With a vision for Healthy People and Healthy Communities, the PHN is a not-for-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government. The PHN’s vision has driven efforts to create meaningful change at both the individual and systemic levels. This approach aligns with the organisation’s purpose of developing innovative and locally relevant solutions that lead to measurable improvements in health outcomes for the region’s communities. This is achieved by working with healthcare providers across the Hunter, New England, and Central Coast regions to commission programs and services designed to improve the efficiency and quality of primary healthcare and create a positive impact for communities.

Hunter New England Central Coast Primary Health Network (the PHN) proudly serves as a home to exceptional talent within its region. The PHN recognises the challenges faced by primary care clinicians and providers across the region and is committed to working with stakeholders across the Hunter, New England, and Central Coast to improve access to services.

At the core of the PHN’s success lies not only an unwavering commitment to outcomes but also the strength of its people. United by a common goal to effect positive change in the lives of local communities, the PHN’s values are at the heart of the employee experience and are embodied by its people. Their passion for identifying and addressing the health needs in their communities is matched by their commitment to closing service gaps and ensuring equity in access.

The PHN’s strategic plan sets out a clear purpose to increase equity of access to primary care services. To enable the PHN to achieve its goals of exceptional leadership, performance, and world-class commissioning, the organisation continuously builds capability, delivery, and culture.

The strategic plan was developed in consultation with health professionals, partners, community members, the board, executive team, advisory groups, and staff. The plan underpins all PHN activities, focusing on increasing equitable access to primary care services. It seeks to address two main challenges:

1. Enhancing the primary care workforce and incorporating digitally assisted services.
2. Demonstrating exceptional commissioning through leadership and performance.

Recognising the challenges faced by primary care clinicians and providers, the PHN acknowledges their tireless efforts in delivering primary health care. To address these challenges, the PHN has identified five key ambitions:

1. Stabilise and enhance the primary care workforce.
2. Improve equity of access to primary care through digitally incorporated services.
3. Improve health access for priority groups.
4. Maximise funding for the primary care sector in the region.
5. Demonstrate exceptional value for money in commissioning services.

The strategy provides clarity of purpose and a commitment to execute, allowing the PHN to truly measure and demonstrate success. The PHN has built and strengthened its capability to deliver, at the same time putting its people first. It presents outstanding results from the strategic plan that truly align with being an Employer of Choice.

For more information about the PHN, visit thephn.com.au.