working with the Community Controlled Sector to achieve these outcomes.”
QAIHC Chairperson Gail Wason said improving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health is far more complex than most people think.
“Poor health is a harsh reality for many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. However, we are working to change this. Agreements like this brings together expertise and leadership and will improve Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health in Queensland,” Ms Wason said.
Resources
NQPHN officially launched its second RAP - the Innovate RAP - in November 2020 which strongly advanced the organisation’s commitment to working with local Indigenous communities to close the gap in health inequalities.
The Reflect RAP, formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, outlines NQPHN’s strong commitment to improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples within North Queensland.
The RAP helps to build a culturally-aware workforce, improve upon appropriate practices, and strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. With an organisational purpose to drive change within and support primary health care to improve individual and community health, NQPHN recognises the importance of an inclusive and culturally-appropriate approach towards our core business activities.
The RAP guides NQPHN to improve its relationship and engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and communities. Its development reflects a deep-seeded commitment by the NQPHN Board and its Members to assure the actions and programs developed by NQPHN are culturally relevant, safe, and give due consideration to the aspirations of our nation’s First Peoples.
Specifically, NQPHN developed its Reflect RAP to:
- acknowledge and celebrate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture by continuing to build an understanding of and respect for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander customs, values, and traditions through ongoing education
- improve relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in our region
- build partnerships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and organisations to ensure more effective and relevant engagement, and make meaningful contributions to the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in our region
- inform NQPHN’s commissioning activities and procurement to improve clinically and culturally-safe and accessible primary health services, including championing connected and integrated service commissioning actions wherever possible
- support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and services in identifying and securing resources that meet locally-identified health needs
- demonstrate NQPHN’s continuing focus and commitment to the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Plan and other State and national policy frameworks which aim to Close the Gap
- support workforce development actions which assist to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, organisations, and communities.
The Innovate RAP, formally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, enables NQPHN to make aspirational and innovative commitments to help gain a deeper understanding of the organisation's sphere of influence and establish best practice approaches to advancing reconciliation.
The Innovate RAP outlines key actions NQPHN will undertake to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander stakeholders and communities in the North Queensland region, engage staff and stakeholders in reconciliation, and develop innovative strategies to empower First Nations peoples.
The Innovate RAP is both an opportunity and an invitation for NQPHN to expand its understanding of its core strengths and deepen its relationship with its community, staff, and stakeholders.
Board and Governance
- Australian College of Rural and Remote Medicine (ACRRM)
- Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association (APNA)
- Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
- CheckUP
- Health Workforce Queensland
- Mackay Hospital and Health Service
- Northern Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Alliance (NATSIHA)
- Queensland Alliance for Mental Health
- selectability
- The Pharmacy Guild of Australia (Queensland branch)
- The Royal Australian College of General Practitioners (RACGP)
- Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service
- Townsville Aboriginal and Islander Health Service (TAIHS)
- Townsville Hospital and Health Service
Resources
Board and Governance
The Clinical Council provides a critical overview of the NQPHN regions to ensure that overall investment is in line with the regional HNA.
The council acts in an advisory capacity to the NQPHN Clinical Governance Committee which has the delegated responsibility of the NQPHN Board.
Membership of the council is comprised of GPs, allied health professionals, mental health clinicians, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health professionals, community/practice nurses, and public health/health promotion representatives. They meet four times a year.
Name
|
Role
|
Region
|
---|---|---|
Dr Konrad Kangru (Independent Chair) | General Practitioner Whitsunday Doctors Service Airlie Beach | Mackay |
Dr Yvonne Doveren | Senior Medical Officer Primary Health Care, Royal Flying Doctor Service Queensland Section | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
Ms Melanie Dunstan | Nurse Practitioner, Ngak Min Health / True Relationships and Reproductive Health | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
Dr Lisa Fraser | Director, Practice Principal / General Practitioner, Gordonvale Family Medical Centre | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
Ms Caroline Giles | General Practice Liaison Officer, Mackay Hospital and Health Service | Mackay |
Ms Julie Goodall | Podiatrist, Phoenix Podiatry Centre | Townsville |
Ms Karalyn Huxhagen | Pharmacist, KH Pharmacy Consulting | Mackay |
Dr Jason King | Director of Clinical Services / Senior Medical Officer, Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
Mr Shane Macdonald | Pharmacist | Townsville |
Ms Kath McFarlane | Advanced Public Health Officer, Sexual Health Services, Tropical Public Health Services | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
Mr Tom McMillan | Executive Director / Specialist Physiotherapist, Physio Plus | Mackay |
Ms Natalie Musumeci | Project Worker (Frequent Presenter) Social Worker, Mental Health and Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drugs Service | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
Ms Kath O'Brien | Registered Nurse / Practice Owner / Manager, South Side Medical | Mackay |
Dr Virja Panday | Senior Medical Officer, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Health Service | Mackay |
Dr Chris Stelmaschuk | General Practitioner | Townsville |
Ms Allison Wolf | School Based Youth Health Nurse, Torres and Cape Hospital and Health Service | Cairns, Cape and Torres |
Resources
Support for your practice
‘Immunisation is a simple, safe, and effective way of protecting people against harmful diseases before they come into contact with them. Immunisation protects not only individuals, but also others in the community by reducing the spread of preventable diseases.’
