09 June 2026
Maintaining access to primary health care is critical during emergency response and recovery. Strengthening capacity and enabling an integrated, coordinated response across primary care providers helps improve health outcomes for local communities during emergencies.
EMPHN, along with other PHNs are positioned to coordinate a localised primary health care response, supporting the delivery of care where and when it is needed, reducing pressure on the acute care system, and ensuring a coordinated and effective primary health care emergency response. Diligent planning and preparedness are key to realising this capability. The primary objectives of PHNs in emergency planning and preparedness include to:
- Coordinate: Support and coordinate the primary health care contribution to health emergency preparedness and coordination processes to identify primary health needs and build resilience.
- Build capacity: Assist local primary care providers in health emergency planning, response and recovery.
- Continuity of access: Plan to support local primary care providers to remain operational during emergencies e.g. by arranging alternative premises.
In the event of a natural disaster or a health emergency, EMPHN will partner with the Commonwealth and/ or Victorian Government to support the delivery of primary care at that time.
Supporting the State Emergency Management Plan
EMPHN is committed to supporting primary care in planning preparedness and capacity building and will develop resources to support emergency management and local and regional emergency management, in particular to support the State Emergency Management Plan.
In an emergency, the Victorian Department of Health has a number of responsibilities as outlined in the plan. The Plan covers a wide range of events, including fire, flood, heatwaves, epidemic, wide-scale food poisoning, and train or plane accident. As emerging diseases and natural disasters cannot be predicted, primary care preparedness is a vital step for providers to consider and enact, to reduce vulnerability, minimise risk and increase business resilience. Being prepared for emergencies ensures that services and staff are ready to respond.
Preparedness is key in case of natural disasters or health care emergencies. This ensures all staff and services are ready to respond. A number of resources are available via RACGP that may be useful in preparing for such a scenario.
Volunteer to help
We invite all primary health care workers including GPs, nurses, practice administrative staff, pharmacists, allied health professionals, and others to register their interest in participating in emergency response activities.
If you would like to support your community in times of need, we invite you to join our pool of health care volunteers.
