Initiative to drive change for GPs post-COVID-19

NORTHERN Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is seeking a lead provider for a two-year Primary Care Build Back Better Initiative, aiming to build capacity and capabilities of general practices following the impact of COVID-19.

NQPHN Chief Executive Officer Robin Whyte said NQPHN’s Build Back Better Initiative aimed to build primary care provider capabilities to be better than before COVID to face future challenges with the skills and processes learned from their response to the pandemic crisis.

“Since March 2020, general practices have changed how they deliver care,” Ms Whyte said.

“From conducting consultations remotely via telehealth to adopting new policies and procedures, training and retraining staff, and restructuring physical spaces to meet the needs of their patients.

“This initiative is dedicated to building the capabilities of primary care and ensuring the sector can drive innovation and address North Queensland’s health and service needs.”

Ms Whyte said the program would also strengthen primary care providers’ responsiveness in a crisis.

“Emergency SMS grants, funds to address urgent resourcing in response to COVID-19 demands, and funding for after-hours, chronic disease management, and service provision have been part of the initiative to date,” she said.

NQPHN has now released a Request for Tender (RFT) to find a lead provider with professional experience designing collaborative programs within primary care general practices.

“We are now seeking a provider to work with North Queensland general practices over the next two years to identify the critical skills and knowledge required when faced with emergencies, and then codesign a program and training,” Ms Whyte said.

“Build Back Better will leverage general practice commitment, collaboration, and leadership and requires a program that supports future-focused, personcentred primary health care.

“We look forward to working with the prospective lead provider on establishing and implementing the Build Back Better Initiative to support North Queensland general practices.”

Organisations wanting to submit a tender application can visit NQPHN’s online procurement portal on their website, or by clicking the following link in our online edition: http://bit.ly/3I5G3mm