Our approach to an
integrated health system
Working together for better health outcomes
We believe better health outcomes are achieved when health and community services work together as one connected system.
As the Primary Health Network (PHN) for the North Coast, we work across primary care, hospitals, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, community services, government and the broader health sector to strengthen collaboration, improve access to care and respond to the changing needs of our communities.
Our ‘one health system’ approach brings together evidence, partnerships, commissioning, workforce development and innovation to create a more connected, person-centred and sustainable health system.
Why health systems need to change
Health care is becoming increasingly complex. People are living longer, more people are living with chronic and complex conditions, and care is often delivered by multiple providers across hospitals, primary care, aged care, mental health and community services.
Without coordination, people may experience fragmented care, delays accessing services, repeated assessments and gaps in communication between providers.
Improving health outcomes requires more than delivering individual services. It requires organisations to work together, share knowledge, coordinate investment and design care around the needs of people and communities.
This is the foundation of Healthy North Coast’s ‘one health system’ approach.
What is ‘one health system’?
One health system means health organisations work together as one connected network rather than as separate services.
It is an approach to planning, commissioning and delivering health care that improves collaboration across organisations, strengthens referral pathways and creates a better experience for people accessing care.
By working together across organisational boundaries, partners can reduce duplication, improve coordination and respond more effectively to the health needs of North Coast communities.
For people living across the region, this means easier access to care, smoother transitions between services and better health outcomes.
Healthy North Coast does not directly deliver health services, our role is to bring together health providers, government, researchers, community organisations and consumers to create a more integrated health system.
Understand local health needs
Everything begins with understanding our communities.
Through our Health Needs Assessment (HNA), population health data, community engagement, research and local intelligence, we identify regional priorities, service gaps and opportunities to improve health outcomes.
This evidence forms the foundation for planning and investment across the North Coast.
Plan together
We bring organisations together to develop shared priorities and coordinated regional responses.
Working alongside Local Health Districts, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, primary care providers, community organisations and government agencies to help ensure services complement one another. This collaborative approach strengthens regional planning while reducing duplication across the health system.
Commission services
Commissioning is how we turn evidence into action.
Using information from our Health Needs Assessment and regional planning, we commission services that respond to identified community needs and improve access to care.
Commissioning is an ongoing cycle of understanding needs, designing solutions, selecting providers, monitoring outcomes and continuously improving services.
Support the workforce
A connected health system depends on a skilled and sustainable workforce.
We support general practice teams, nurses, allied health professionals, pharmacists, Aboriginal health services and other primary care providers through education, quality improvement, digital health, clinical resources and workforce development initiatives.
By strengthening the workforce, we strengthen the health system.
Build capability through the Centre for Healthcare Knowledge & Innovation (CHKI)
Through the Centre for Healthcare Knowledge & Innovation (CHKI), we support leadership development, knowledge exchange, research translation and innovation across the health system.
We host the International Foundation for Integrated Care (IFIC) Australia Hub, connecting Australian health professionals with global expertise in integrated care. IFIC’s Australia Hub is dleivered via CHKI.By translating evidence into practice and supporting collaboration across sectors, we are helping build the capability needed to deliver integrated, person-centred care.
Measure impact
We continually evaluate the impact of our work to understand what is working and where improvements are needed.
Using data, evaluation, community feedback and partner insights, we monitor outcomes, inform future planning and ensure investment continues to deliver value for communities.
This commitment to continuous improvement helps create a health system that remains responsive to changing community needs.
Place-based care
Every community is different.
The North Coast spans metropolitan, regional, coastal, rural and remote communities, each with its own strengths, challenges and priorities.
Rather than applying a one-size-fits-all approach, we work with local communities and partners to understand what matters most and design solutions that respond to the unique needs of each place.
This place-based approach helps ensure services are locally relevant, culturally appropriate and responsive to changing community needs.