Source: Australian Government Department of Health
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) supports vaccine service providers to increase immunisation coverage within the North Queensland region through the National Immunisation Program (NIP) Schedule and the Immunisation Schedule Queensland.
Immunisation resources, including training and education opportunities, are provided below.
UPDATE: For information on 2024 Flu Vaccinations, visit our Winter Wellness webpage.
- PRODA registration is required for the Organisation or the Individual to access AIR
- Application to register as a vaccination provider
- Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) update
- March 2024 Changes to Reporting Vaccination Encounters to AIR
- Supporting and understanding delegations in HPOS to enable access to the AIR resource Supporting and understanding delegations in HPOS to enable access to the Australian Immunisation Register | NCIRS
- Using the AIR – e-learning education modules
- Enhancing the data quality of vaccination encounters
- Resources for health professionals including reports
- Australian Immunisation Register 010A Due/Overdue Report by Immunisation Practice User Guide
- AIR Reports: for Pharmacies
- Print proof of vaccinations from the AIR Site
- Submitting information through AIR
- Update Vaccination data already submitted to the AIR site
- Uploading AIR forms using HPOS form upload
- National Immunisation Program Schedule | Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care
- Queensland Immunisation Schedule
- Queensland Paediatric Respiratory Syncytial Virus Prevention Program
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Vaccination Program
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) vaccine information
- Shingles (Herpes Zoster) resources
Download the A5 size bravery certificate to give your little patients after receiving their vaccinations.
- Catch-up immunisations – Australian Immunisation Handbook
- National Immunisation Catch-up Calculator
- NCIRS measles vaccination catch-up guide
When working out a catchup schedule for a patient, please refer to resources from the Australian Immunisation Handbook.
- Australian Immunisation Handbook
- Australian Immunisation Handbook mobile app
- Influenza information for Queensland vaccine service providers
- Influenza vaccination 2022 – information and resources for health professionals
- Information for GPs – people with egg allergies
- MumBubVax is a new evidence-based website that assists in answering questions about vaccination in pregnancy and for new babies.
- Pneumosmart Vaccination Tool
- The National Centre for Immunisation Research and Surveillance (NCIRS) has developed fact sheets and resources for immunisation providers, including disease and safety fact sheets.
Public Health Units are located within Hospital and Health Services (HHSs) across the state. Public Health Units focus on:
- protecting health
- preventing disease, illness and injury
- promoting health and wellbeing at a population or whole of community level.
Contact the Public Health Unit closest to you here.
Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) general enquiries (assistance with immunisation histories for parents and VSPs): 1800 653 809
Northern Queensland PHN is supporting the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccination program rollout, working closely with healthcare providers and all levels of government, as well as other key partners in health, to ensure a successful vaccine rollout across our region.
For more COVID-19 vaccine information click here.
Access to GoShare bundles is available with a membership login. Find out more here.
- Online courses for immunisation providers from Queensland Health
- NCIRS - Sharing knowledge about immunisation
- Australian Immunisation Register (AIR) - eLearning
- Using the Australian Immunisation Register (AIR)
- ASCIA – Anaphylaxis e-training for health professionals 2023
- Department of Health - National vaccine storage guidelines 'Strive for 5'
- Department of Health – Immunisation Handbook
- MumBubVax eLearning modules for healthcare providers
- Department of Health – Childhood Immunisation video resources
- Immunisation Coalition webinars
- Immunisations for travel - Department of Health and Aged Care
- The National Vaccine Storage Guidelines ‘Strive for 5’ resource collection – Includes guidelines, posters, stickers and appendices.
- Cold chain breaches – Queensland Health
- Order, store and manage vaccines
- Following vaccination – what to expect and what to do – available to download and orders for hard copy
- Injection site reactions information sheet
- How to report an adverse event following immunisation – Queensland Health