Board and Governance
Terry Mehan has more than 40 years of experience working in the health sector across the Torres and Cape, Cairns, and Brisbane regions, in addition to three Australian states and overseas locations in...
Read bioBen is an Executive Manager with over 15 years of experience in executive management, finance, and accounting roles. Ben is currently the Chief Executive Officer of Ramsay Health Care’s Cairns facilit...
Read bioSue is the Chief Executive of Gurriny Yealamucka Health Service, a community-based health organisation that delivers holistic primary health care to the people of Yarrabah, an Aboriginal community nea...
Read bioTara Diversi is the CEO of Sophus Nutrition, a digital nutrition platform that improves accessibility and affordability of expert nutrition and dietetic care through the combination of evidence-based ...
Read bioJeff is an experienced Chair, Director, Chief and Senior Executive with a passion to see individuals, teams, organisations, their boards, communities, and regions thrive - now and into the future. He ...
Read bioDr Konrad Kangru B.App Sci, MBBS, FRACGP gained his MBBS from the University of Queensland in 2000, has been in private rural General Practice in the Whitsundays region of Queensland since 2005, where...
Read bioSharon has more than 42 years of experience working in the health sector across a range of rural regional and tertiary health care services in the public sector for both Queensland and South Australia...
Read bioLuckbir is a Director at MacDonnells Law, one of the leading Queensland law firms. He has been recognised for his legal skills and client outcomes by Lawyer’s Weekly as a finalist in the 2016 Australi...
Read bioGerard has extensive strategic management experience in complex healthcare environments both within the profit and not-for-profit private healthcare sectors at CEO level. His broad and diverse experi...
Read bioDisaster management
As part of the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) ‘Build Back Better – Primary Care’ initiative, an array of support systems are being developed.
Recent events, cyclones, floods, bushfires, and a pandemic have highlighted the value of communication in an emergency response. In the event of an emergency in the NQPHN region, there is a need to be able to provide clear and immediate information to support this response.
To enable NQPHN to support this, we are offering general practices, pharmacies, and Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) the opportunity to subscribe to the NQPHN Emergency SMS Alert System which will send emergency and public health message alerts directly to the subscriber’s nominated mobile phone number.
Special sign-up offer – $500 for your practice/pharmacy/RACH
Sign up to the Emergency SMS Alert System and receive a one-off $500 (exc. GST) payment per practice/pharmacy/RACH that can be used to purchase* resources to assist your emergency response.
PLEASE NOTE: This is a one-off, optional offer, and not a mandatory requirement to sign up to the Emergency SMS Alert System.
* All purchases made in the preceding 12 months are eligible.
What to do next
Select your relevant organisation below (practice, pharmacy or RACH), read the relevant guidelines, and complete the relevant online form:
- Read the relevant Emergency Response Support guidelines:
- Complete the online form for practices and pharmacies to subscribe to NQPHN's Emergency SMS Alert System list.
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Read the relevant Emergency Response Support guidelines:
- Complete the online form for RACHs to subscribe to NQPHN's Emergency SMS Alert System list.
Disaster management
There are a number of mental health and wellbeing resources available for use by health care workers, as outlined in the resources section to the right.
Disaster management
Residents should:
- close windows and doors
- use fans or air conditioning on recirculating mode to keep cool
- keep medications close by if suffering a respiratory condition
- be vigilant in taking prescribed medications for existing lung conditions.
If you have a known respiratory condition such as asthma please have your regular medication at hand and see your GP if you do not feel you are adequately prepared.
Residents should call Triple Zero (000) if you are having health problems or believe your property is under threat.
For more information, view the resources on the right of this page.
Disaster management
Practices and pharmacies may have experienced a cold chain breach due to loss of power from a cyclone and/or floods.
Each vaccine requires a different process for action and reporting. See below for further information:
- COVID 19 Vaccines: Cold chain breaches of COVID-19 vaccines should be reported immediately to the Vaccination Operations Centre (VOC) on 1800 318 208. Vaccine providers must refer to the National Vaccine Storage Guidelines (Strive for 5) for cold-chain management of COVID-19 vaccines.
