The Primary Health Network (PHN) Program was established in 2015 by the Australian Government. Key objectives of the PHN Program are:

• increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and
• improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

We are proud to be delivering the North Coast PHN Program and working collaboratively with our Mid North Coast and Northern NSW Local Health Districts (LHDs).

Our organisation is overseen by a Board, which is advised by a Clinical Council and a Community Advisory Committee.

For more information about PHNs, visit the Department of Health website. 

While most people will receive primary health care through their GP, primary health care providers also include nurses (including general practice nurses, community nurses and nurse practitioners), allied health professionals, midwives, pharmacists, dentists, and Aboriginal health workers.

Primary health care is the entry level to the health system and, as such, is usually a person’s first experience for receiving health care.

The types of services delivered under primary health care are broad ranging and include: health promotion, prevention and screening, early intervention, treatment and management.

Services may be targeted to specific population groups such as: older persons, maternity and child health, youth health, people living in rural and remote areas, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, refugees, and people from culturally and linguistically diverse or low socio-economic backgrounds.^{Ref. 1}

A strong, accessible primary health care system keeps the community well and out of hospital by supporting people to manage their health issues in the community and at home.

The provision of health care closest to the home is known to be most effective. With the increase in chronic conditions, such as mental illness, diabetes, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease, as well as an ageing population, the role of primary health care is more important than ever.

Primary health care can improve people’s health and happiness by preventing and managing these complex and chronic conditions, thus reducing the need to call on specialists and emergency departments.