Health workforce

PHNs assess the health needs of their communities, then commission services to meet these needs, so that people can get the help they need, where and when they need it. This includes working closely with health services to build workforce capacity and capability, advocating for more resources and encouraging better use of existing resources.

Much of Murray PHN’s work focuses on opportunities for effective integration of primary healthcare services to meet the needs of communities and regions, working within the wider health system, which includes acute hospitals, medical specialists, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs), community health services, allied health and even self-help groups and services.

While Murray PHN and other Primary Health Networks are developing some locally relevant models of care and health workforce solutions, there is considerable opportunity for PHNs to be further empowered to expand this work. Pilot projects like our Sustainable Rural Health Project in Loddon, Buloke and Gannawarra operate with a range of health and social partnerships, maintaining a strengthened clinical governance framework and building communities of practice for the health workers involved.

In recent years, Murray PHN has commissioned innovative, locally-based services, including health navigators and social prescribing services, along with additional funding for dedicated Aboriginal health workers, the training of highly-skilled RIPRN nurses, mental health services, and integrating pharmacy into general practice.

To help build local skills, knowledge and networks, we offer a range of resources and support. These include programs to support nurses new to general practice and business consultations to ensure the viability and sustainability of practices, to holding several regular community of practice events.