- Queensland Health-provided vaccines: QH do not dispose of vaccines. These must be keep for Public Health Unit collection – follow these instructions and fill out the cold chain breach reporting form.
- Other vaccines and medicines: National vaccine storage guidelines and information can be found here: National vaccine storage guidelines - Strive for 5, 3rd edition (health.gov.au) (Appendix 3: Cold chain breach protocol)
- Find out more, including how to report a breach. You can also visit your local HealthPathway for advice about vaccine storage and cold chain breaches.
The Queensland Government provides Queensland natural disaster assistance for small business and primary producers. They are also providing personal hardship financial assistance with more information on eligibility available here.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au, www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.qra.qld.gov.au
If you’re experiencing emotional stress or personal financial hardship from a disaster event, contact your local emergency relief provider or counselling service or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for help.
General practitioners (GPs) are essential in supporting individuals and communities before, during and in the aftermath of natural disasters and emergencies.
If your business has been affected by cyclones and/or floods, there's information and support services available to help you get your business back on track.
The Queensland Government, through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, provides support to small businesses impacted by cyclones and floods.
Additionally, there are a range of services already available to assist you to recover from natural disasters and get your business back on track.
Find out more using the following links:
Free wellbeing support for general practice and pharmacy staff
NQPHN is offering free EAP support for all general practice and pharmacy staff affected by the impact of cyclones and/or floods.
An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based intervention program designed to enhance the emotional, mental, and general psychological wellbeing of all employees and includes services for immediate family members.
To access this confidential service, please contact AccessEAP on 1800 818 728 and identify as one of these groups when calling into our service, starting with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, then either Chemist Staff or GP staff.
For more information on AccessEAP, visit their website.
NQPHN has also created an EAP support poster to advise staff of the service availability:
- Download poster (General Practices)
- Download poster (Pharmacies)
Wellbeing support for Practice Managers and their teams
AAPM has set-up a dedicated opportunity for Practice Managers and their team members to access the AAPM Member Assistance Program. AAPM will fully fund the first few engagements to ensure healthcare professionals can remain supported.
AAPM Non-Member Support can be accessed here using code NMS024 to successfully identify and validate your eligibly.
Head to Health
Prioritising your mental health is important. If you or someone you know needs mental health support, it’s available 24/7. Find resources and helplines at Head to Health.
A list of mental health and suicide prevention support services are listed in the drop down table below. Please note, NQPHN are not crisis or emergency services. For urgent support, call any of the numbers listed in the table below. If you need immediate help or are at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 000.
Support services
| Service | Description | Contact details |
|---|---|---|
| 13 YARN | Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander crisis support line. Available 24/7. No shame, no judgement, safe place to yarn. | 13 92 76 / 13yarn.org.au |
| 1800 RESPECT | Free, 24/7 support for people impacted by domestic, family, or sexual violence. | 1800 732 732 / 1800respect.org.au |
| Beyond Blue | 24/7 support programs to address issues related to depression, suicide, anxiety disorders, and other related mental illnesses. | 1300 224 636 / beyondblue.org.au |
| Head to Health Phone Service | Local general mental health advice and support. You can make a free call to Head to Health between 8.30am-5pm weekdays (except public holidays). | 1800 595 212 / headtohealth.gov.au |
| headspace Cairns | Free mental health service available for 12-25 year olds. Headspace Cairns is closed during the cyclone event, but will post updates when reopened on their social media pages. E-headspace services are available, including phone and online support via the headspace web page. | Online and phone and support - headspace |
| Kids Helpline | Resilient Kids resource 'The Hub' is available for practical and mental health strategies to cope before, during and after a disaster. |
1800 55 1800 / kidshelpline.com.au/disaster-response |
| Lifeline Australia | Lifeline is a national charity providing all Australians experiencing a personal crisis with access to 24 hour crisis support and suicide prevention. | 13 11 14 / lifeline.org.au |
| StandBy Support After Suicide Service | 24-hour community-based, suicide postvention program for people bereaved by suicide. | 1300 727 247 / standbysupport.com.au |
| Suicide Call Back Service | Free counselling for suicide prevention & mental health via telephone, online & video for anyone affected by suicidal thoughts, 24/7. | 1300 659 467 / suicidecallbackservice.org.au |
| QLife | LGBTI peer support and referral for people wanting to talk about a range of issues including sexuality, identity, gender, bodies, feelings, or relationships. | 1800 184 527 / qlife.org.au |
Environmental conditions after floods and cyclones increase the risk for infectious diseases.
