Health Groups Form Alliance to Bid for South Australia's Primary Health Networks

Seven of the South Australia's  leading health organisations have announced plans to collaborate and bid for the state's two Primary Health Networks (PHNs), with the Commonwealth calling for tenders later this month.

Organisations joining forces include the Northern Adelaide, Country North, Central Adelaide and Hills Medicare Locals, Northern Health Network, General Practice South Australia (GPSA), Health First Network and Summit Health.

 The Federal Government recently announced the state’s five Medicare locals, which become obsolete from July next year, will be replaced by two Primary Health Networks - one for the metropolitan area and the other for regional South Australia.

Spokesperson for the collaborative bid Deb Lee said the seven organisations bring decades of experience in the primary health care space, meaning the degree of expertise, passion and understanding of health needs is unrivalled.

“All of these organisations have exceptional reputations in the primary health care space. Together they’re a powerful force having extensive experience in community and GP engagement throughout the state, as well as a proud history of delivering quality services when and where they’re needed most,” Ms Lee said.

“General Practitioner engagement, as well as the continuation of services and activities, will be integral to the functionality of PHNs. Across our partner organisations we provide service and support to over 4000 General Practitioners, whose contribution will be crucial in our tender bids.

Professor Justin Beilby from Central and Adelaide Hills Medicare Local said, “We’re all united in our vision to develop and implement innovative health care systems to optimise the health and well-being for every community and empower individuals to take control of their health."

“We’re also conscious the health needs of communities in the metro region differ significantly to those in country South Australia. This is precisely why we have organisations in the alliance who are intimately aware of the varying needs and expectations of the people and why we support independent metropolitan and country PHNs to meet these separate needs.”

Country North SA Medicare Local CEO Kim Hosking said high quality health care for South Australians is partly achieved by preserving and enhancing the role of General Practice in health care delivery.

“Our alliance delivers health programs that connect with general practice and we focus on intelligent solutions to streamline the business end of primary health care through creative approaches to connect and do business,” Mr Hosking said.

Deb Lee said she believes it’s the best team to devise and deliver outcomes as South Australia’s two new PHNs.

“We share an unbridled passion and commitment to support, develop, build capacity and work collaboratively to ensure all primary health care providers and the community are involved in improving services and filling the gaps.

“We’re determined to continue ensuring that people have access to good quality coordinated care and have a choice in where they receive services.

“We’re looking forward to submitting our tenders for the Government’s consideration and believe we are in a prime position to continue improving health services and outcomes for all South Australians,” Ms Lee said