Our
partnerships
Better health through collaboration
We work in partnership with health services, community organisations, government agencies and local communities to improve health outcomes and strengthen the health system across the North Coast.
No single organisation can address the health needs of our region alone. By working together, sharing expertise and coordinating services, we can create a more connected, responsive and sustainable health system .
Our partnerships support service planning, commissioning, workforce development, integrated care and innovation, helping ensure people can access the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
Why partnerships matter
Partnerships are central to the way we work as a Primary Health Network. Through collaboration we are better able to understand local health needs, improve coordination between services, reduce duplication and gaps in care, strengthen workforce capability and improve access to services for priority populations across our region.
We work alongside general practice teams, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, hospitals, Local Health Districts, community organisations and government agencies to support healthier communities across the North Coast.
Aboriginal Health Partnership
Improving Aboriginal health outcomes requires genuine partnership, shared decision-making and culturally safe approaches.
We work closely with Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, other Aboriginal organisations, Elders, community representatives and health providers to support self-determination and improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the North Coast.
Our approach is guided by respect, trust, long-term relationships and recognises the leadership and expertise of Aboriginal communities and that they are best placed to design and deliver services that best meet their needs.
Local Health District partnerships
We maintain strong partnerships with Northern NSW Local Health District and Mid North Coast Local Health District to improve the coordination of care across hospitals, community services and primary care.
Together we work to improve transitions between hospital and community care, strengthen integrated models of care and support regional health priorities through joint planning, commissioning and service redesign initiatives.
In 2024, we signed an official Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with these 2 Local Health Districts to drive a ‘one health system’ approach to improve health outcomes across the North Coast.
Joint Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan
Part of our partnership agreement with the Local Health Districts is to deliver a coordinated regional approach to mental health, suicide prevention and wellbeing.
The Joint Regional Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Plan provides a shared vision for improving access to care, reducing fragmentation across the system and ensuring services better meet the needs of people and communities across the North Coast.
The plan supports collaboration between hospitals, primary care providers, community organisations, specialist mental health services and people with lived and living experience to deliver more connected and person-centred care.
Centre for Healthcare Knowledge and Innovation (CHKI)
The Centre for Healthcare Knowledge & Innovation (CHKI) is Healthy North Coast’s innovation and knowledge exchange platform. We established CHKI in 2016 to build capability across the health system by connecting local leaders with national and international expertise, fostering collaboration, and supporting practical health system reform.
International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC)
In 2026, we officially partnered with the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) to host their Australia Hub.
IFIC is a not-for-profit foundation, originally founded in the Netherlands, dedicated to improving the lives of people and communities by advancing the science, knowledge, and adoption of integrated care around the world. IFIC is regarded as the leading international voice in integrated care.
This partnership includes other Australian patrons and supporters such as University of Sydney, Central Eastern Sydney Primary Health Network, Southern Cross University, Social Futures and Continuity Care.
IFIC’s Australian program of learning, innovation and knowledge exchange will be delivered into the local health system through our Centre for Healthcare Knowledge and Innovation (CHKI).
