Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is making changes to the Integrated Chronic Care (ICC) program, also known as the Outreach Allied Health Services (OAHS).
As from 1 September 2022, Northern Australia Primary Health Limited (NAPHL) will no longer provide allied health services under the ICC/OAHS program, funded by NQPHN.
For NAPHL to continue providing services to existing clients until 30 August, no new client referrals will be accepted by NAPHL from 6 June 2022, except possibly for brief initial support assistance, such as for functional assessments, where clinicians have the capacity to do so.
NQPHN is working closely with NAPHL and other services providers to identify ongoing clinical care service arrangements, once NAPHL ceases service delivery to ensure continuation of services for high-risk clients. These alternative arrangements and referral pathways will be communicated in the next few weeks.
We acknowledge that this may cause some inconvenience to practices and their clients, and we are working to ensure that all clients who require care can be referred to appropriate services to ensure continuity of care and minimisation of service disruption.
Please be assured that client safety and care remain our highest priority. Should you have any questions relating to clients you have referred to the ICC/OAHS program, please speak directly with the NAPHL clinician providing services to them in the first instance.
Concurrently, NQPHN is commencing work with communities and health care providers across North Queensland to develop a NQPHN Chronic Conditions and Prevention Management Strategy to inform future commissioning activities. Investment will be distributed across North Queensland based on greatest needs and key priorities as identified in the NQPHN Health Needs Assessment 2022-24.
We will continue to provide regular updates about activities being undertaken in this transition phase.