Please be particularly alert to wounds exposed to muddy water and cases of invasive environmental bacteria such as leptospirosis and melioidosis:
- The incubation period is 5-14 days. Patients present with abrupt fever, headaches and myalgia.
- People displaced, re-entering inundated homes or after power-interruption face a variety of risks related to food spoilage, contamination and general hygiene. Most will be ordinary infections including viral gastroenteritis but food poisoning is possible too.
- Read more.
Remember that 'Food or water-borne illness in 2 or more cases' is one of the clinical Notifiable Diseases that you must inform the Public Health Unit of before lab confirmation. Visit the Public Health Unit website here to get in touch.
Queensland Health factsheets
- Caring for children in heat
- Ensuring safe drinking water
- Food safety in an emergency
- Health advice for emergency response workers
- Heat-related illness
- Mosquito – controlling breeding after floods, storms and cyclones
- Mosquito-borne diseases after a storm, flood or cyclone
- Mould - Dealing with mould after a storm, flood or cyclone
- Playgrounds and sporting fields - use during flood recovery
- Rainwater tanks affected by natural disasters
- Restoring flood-affected domestic swimming and spa pools
- Returning to a disaster-affected house or building
- Stay safe and healthy after storms, cyclones and floods
- Staying healthy in the heat
- Use and disposal of medicines after a disaster
Worksafe
If you’re experiencing emotional stress or personal financial hardship from a cyclone and/or a flooding event, contact your local Qld Health emergency relief provider or counselling service or call the Qld Health Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for help.
Recovery centres have and will continue to be opened across flood affected areas. Information is available here:
During and after a disaster you may need practical assistance or community support to assist you and your family.
The Queensland Government's regional community support services brochures provide information and contact details for key community services available in your area, listed by region.
Also, after a disaster financial assistance may be available if you have been impacted and are unable to meet your own recovery.
A large number of those affected by disasters are children. They may have suffered major disruption, losses, or lived through frightening experiences. Many other children are affected indirectly, through hearing about a disaster or knowing someone who has been affected by a disaster.
The Australian Psychological Society has a useful fact sheet for parents and carers on helping children who have been affected by floods.
Federal Government’s information for school aged kids:
The Queensland Government has made available translated resources about financial assistance grants to distribute to your communities.
For specific information (including available financial support) on Tropical Cyclone Jasper, which occurred in December 2023, please follow the below tab.
Financial assistance
Tropical Cyclone Jasper and subsequent flooding affected communities in Far North Queensland.
Personal hardship financial assistance is available for affected residents in the Local Government Areas of:
- Cairns Regional
- Cassowary Coast
- Cook Shire (defined localities)
- Douglas Shire
- Mareeba Shire
- Tablelands Regional
- Wujal Wujal Aboriginal Shire
- Yarrabah Aboriginal Shire.
Housing assistance is available for residents affected by this event.
Services Australia is providing support for people affected by Tropical Cyclone Jasper in Queensland, including the Australian Disaster Recovery Payment.
If you’re experiencing emotional stress or personal financial hardship from this event, contact your local emergency relief provider or counselling service or call the Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for help.
The Essential services safety and reconnection grant is available to eligible homeowners needing to reconnect electricity, gas, water or sewerage.
The Queensland Government is providing Queensland natural disaster assistance for small business and primary producers. They are also providing personal hardship financial assistance with more information on eligibility available here.
Further information on disaster assistance can be found at www.disasterassist.gov.au, www.qld.gov.au/disasterhelp or www.qra.qld.gov.au
Support for small business
If your business has been affected by ex-tropical cyclone Jasper, there's information and support services available to help you get your business back on track.
The Queensland Government, through the Department of Employment, Small Business and Training, provides support to small businesses impacted by ex-tropical cyclone Jasper.
