A greater focus on the Allied Health professions as part of primary health care is essential to improving access, outcomes, integration, safety, quality and cost-efficiency across the health system.
This has been highlighted by the pandemic, with Australia’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan 2022-2032 recognising a greater focus on Allied Health as a key foundation for reform.
However, Primary Health Network (PHN) engagement with the Allied Health sector is varied, constrained by funding, capacity and policy direction that have remained largely and purposefully focused on general practice.
With clear leadership and appropriate resourcing, there is an opportunity for PHNs to play a key role in supporting the sector as an important part of an integrated patient-centred health system, driving forward the objectives of the 10 Year Plan, including the shift towards a wellbeing system and a focus on prevention.
