Rural Communities Project

Our Rural Communities Project commenced in April, 2019 and is focused on the unique health issues facing the Tenterfield and Glen Innes communities (and villages in each local government area), so that we can:

• Identify and address local health needs and service gaps
• Support existing services and networks
• Actively work with the community to achieve positive health outcomes.

A steering committee has been formed to guide and support the Rural Communities Project, with committee members representing the Rural Doctors Network, Primary Health Network Board and Community Advisory Committees as well as Hunter New England Local Health District.

At present a health needs assessment of each targeted rural community has been undertaken and from the recommendations both short and long-term objectives have been created and are being implemented.

Community Training

We are working with the Glen Innes and Tenterfield community representatives to design a workshop where the community can participate in understanding the local health system and how the community’s strengths and assets can be used to improve community health and wellbeing.

Note: This workshop will be held once COVID-19 restrictions are eased for social gatherings.

Mental Health Skills Training for General Practitioners

General Practitioners will be supported by the Primary Health Network in gaining Mental Health Skills Training and Focussed Psychological Skills Training. These qualifications will allow GPs to gain CPD points and improve their skill level when creating Mental Health Treatment Plans.

Further information on this initiative will be released soon.

HealthPathways

HealthPathways is an online health information portal for GPs, to be used at the point of care.

It provides information on how to assess and manage medical conditions, and how to refer patients to local specialists and services in the most appropriate and timely way (see brochure). A community of over 350 GPs, hospital specialists, and community and allied health providers are all involved in creating the pathways.

Who can use HealthPathways?

Only GPs and health practitioners can access HealthPathways. The portal is NOT designed to be used by patients or general community members. GPs and health practitioners can only use the online portal by using a secure login and password.

Username: hnehealth

Password: p1thw1ys

Benefits

Below is a selection of referral pages and clinical pathways that align to the feedback we’ve received as part of our Rural Communities Project work in the Tenterfield and Glen Innes region.

• Occupational Therapy Referrals
• Falls Prevention Program Providers
• Physiotherapy Referrals
• Developmental Concerns in Children
• Depression in Adults
• Suicide Ideation and Intent
• Psychology, Social Work and Counselling Referrals

HealthPathways also has over 300 localised clinical pathways, 150 referral pages, and 45 resource pages available for clinicians, covering a diverse range of conditions.

Want to know more?

To learn more about the Rural Communities Project, or to get involved, please contact Cheyenne Moody on 1300 859 028.