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Relational Commissioning at SNHN

Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) has adopted a relational commissioning approach as a core feature of its commissioning model. This reflects the understanding that achieving meaningful and sustainable health outcomes requires strong partnerships, shared accountability, and ongoing collaboration between funders and service providers.
 
Relational commissioning moves beyond traditional, compliance-driven models that focus primarily on contractual adherence, output delivery, and periodic reporting. Instead, it emphasises relationships, trust, and continuous learning, recognising the complexity of delivering health and social care services within dynamic community and system environments.
 
While SNHN continues to operate within formal contractual and accountability frameworks, relational commissioning shapes how these arrangements are implemented in practice.
 
 

Quintuple Aim

Sydney North Health Network (SNHN) adopts the Quintuple Aim as a core framework for driving health system performance and ensuring that commissioned services deliver meaningful, measurable outcomes for our community.
The Quintuple Aim builds on global best practice and guides health reform across Primary Health Networks.
 
It recognises that optimal system performance is achieved by balancing five interdependent outcomes:
These domains are inherently linked, meaning progress in one area must not come at the expense
of another, and sustainable improvement requires a coordinated, system-wide approach.
 
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What this means for Commissioned Service Providers

In line with SNHN’s 2024-2029 Strategic Plan, all CSPs are expected to demonstrate how they contribute to the Quintuple Aim. This reflects our shift toward a place-based, outcomes-focused commissioning model, where services are designed with and for the community, and tailored to local needs and inequities.
 
CSPs play a critical role in this approach. As part of commissioning arrangements, providers are required to:
  • Measure and report outcomes aligned to the Quintuple Aim domains
  • Demonstrate impact on priority populations, particularly those experiencing poorer access or outcomes
  • Support integrated, person-centred care that improves experience and continuity
  • Contribute to system sustainability, including efficient use of resources
  • Promote workforce capability and wellbeing within service delivery.
By embedding the Quintuple Aim into commissioning, SNHN ensures that all services contribute to a shared vision: delivering better health, better care, and more equitable outcomes for the Northern Sydney community through collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement.
 
 

Commissioning Principles

Our approach to commissioning is underpinned by our Contract Management Guide (page 9).

How will SNHN work with you?

SNHN will use our Integrated Commissioning Framework to engage, collaborate and partner with our community in order to improve health outcomes.

Health Consumers & Community

  • The SNHN Community Council provides an opportunity for consumers to help shape local healthcare on behalf of their communities.
  • We also post surveys on our website and hold forums and events to enable the wider community to have their say.

Health Professionals & Service Providers

  • The SNHN Clinical Council brings together local clinicians to provide guidance on clinical issues relevant to primary care, including providing input to determine local health priorities, developing strategies and identifying opportunities for improvements across primary/acute healthcare interfaces.
  • We will also engage with you through forums, events and meetings.
  • Become a member of Sydney North Health Network for an opportunity to have your say on current and future health programs and access a range of other benefits.

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.

Tender Opportunities

Funding opportunities including tenders and grants will be posted on our website and can be accessed by clicking here.