From 1 July 2024, Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) will implement a new model of mental health stepped care services across the greater Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay regions, including rural areas.
Under the new model, the Connect to Wellbeing intake and triage function will transition to the Head to Health Phone Service. Additionally, referrals can be submitted via email or eFax using the details below:
All referrals sent to Connect to Wellbeing from 1 July will be redirected to the Head to Health Service to be managed and connected to an appropriate service or support. Pre-existing Connect to Wellbeing referral forms will be accepted and processed.
The new model of service delivery was developed through an extensive consultation and codesign process which included 20 group workshops, 40 additional stakeholder meetings, and more than 580 participant points of engagement. A summary of this codesign process can be found here.
The new model includes eight different service offerings underpinned by five service delivery principles.
Following a two-stage tender process, 17 providers have been successful to deliver the eight service offerings across the greater Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay regions, including rural areas.
NQPHN has worked with existing providers to ensure that people currently receiving services, or referred up until 30 June, will be able to continue their service episodes.
For those accessing Psychological Therapies, this means that the person will be able to continue their current service episode with their provider until the current approved sessions are completed.
For those accessing the Mental Health Integrated Complex Care (MHICC) program, this will mean the person receives a warm handover to the new Clinical Care Coordination service over the next three months, should they require continued services.
Your voice is important! Help to identify the health needs and gaps in services experienced in your community by taking the online survey. Your unique perspectives and health experiences matter.
Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) in collaboration with Torres and Cape Hospital Health Service (HHS), Cairns and Hinterland HHS, Townsville HHS, and Mackay HHS are working on identifying the health needs and service gaps within our region.
What is the Joint Regional Needs Assessment (JRNA)?
The JRNA is a requirement from the Commonwealth and State governments that helps us identify health needs and service gaps in our region. This information is essential for planning better health services and achieving improved outcomes for northern Queensland residents.
About the survey
The survey collects your opinions on the health and service needs of NQPHN residents. Your input is crucial as a key stakeholder in our region.
The survey should only take 10 minutes to complete and closes 14 July 2024.
Privacy: Responses are anonymous and confidential. Contact details for future communications will only be used for the JRNA project purpose. Data will be accessed only by NQPHN’s Data and Intelligence team and hospital planning teams, and stored securely on NQPHN’s internal system.
We appreciate your participation and valuable insights in this process. Please share this email with your networks.
A stakeholder communication kit, including newsletter and social media copy and graphics, is available here.
Young girl treated for croup at Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) as it continues to have a positive impact on residents’ lives
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Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC) Project Lead and Registered Nurse Kristie Wyeth.
When mum Kirsty noticed her young daughter had an abnormal cough, she took her straight to the Townsville Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (UCC).
Kirsty said her daughter was normally a healthy child but had developed a worrying cough.
“I started to worry because her cough was getting worse, and it sounded like a seal. I knew she needed urgent medical attention, so we took her to the Urgent Care Clinic,” she said.
“And we are so glad we did because she was diagnosed with croup.”
According to Children’s Queensland Health, croup is a respiratory infection that can make it harder to breathe. Children with croup develop a harsh, barking cough.
“The clinic recognised my child’s problem and treated her quickly,” Kirsty said.
“They provided excellent care, which meant I didn’t need to go to Townsville University Hospital’s emergency department (ED).
“I found the staff really nice as my child is normally shy and withdrawn when she sees doctors and nurses, but the nurse at the clinic was fun and made her experience amazing.”
Townsville Medicare UCC Project Lead and Registered Nurse Kristie Wyeth said the Medicare UCC was currently seeing an average of 45 patients a day for urgent conditions that included infections, respiratory issues, cuts and lacerations, and other injuries. (Figure correct at time of publishing).
Ms Wyeth said the young patient and her mother were greeted on arrival by staff and triaged within five minutes.
“The staff quickly identified the cough and diagnosed the child with croup,” Ms Wyeth said. “The patient’s mum quickly completed the paperwork, and they were seen by the clinic nurse within five minutes.
“She was treated and received medication while at the clinic, with further medication prescribed.
“We advised the patient’s mum to see her GP within 24 hours for a possible referral to a paediatrician if it was required. We also advised her to look out for any symptom changes or worsening and, if that occurred, to attend the ED.”
Townsville Medicare UCC Project Lead and Registered Nurse Kristie Wyeth and Practice Manager Megan Turner.
Ms Wyeth said following treatment it was determined that the young girl had no further respiratory distress and was discharged.
The Townsville Medicare UCC is a result of the strong collaboration between the Commonwealth and Queensland Governments under the Primary Care Pilots program. It is managed by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and delivered by Eastbrooke Medical Services.
Eastbrooke Medical Services Director Andrew de Picot said the Townsville Medicare UCC continued to make a positive impact on the lives of residents.
“The rapid growth in take-up of the service is a direct indicator of the demand for acute care in the region,” Mr de Picot said.
“The Urgent Care Clinic is staffed by qualified and experienced doctors, nurses, and administration staff who all play their part in making the operation run smoothly.”
Mr de Picot said more Townsville residents were now aware of the Medicare Urgent Care Clinic and were referring their family and friends, which was a testament to the service and care each patient received.
“We continue our work with Queensland Ambulance Service and the local Hospital Emergency Department teams to ensure patients get the right level of care,” he said.
The Townsville Medicare UCC provides bulk-billed urgent care when patients need medical attention for an illness or injury that can be managed without a trip to the emergency department but cannot wait for an appointment with their regular GP.
The clinic is open seven days a week, including public holidays, from 11am – 9pm.
It’s located at 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central.
The surname has been omitted from the article to protect the patient's identity.
Toogood Medical Centre is a private billing medical centre located in the Cairns suburb of Woree. The purpose-built medical centre features 11 doctor consult rooms, a 4 bed treatment room, a private procedure room, and a stand-alone skin cancer room. Sullivan Nicolaides Pathology and a pharmacy are located onsite for patients' convenience.
The new GP will be joining a team of 13 doctors who have a great reputation within the local community and a loyal patient base. The doctor team are supported by an experienced admin and nurse team led by a very positive and supportive practice manager. Collectively the centre has created a supportive environment which allows GPs to flourish.
Toogood Medical Centre is in a DPA approved location, suitable for International Medical Graduates.
Benefits
Independent contractor with clinical autonomy.
Flexible working arrangements.
Dedicated nursing support for treatment room and CDM care.
Experienced administrative teams.
Intelligent practice analytics (Cubiko) to support individual billing choices.
Our RACGP partnership simplifies achieving and recording CPD requirements.
Free in-house CPD opportunities and discounted registration for industry CPD events.
A collegial environment with supportive state-based Medical Directors.
Expanded support for GP Registrar Supervisors.
Provision and support in all areas of special interest.
Scope of practice opportunities across skin, aesthetics and occupational medicine.
Ongoing investment to provide modern medical centres and quality equipment.