If you have been impacted, please share how you've been affected by recent severe weather and what assistance you need by completing the natural disaster business impact survey here.
Additionally, there are a range of services already available to assist you to recover from natural disasters and get your business back on track.
Find out more using the following links:
- Business Queensland - Natural disaster resilience and recover
- Disaster assistance loans and grants
- Free mentoring for recovery and business support
- Small business wellness coaches
- Small business financial counselling
- Queensland Small Business Commissioner
Cairns and Hinterland HHS ex-TC Jasper resources
- Keep your family safe
- Keep your family safe - food safety
- Keep your family safe - mosquitoes
- Public health advice - melioidosis
- Public health risks after a flood
- The facts about melioidosis
- The facts about mould
Community Recovery Hotline and recovery centre hubs
If you’re experiencing emotional stress or personal financial hardship from ex-TC Jasper and the flooding event, contact your local Qld Health emergency relief provider or counselling service or call the Qld Health Community Recovery Hotline on 1800 173 349 for help.
Recovery centres have and will continue to be opened across flood affected areas. Information is available here:
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information
No. Anyone recommended for a COVID-19 vaccine, should get one as soon as possible if they haven’t had one yet.
Australia has moved away from numbering doses and a ‘catch-up’ vaccination is not required.
ATAGI recommends a primary course of COVID-19 vaccinations, including a dose in 2023 and an additional dose if recommended.
It doesn’t matter how many doses a person has had before 2023.
There is not much benefit from having a COVID-19 vaccine soon after infection.
If you are unsure if you have had a COVID-19 infection in the past 6 months, it is safe to get a dose.
You can find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic and book an appointment with the health Service Finder at healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services.
You can get a COVID-19 vaccine from your local GP or pharmacist, or a GP or pharmacist visiting your aged care home.
All COVID-19 vaccines are anticipated to provide benefit to eligible people. However, the monovalent Omicron XBB.1.5 vaccines are preferred over other vaccines for eligible people.
See the Department of Health and Aged Care website: health.gov.au/covid-19-vaccines.
You can also find a COVID-19 vaccine clinic and book an appointment with the health Service Finder at healthdirect.gov.au/australian-health-services or call 1800 022 222 if you need COVID-19 advice.
If you get COVID-19 you need to take the oral antiviral treatments as soon as possible or within 5 days after getting symptoms.
Oral antivirals treatments are safe and effective in reducing the severity of COVID-19 and are available to people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 including people 70 years and older.
Make sure you talk to your GP or nurse practitioner to find out whether the oral antiviral treatments are right for you and how to acess antivirals quickly if you need them.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is supporting the Australian Government’s COVID-19 vaccination rollout working alongside Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) to manage and reduce infection rates in facilities.
As a result, NQPHN has initiated the new 2023 Pharmacy RACH Vaccination Program to facilitate an in-reach service for pharmacies to administer COVID-19 vaccinations to vulnerable persons in RACFs.
For more information, click here.
The Emergency Order which allowed pharmacies to attend Residential Aged Care Homes (RACHs) to vaccinate COVID-19 ended on 29 October 2023.
A new Extended Practice Authority for pharmacists was put into force. This allows pharmacists the opportunity to vaccinate at aged care facilities.
The authority can be found here.
Northern Queensland PHN is working alongside residential aged care homes to manage and reduce infection rates in facilities.
All RACHs in the Northern Queensland PHN region were supported by the PHN to provide vaccinations for all residents and staff.
The PHN continues to actively support all RACHs in the region to ensure vaccinations are available.
Please contact us at preparednessandresponse@nqphn.com.au if we can be of assistance.
Subscribe to receive NQPHN COVID-19 updates for Residential Aged Care Homes.
Rapid response flowchart
The COVID-19 in a RACF: Overview and flowchart was jointly developed by a State and Commonwealth working group to help ensure Queensland can mobilise quickly and effectively in response to a COVID-19 case in an aged care facility.
