On Saturday 22 June, 173 health professionals from across the North Coast gathered at Pacific Bay Resort on Gumbaynggirr Country, Coffs Harbour, for our Immediate Care in Primary Health Conference 2024.
The conference brought together professionals from all corners of the primary health landscape – with a great mix of general practice, allied health, nursing, pharmacy, and medical students.
‘Tackling health reform’ panel discussion
The conference kicked off on Friday night with a thought-provoking panel discussion and Q&A on ‘tackling health reform’ with leaders in local health care, hosted by the charismatic Dr Andy Williams.
A range of topics were discussed and debated, including digital health, working with a ‘one health system’ mindset, current funding models and how they might be improved, and the unique health challenges facing the North Coast region.
Thank you to our outstanding panel members on the night Kayley Meredith, Dr Adrian Gilliland, Aaron Hardaker, Monika Wheeler and Dr Debra King.
Saturday sessions
The conference continued in earnest on Saturday, with 24 sessions hosted by a range of experts according to profession-specific streams:
- GPs
- Nurses
- Allied Health
- Pharmacists
A wide range of health care topics were covered, including sports injuries, managing immediate care in the very young (and the very old), immediate care in the diabetic, acute arrythmia, acute headache, and the role of nurses in immediate care triage.
It was incredible to see so many local primary health care professionals come together to share their knowledge, engage with experts, acquire valuable perspectives, and influence the direction of primary health care in our region.
Feedback on the conference was glowing:
"I think that was one of the best conference days I've had in years - all the speakers were so engaging.”
"Wonderful, informative, confidence building day. Thank you."
"Fantastic education across a diverse range of clinical areas and a friendly/social environment."
The opportunities for networking were also invaluable. It’s region-wide events like this where meaningful and lasting relationships form that ultimately improve health care for the community.
Keep an eye out on our socials and future newsletters for more photos and videos of the day!