The North Coast Primary Health Network (NCPHN) has announced it will receive $720,000 in federal funding for a new funding partnership with North Coast GP Training, which will be a range of local networking and education events.
Investment in building the skills and capacity of primary health care workers is a proven strategy to ensuring a healthy community, according to the PHN, the coordinating body an estimated 6,200 primary health care professionals working within its Tweed Heads to Port Macquarie footprint.
NCGPT will work closely with this network to identify and deliver education opportunities that will be most valuable, said the PHN’s Director for Wellness, Monika Wheeler, who added that the scope of the funding includes the establishment of an advisory group to oversee the development of a 12-month local continuing professional development (CPD) plan.
“North Coast GP Training is well placed to build on the successes of previous years’ local CPD events. These events support health care professionals in providing their patients with the most up-to-date, evidence-based care, with a particular focus on improving care for those most at risk of poor health outcomes.”
Ms Wheeler said events will be delivered throughout the region, some hosted through the established local Nurse Networks and Clinical Societies.
“Additional Clinical Societies are being planned, and cultural awareness training will also continue in collaboration with NCPHN’s Aboriginal Health Team.
“Building health workforce capacity is investing in better health outcomes for the North Coast. Clinicians who are connected to their peers and up-to-date with the latest evidence help to ensure our communities receive coordinated and best-practice care.”
Dr Chris Jambor, NCGPT Board Chair, said that since 2002 the organisation has had a commitment to providing quality general practice education and training across the North Coast region.
“It is our intention to continue this tradition by delivering a range of high quality, locally relevant, education opportunities to allow continuous upskilling of general practitioners, practice staff and allied health professionals,” he said.