Personal protective equipment (PPE)
PPE for coronavirus (COVID-19) includes surgical masks, particulate filter respirators (such as P2 or N95), gloves, goggles, glasses, face shields, gowns and aprons. Guidelines on the use of PPE when caring for patients in the non-inpatient settings are available on the Department's website. If you have any questions about the use of PPE or if you require PPE, email agedcarecovidppe@health.gov.au.
Support lines
- A COVID-19 support line has been set up to provide information and support for older Australians, their families and carers. Freecall: 1800 171 866.
- The FriendLine is for anyone who needs to reconnect or just wants a chat. All conversations with FriendLine are casual and anonymous and friendly volunteers are ready to talk about anything and everything. Call: 1800 424 287.
Public health guidelines
The Communicable Diseases Network Australia has developed these comprehensive national guidelines for the prevention, control and public health management of COVID-19 outbreaks in residential care facilities in Australia that cover:
- preparedness and prevention
- a flowchart for COVID-19 management
- swab collection procedure, and more.
COVID-19 Vaccination and Antiviral Treatments factsheet
The Department of Health and Aged Care has developed a new resource, the COVID-19 Vaccination and Antiviral Treatments fact sheet, with information and answers to frequently asked questions for residents living in aged care homes and their families.
Useful websites
Coronavirus (COVID-19) information
Your local HealthPathways portal provides the latest information about the clinical aspects of COVID-19 vaccination, including advice, delivery, and follow up.
GPs are encouraged to check they have access to HealthPathways.
Access Northern Queensland PHN HealthPathways.
Don't have a login for HealthPathways? Register using the above link.
As part of the National COVID-19 Health Management Plan for 2023, the Australian Government has advised that the distribution of PPE through the Living with COVID measure has now ceased (as of 31 December 2022). There will be no further extensions and no deliveries will be made after this date.
Further information about the PPE distribution measures for ACCHOs will be provided at a later date.
Useful PPE resources
For useful PPE resources, please visit the Infection Control web page.
The Queensland Government’s Asset Library for COVID-19 healthcare providers also provides a collection of print-ready and editable resources for general practice in regard to COVID-19 and vaccination care. The collection includes:
- patient fact sheets – what to expect after your vaccination (AstraZeneca and Pfizer)
- sticker and badge artwork – “I’ve had the COVID-19 vaccination”
- practice signage – COVID-19 vaccination location
- pull-up banners – for photos and promoting the vaccination.
The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) is a work-based intervention program designed to enhance the emotional, mental, and general psychological wellbeing of all employees and includes services for immediate family members.
To access this confidential service, please contact AccessEAP on 1800 818 728 and identify as one of these groups when calling into our service, starting with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network, then either GP staff or Chemist Staff.
For more information on AccessEAP, visit their website.
NQPHN has also created an EAP support poster to advise staff of the service availability:
- Download poster (General Practices)
- Download poster (Pharmacies).
Staffed by senior GPs and experienced counsellors trained in doctors’ health, Drs4Drs is a free medical service for GPs seeking support
An initiative from the Department of Health and Medical Board of Australia to ensure GPs have access to care and support when they need it.
This is a 24/7, free and confidential service you can access by calling 1300 Dr4Drs (1300 374 377).
- Queensland Doctors’ Health Advisory Service: free and confidential advice 24/7 to medical practitioners and medical students. This support advice includes: matters relating to stress, mental health, personal and financial crises needs. Phone: 07 3833 4352
- RACGP Support Program: free, confidential specialist advice to help cope with professional and personal stressors impacting areas such as, mental health and wellbeing, work performance and personal relationships. Phone: 1300 361 008
- ACRRM's Employee Assistance Program: free for members experiencing workplace, training, exam, or other stresses or issues impacting your personal wellbeing. Provides immediate, confidential phone counselling support 24/7 in Australia and overseas. Phone 1800 818 728.
- Nurse & Midwifery Support: free and confidential support 24/7. Counsellors are available to discuss any health-related issues and provide advice and referral for nurses, midwives, nursing students, employers, educators, concerned others and the public. Phone: 1800 667 877
- CRANAplus Bush Support Services: free and confidential 24/7 telephone and online counselling service for rural and remote health practitioners and their families. Phone: 1800 805 391
- NewAccess - Beyond Blue: New access is a free service that provides support through a coach who can guide in setting practical goals that will get you back on track.
