COORDINARE has been announced by the federal government as the successful tenderer for the new South Eastern NSW Primary Health Network (PHN), taking over from Medicare Locals.
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The recently formed not-for-profit organisation and venture is backed by Grand Pacific Health, the University of Wollongong, Peoplecare and IRT.
Grand Pacific Health chief executive officer Dianne Kitcher, who led the tender bid, said the organsiation was ready to start the transition from Medicare Locals immediately.
“The founding members of Coordinare have a long history in South Eastern NSW, and our unique blend of private and public perspectives and innovative thinking will transform the health system in the region by building synergies, streamlining approaches, and creating momentum for population health improvement,” Ms Kitcher said.
“Coordinare will create a cost effective and seamless patient experience by proactively addressing the duplication of effort and identifying practical, unified, systematic solutions to addressing challenges across sectors.”
She said PHNs will have a different focus to Medicare Locals and would be responsible for rebuilding the primary health care system through efficient and innovative models of funding and delivery of health and medical services to improve the co-ordination of patient care.
“To achieve this change, Coordinare will engage directly with GPs and other key stakeholders and work collectively to positively impact on the experiences and outcomes of patients as well as reduce the costs of providing care,” Ms Kitcher said.
“We recognise the importance of reorienting the whole health system in South Eastern NSW from its current emphasis on episodic and acute care towards care that is delivered in the primary health setting and is well co-ordinated.
“This is particularly important for an ageing population and the growing number of people with chronic and complex conditions in the region.”
Coordinare will be operational by July 1.
“We are committed to working with the team at Southern NSW Medicare Local to ensure a smooth transition,” she said.
She said an important policy shift from the Commonwealth was that PHNs would “commission” rather than provide services.
Chairperson of the board of Grand Pacific Health Dr Vicki McCartney said the organisation remained in a strong position and would continue to trade as a service provider, operating independently from Coordinare.
“It is business as usual for Grand Pacific Health. We have been a significant service provider in the region for more than 20 years, focusing on chronic disease management and care, mental health and Aboriginal health,” she said.
