PHN connecting allied health workforce

In September, Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN welcomed over 70 local allied health professionals to our Allied Health Meet and Greet Networking events in Toowoomba and Springfield.

The PHN recognises that the allied health sector is an integral part of the primary care system and significantly contributes to supporting positive health outcomes for our region’s community. The need to support this sector is vital in enabling continuity of care and team care arrangements in the primary care environment, providing the right care, in the right place, at the right time.

As part of the development of the PHN’s Allied Health Engagement Strategy 2022/23-2025, a consultation process was undertaken to determine the necessary activities for supporting the allied health sector to integrate with, and contribute to, primary healthcare service delivery to enable optimal patient outcomes.

Through extensive primary care consultation and local health intelligence, interrogation of local health data and health needs assessments, review of industry literature and reference to evidence-based research, the key challenges faced by the allied health sector in our region have been identified.

Our consultation process found there is a need for a more tailored approach from our PHN in regard to supporting the allied health sector in terms of networking, education, and professional development.

“It’s been exciting to see our dedicated allied health professionals attending these networking opportunities. These collaborations are so crucial for enabling continuity of care and team care arrangements in the primary care environment,” said Darling Downs and West Moreton CEO, Lucille Chalmers.

The events provided an opportunity to learn more about cyber security, secure messaging, and other digital health initiatives, with presentations from Brady Schulz (Healthy Lifestyles Queensland), and Jenny Snegovaya (Australian Digital Health Agency).

Click here to read our full Allied Health Engagement Strategy.