The Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) has placed a strong focus on delivering primary and mental health services to Indigenous communities, investing more than $80 million across the region during the 2023-24 financial year.
The organisation's latest annual report shows that 205 primary healthcare service contracts were managed, many supporting Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs) and Indigenous-focused care programs.
These partnerships have helped ensure that healthcare is delivered in culturally-safe settings, guided by local community leadership and knowledge.
Much of NQPHN's work in this area is supported through the Integrated Team Care (ITC) program, which helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples living with chronic health conditions navigate healthcare systems more effectively, improve medication management, and access specialist services.
Board chair Jeff Stewart-Harris said the annual report illustrated positive changes enabled by collaboration.
"The report highlights the progress made this year through the collaboration and innovation of our staff, service providers, healthcare workers, and partners, all working towards the same goal of helping people live happier, healthier, and longer lives," Mr Stewart-Harris said.
"Looking back, we're proud of the contributions made by our teams through our strong partnerships with primary healthcare providers such as general practices, pharmacies, allied health services, aged care homes, and Aboriginal health services."
Interim CEO Ben Tooth explained that the report's figures reflect significant outcomes for Indigenous communities through culturally responsive services and capacity building at the local level.
"Our commitment to delivering the right care, in the right place, at the right time for North Queensland communities continues to guide our work," he said.
"As an organisation, we focused on our core functions to coordinate, commission, and build capacity in local healthcare services to improve care quality, access, and equity.
"We're proud to highlight the last financial year's results and showcase the dedicated work and collaboration of our passionate teams, partners, providers, and healthcare professionals to address the region's health needs."
NQPHN's emphasis on culturally informed care is evident in its training and education initiatives, which encourage non-Indigenous clinicians to deliver services in ways that respect cultural protocols and traditions.
This approach aims to reduce barriers that might prevent Indigenous peoples from seeking help or following through with treatment plans.
Additionally, a professional development program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers and practitioners has expanded local skill sets, helping workers play broader roles within their communities.
This focus on Indigenous healthcare led to more than 40,900 Integrated Team Care services delivered through 12 regional providers, supporting many Indigenous people.
The report shows that more than 73,000 people accessed mental health services, including 15,460 new clients, many from Indigenous backgrounds.
The care finder program assisted more than 1,590 vulnerable older people, and both Medicare Urgent Care Clinics in Cairns and Townsville recorded high usage, demonstrating community trust in these services.
Informed by engagement with over 580 stakeholders, NQPHN remodelled North Queensland's mental health stepped care services and launched the MyndKind initiative, ensuring that support is aligned with community needs and cultural considerations.
The forthcoming Joint Regional Needs Assessment is expected to further guide the organisation's Indigenous health priorities.
The 2023-24 Annual Report is available on the NQPHN website.
