In April 2015 the Commonwealth Health Minister, the Honourable Sussan Ley, announced the establishment of 31 new Primary Health Networks that will “reshape the delivery of primary health care across the nation”. Primary Health Networks (PHNs) are to be ‘outcome focussed’ on improving frontline services and ensuring better integrated care between primary and acute care services. Specifically the Minister stated that the Government seeks to “ensure Australians are able to access the right care, in the right place, at the right time and Primary Health Care Networks form a core part of our plan”.
The PHN program has the potential to make a significant positive difference in health outcomes for all Australians. This paper, PHN Discussion Paper #1 – Primary Health Network Critical Success Factors, reflects on the lessons learnt from previous organised primary health care models in Australia, considers the factors that are essential for PHNs to create true public value, and identifies some key issues which PHNs and the Government need to address to ensure that PHNs are given every opportunity to succeed.
