Gippsland Primary Health Network (PHN) has released its 2023-2024 Annual Report, highlighting how the not-for-profit organisation is driving better health outcomes for our community.
Gippsland PHN improves health outcomes in Gippsland by supporting better access to primary healthcare, identifying local health needs, and coordinating services to address gaps in the region. By funding health services, Gippsland PHN makes it simpler for everyone to receive the care they need, when they need it – especially the most vulnerable members of our community.
Highlights from Gippsland PHN’s 2023-2024 Annual Report include:
Supporting recovery from family, domestic and sexual violence
Gippsland PHN received a $10.6 million grant through the federal Government’s Supporting Recovery program. The program improves coordination and access to trauma-informed recovery services for victim-survivors of family domestic and sexual violence who are experiencing mental health challenges in Latrobe City and Baw Baw Shire. The program supports victim-survivors of family domestic violence and sexual violence to be safe and healthy, so they can recover from trauma and other impacts of violence.
New youth mental health service
The new Youth Enhanced Service in Gippsland provides holistic support for young people experiencing severe or complex mental health challenges to address a gap in existing services. Gippsland PHN commissioned Relationships Australia Victoria to deliver the service in partnership with other agencies and health professionals, based on a national model developed by Orygen.
Maximising Cancer Screening project
Gippsland PHN partnered with 20 local general practices across the region to boost screening rates for bowel, breast and cervical cancer, and testing for hepatitis B and C. A total of 732 patients were screened during the project.
New palliative care toolkit for General Practices
The toolkit was developed as part of the Australian Government’s Greater Choices at Home Palliative Care Program to improve palliative care coordination, and to enhance capacity and responsiveness of services to meet local needs.
Community Led Integrated Health Care – an innovative new care model
The Community Led Integrated Health Care model is patient- centered and includes professionals from a range of health disciplines working together to deliver comprehensive care.
Orbost Regional Health in partnership with Deddick Valley Isolated Community Group delivesr care coordination and nursing services to residents in the remote communities of Deddick Valley as well as Bendoc, Tubbut and Goongerah. Latrobe Community Health Service in partnership with Berry Street Victoria supports vulnerable children and families through an assessment clinic for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Other projects and activities include vaccinating vulnerable people, supporting primary care providers’ emergency response, a cardiac early intervention program, after-hours telehealth support, and free skin checks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Gippsland.
Gippsland PHN Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Amanda Proposch said the Annual Report showcased the extensive, impactful work happening in primary health care in Gippsland.
“We are so proud to release our Annual Report, which highlights the significant strides Gippsland PHN has made over the past year to improve health outcomes in our region,” Ms Proposch said.
“This report showcases our commitment to addressing the unique health challenges our communities experience, while fostering strong partnerships with stakeholders and driving innovation.
“We extend our gratitude to our dedicated team, health providers, and community partners who work together to make a meaningful impact in healthcare across Gippsland.”
