Final review of the PHN program released

Eastern Melbourne Primary Health Network (EMPHN) today welcomes the findings and recommendations of the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing (DHDA) Review of the PHN Business Model and the Mental Health Flexible Funding Stream conducted by Boston Consulting Group.

The Review provided the opportunity to examine the PHN program in the context of a changing operating environment to ensure its functioning under best practice governance, is aligned to, and structured to meet, current and future Australian Government objectives. 

EMPHN contributed to the Review, viewing it as an opportunity to strengthen the role of the national network, and to support the continuation of local primary healthcare service commissioning. 

In its response, the department noted that the review highlighted the value of PHNs while suggesting a set of reforms to allow PHN services to meet their unique local needs more closely. The department is considering the recommendations made in the areas of governance and accountability, stakeholder engagement and funding, and is working on next steps for implementation. 
    
EMPHN recognises that improvements in these areas will better align resources with need, reduce fragmentation and strengthen opportunities for collaboration to ensure the focus remains on delivering better health outcomes for our communities. 

Click here to read the report.