Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) has reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to Glen Innes through continued investment in local healthcare services, community programs and innovative models of care.
Over many years, HNECC PHN has partnered with local healthcare providers, community organisations, Glen Innes Severn Council and residents to improve access to healthcare and strengthen community wellbeing. Funding and support have been provided to local healthcare providers including East Avenue Medical Centre, AMH Medical Centre and Timbs Pharmacy, as well as community organisations such as GLENRAC, Healthwise, the Rotary Club of Glen Innes, Glen Innes Severn Council and the Friendly Faces Helping Hands Foundation.
These investments have supported mental health and wellbeing programs, digital health and telehealth services, workforce development, aged care initiatives, community resilience projects, youth engagement activities and the Glen Innes Health Hub pilot.
The Health Hub was established to pilot a Rural Multidisciplinary Care Team as an innovative approach to addressing health workforce shortages in rural communities. As local practices have successfully recruited more doctors, the Hub is now transitioning back to its original focus on telehealth and service navigation services.
Glen Innes Severn Council Mayor Margot Davis said the partnership highlighted the value of innovation and collaboration in regional communities.
“Regional communities often need to think differently about how they address challenges. The PHN has been an important partner for many years, supporting local healthcare providers, community organisations and new approaches to care,” Cr Davis said.
“Pilots are designed to test, learn and adapt. Success is measured not only by the services delivered but by the capability built, the partnerships formed and the improved access to care created for the community.”
HNECC PHN Chief Executive Officer Richard Nankervis said the Health Hub pilot has provided valuable learnings and demonstrated the importance of working closely with communities to address local needs. “The willingness of the Glen Innes community to embrace innovation and participate in new models of care has helped strengthen local healthcare and contributed valuable insights into the delivery of rural healthcare services.”
Residents can continue to access GP telehealth services through Ochre Anytime and receive support from the Health Hub Service Navigator at the Glen Innes Highlands Hub, 167 Grey Street.
The Health Hub Service Navigator continues to support residents by connecting people with local and virtual healthcare services, providing access to private telehealth facilities, assisting with specialist referrals and care pathways, and supporting access to NDIS and My Aged Care services.
HNECC PHN remains committed to investing in initiatives that improve access to care and respond to the evolving needs of the Glen Innes community.
For more information, visit www.gleninneshealthhub.com.au.
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