- Black Dog Institute self-care webinar: Online self-care for Doctors webinar. Free.
Support for your practice
As part of the National COVID-19 Health Management Plan for 2023, the Australian Government has advised that the distribution of PPE through the Living with COVID measure has now ceased (as of 31 December 2022). There will be no further extensions and no deliveries will be made after this date.
Further information about the PPE distribution measures for ACCHOs will be provided at a later date.
Useful PPE resources
- RACGP:
- Australian Government:
- Queensland Health:
NQPHN funded APNA and subject matter expert Megan Reilly to deliver webinars for all general practices and pharmacies with information on how to apply infection prevention control in practices/pharmacies and keep the doors open.
View the third and final webinar, which mirrors the content in the previous two webinars delivered, and the Infection prevention and control refresher below.
The following documents from the webinars are also useful:
- Webinar overview – with links to the webinar recordings on YouTube
- PDF slides
- Q&A document – evidence-based answers supplied by APNA's subject matter expert.
Other infection control resources
The following resources are available to assist with the management of infection control:
- PPE burn rate calculators can help health service organisations to plan and optimise the use of PPE for response to COVID-19:
- COVID-19 Infection Control Online Training Module
- Guidance on the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) for health care workers in the context of COVID-19 (Australian Government Department of Health)
- Work permissions and restrictions framework for workers in healthcare settings (Australian Government Department of Health) – includes appropriate PPE guidance
- Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) guidance for Queensland clinicians (Queensland Health) – includes videos on donning and doffing of PPE.
- Respiratory and Eye Protection Decision Aid
- Australian guidelines for SARS-CoV-2 infection prevention and control of COVID-19 in healthcare workers
- A 30 minutes Australian Government COVID-19 infection control online training for health care workers in all settings is available here. It covers the fundamentals of infection prevention and control for COVID-19.
For more information, read the latest CDNA National guidelines.
For the latest clinical practice guidelines in the North Queensland region, please refer to HealthPathways.
Other useful links
- RACGP Infection prevention and control guidelines
- RACGP Infection control principles for consulting with suspected cases for COVID-19
- RACGP – COVID-19 infection-control principles
- How you can help keep Queensland COVID safe
- RACGP Patient Alert Posters
Fit testing of P2/N95 masks
Specifically for GPs who are prepared and able to undertake specimen collection in their surgeries. P2/N95 respirators are only required for aerosol generating procedures.
The Queensland Health Fit Testing of Particulate Filtration Respirators (PFR or P2/N95 respirators) in respiratory protection programs Guidance Document (Fit Testing Document) has been developed to provide guidance and recommendations for decision-makers and healthcare workers (HCWs) in Queensland to support the safe and practical integration of fit testing into respiratory protection programs.
The following online resources are also available about P2/N95 mask fit checking:
- Queensland Health P2/N95 mask fit checking: Including a link to a powerpoint presentation on how to perform a fit check.
- Further information for health professionals about fit-testing and fit-checking of P2/N95 masks and the use of PPE equipment can be found here.
- Resp-Fit has a comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions resource.
PPE Buyers Guide
The Australian Government Department of Industry and Science Energies and Resources (DISER) have collated some helpful information to assist organisations with confidence in buying PPE from new suppliers including:
-
what to look for when buying PPE
-
how PPE is regulated/certified
-
keeping your workplace safe
-
knowing your consumer rights and protecting yourself from fraud
-
links to National and State portals to help connect buyers and sellers of PPE.
Download the PPE Buyers Guide.
What's On Offer website
For a comprehensive list of readily available commercial sources of PPE (including surgical face masks, P2/N95 masks, eye and face protection, gowns and more) refer to the Queensland Government’s What’s on Offer website that has been designed to connect buyers with suppliers.
If you are well, you do not need to wear a surgical mask. There is little evidence that widespread use of surgical masks in healthy people prevents transmission in public.
For more information visit the Department of Health’s surgical mask fact sheet or visit the World Health Organisation’s website, which offers advice on when and how to use masks.