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We have a strong history of working with our Hospital and Health Services to enhance health outcomes by ensuring people in the region receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Underpinning our partnership with Metro North Hospital and Health Service is a joint protocol. The protocol recognises that better health outcomes are achievable when there is effective collaboration between primary healthcare and hospital services.
Above, pictured left-right: Jeanelle Gibson, Megan Kreis, Jackie Hanson, Abbe Anderson, Dr Anita Green, Professor Robert Stable AM, Mary-Lou Fleming, Neil Roberts, Libby Dunstan, Don Matheson at a joint board meeting in September 2019. Right: Frank Tracey Health Service Chief Executive and PHN CEO Libby Dunstan signing the renewed joint protocol in 2020.
Other areas of work that benefit from the PHN and Metro North HHS collaboration this year included the development of a GP COVID-19 management health pathway for Queensland and the rollout of GP Smart Referrals into primary care practices.
Following a three year term we reviewed the PHN’s joint protocol with Children’s Health Queensland (CHQ) and this year formalised a new joint protocol, determining the next few years working with CHQ.
Jointly created and governed by Brisbane North PHN and Metro North HHS in 2017, the Health Alliance is an approach to tackling health and healthcare problems that can’t be fixed by any one organisation, part of the health sector or by existing approaches. The vision is to create a “neutral space” where all parts of the health sector can come together to discuss shared problems and develop shared solutions.
Above, pictured left-right: General Practice Liaison Officer, Dr Kylie Norris and Dr Shaun Pandy from The Prince Charles Hospital attending the Metro North Health Forum in October 2019. Right: Anne Tennock, consumer carer representative, at a Health Alliance workshop in 2019.
Since its inception, hundreds of local clinicians, service providers and community members have been part of the Health Alliance process, including the successful co-design and implementation of several new models of care.
This year, the pandemic has invigorated the system’s ability to innovate and rapid progress in virtual care has occurred across the region. Ensuring these innovations are improved and sustained will be a key focus of the Alliance moving forward, with current priorities including:
The Alliance continues to engage with the health system’s funders at the State and Commonwealth level to discuss how more effective funding mechanisms can support improvements in health system performance.
In July, the Alliance farewelled Professor Don Matheson as the General Manager, as he begins a new journey in the New Zealand Ministry of Health. We welcome Dr Helen Boocock to the General Manager role in late November, who brings a wealth of experience as a health executive.
Consumer and carer representative, Laurel Scott with outgoing Health Alliance Director, Don Matheson.
215 attendees enjoyed a day of health professionals and specialists including Dr Toby Ford, Dr Bruce McCabe and Professor Leonie Callaway presenting her research on trauma-informed care.
Professor Leonie Callaway presenting at the Metro North Health Forum in October 2019.
Dr Anita Green pictured at the Metro North Health Forum in October 2019.
GPLO Dr James Martin at the Metro North Health Forum in October 2019.
Attendees at the Metro North Health Forum in 2019.
The PHN and Metro North Hospital and Health Service co-host collaborative meetings to enhance continuity of patient care through improved understanding of services available in general practice and the hospitals, support for the timely access to these services and boost bi-directional communication between GPs and hospitals.
