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Our Purpose

Our Purpose

What is Sydney North Health Network?

The Northern Sydney PHN, operated by the Sydney North Health Network, is one of 31 Primary Health Networks (PHNs) established by the Australian Government to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of health and medical services for the local community. Our focus is on patients who are at risk of poor health outcomes, and we work to improve the coordination of their care, so they receive the right care, in the right place at the right time.

Sydney North Health Network can achieve better health outcomes for community members by working together in partnership with a network of local health professionals including general practitioners, practice nurses, allied health providers, the Northern Sydney Local Health District and other related health services.

This partnership approach and community focus are reflected in our vision:

Achieving together – better health, better care.

Through working together with a network of health professionals including general practitioners, practice nurses, allied health providers, the Northern Sydney Local Health District and other health services, Sydney North Health Network can achieve better health outcomes for our community members.

Against a backdrop of strong population growth for our region, an ageing population, potential healthcare workforce shortages, greater numbers of hospitalisations and GP visits over the next 15 years, Sydney North Health Network will be concentrating on innovative and sustainable solutions for shifting the focus of community care out of the hospitals and into the hands of primary healthcare.

Our focus is on:

  1. Services delivered where and how people want them.
  2. People being able to find a get what they need from local healthcare services.
  3. People understanding and building on fundamental habits for best health and wellbeing.
  4. Communities supporting each other.

Sydney North Health Network has an important role to drive, support and strengthen primary healthcare in the Northern Sydney region. We have utilised the quadruple aim to target initiatives so that the benefit can be realised in all four areas of the quadrant in our region – health outcomes, patient experience, provider experience, and cost effectiveness.

In partnership with other healthcare providers SNHN aim to:

  • Strengthen primary healthcare;
  • Integrate care;
  • Improve access; and

Connect our community with the services available.

Our Strategic Priority Areas for 2018-2023 are:

  1. COMMUNITY ACTIVATION
    Supporting our community to self-determine and help itself.
  2. SYSTEM TRANSFORMATION
    Catalyse change by enabling new approaches to health and healthcare.
  3. COMMISSIONING
    Attract and distribute resources to provide services that people need most.
  4. MEMBER & PROVIDER SUPPORT
    Build capacity for all providers of primary healthcare to adopt new tools, deal with disruption and improve outcomes.
  5. AN EXCEPTIONAL ORGANISATION
    Develop excellence in our operations, our people and our visibility.

At SNHN we look to work together to create a connected experience for health providers and deliver healthcare in a way that responds to community needs, is patient-centred, and has a focus on prevention and wellness. Driven by a set of national priorities and locally assessed needs, SNHN will continue to work directly with health professionals to improve and better coordinate care across the local health system for patients needing healthcare services from multiple providers.

Strategic plan
Strategic Plan 2018-2023

How will Sydney North Primary Health Network help you?

Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) works directly with GPs, specialists, hospitals, allied health, and other primary healthcare providers to create integrated health solutions across local communities, making it easier for everyone, especially those in need of coordinated care, to access a range of healthcare services and providers.

Practice support and service continuity is a priority for the Sydney North Health Network. SNHN continue to support health professionals in our region via education events and networking, an interactive and resource friendly website, Clinical and Community Councils with various health specialists from the area represented.

Driven by a set of national priorities and locally assessed needs, SNHN is committed to improving and better-coordinating healthcare across the local health system for the people of Sydney’s North. As a result, patients will have improved access to a range of healthcare providers.

Our Team

SNHN offer a highly experienced and knowledgeable workforce that connects and coordinates services for the local primary healthcare sector. Our Board of Directors brings a wealth of knowledge in healthcare governance, general practice, allied health, finance and risk, and community engagement.

Our Executive Team incorporates a Chief Executive Officer, a Chief Financial Officer and two General Managers who oversee our strategic functions: Primary Care Advancement and Integration; Commissioning and Partnership; Corporate Services and Operations.

Our staff provides specialised skills and expertise across:

  • Primary Care Support (data extraction, accreditation, quality improvement)
  • Continued Professional Development (CPD) Education
  • Allied Health Services
  • Care Coordination (Aboriginal Health, Aged Care, Alcohol and Other Drugs, Mental Health, Chronic Disease and Youth Health)
  • Population Health Planning
  • Commissioning
  • Digital Health
  • Community Health & Engagement (e.g. – Immunisation, Diabetes)
  • Health Literacy & Promotion

Our Programs

Governance & Membership

In addition to the Board of Directors, the Governance Framework for SNPHN includes:

  • Finance, Audit and Risk Management Committee
  • Clinical Governance Committee
  • Nominations and Remunerations Committee
  • Community Council
  • Clinical Council

Sydney North Health Network offers annual membership to individuals, organisations and associates and we currently have over 1500 members.

As a member of SNHN you have a platform to present your views on primary healthcare, priority access to continuing professional education events, opportunities to connect with other health professionals, the right to vote at Board elections and attend the Annual General Meeting. Members of SNPHN also have the opportunity to influence health priorities and improve health outcomes in our community.

Become a Sydney North Health Network Member