MPHN Annual Report 2020-21

BUILDING RESILIENT COMMUNITIES

ANNUAL REPORT 2020-21

FIRSTHEALTH LTD TRADING AS MURRUMBIDGEE PRIMARY HEALTH NETWORK

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the land in the Murrumbidgee region. We pay respect to past and present Elders of this land: the Wiradjuri, Yorta Yorta, Baraba Baraba, Wemba Wemba and Nari Nari peoples.

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network gratefully acknowledges the financial and other support from the Australian Government Department of Health. The Primary Health Networks Program is an Australian Government initiative.

firsthealth limited trading as Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (ABN 15 111 520 168).

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network gratefully acknowledges the financial and other support from the Australian Government Department of Health. The Primary Health Networks Program is an Australian Government Initiative.

While the Australian Government Department of Health has contributed to the funding of this material, the information contained in it does not necessarily reflect the views of the Australian Government and is not advice that is provided, or information that is endorsed by, the Australian Government. The Australian Government is not liable in negligence or otherwise for any injury, loss or damage however arising from the use of or reliance on the information provided in this material.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Our region 2

Supporting healthcare professionals

32

Chair report 4

At the COVID-19 frontline

34

CEO report 5

In practice – Flexibility key to navigating primary care support

38

Our board 6 Our senior leadership team 7 Year in review 8 Committees and councils

10

Making a difference

12

Power to the people

14

Empowered communities will endure

16

On the road to recovery

18

Supporting mental health and AOD across the region 20 Unique approach to suicide supports in the region 22

Congratulations to our 2020 Primary Healthcare Award winners 41 Integration and transformation – one health system

43

Collaborating key to transforming the health system 44 Local service and care integration through digital technologies

47

Our people 49 Navigating a new normal for work

50

Clinical Council members

52

Regional approach to after hours healthcare 24

Community Advisory Committee members 52

Closing the gap in Aboriginal health

Commissioned service providers

26

Ageing gracefully 28 Promoting healthy living

30

53

Treasurer’s report 54

Our region WESTERN NSW

Lachlan (part)

Carrathool

Bland

Griffith

Hay

Temora

Leeton Murrumbidgee Narrandera

Hilltops

Coolamon Junee

Edward River

CootamundraGundagai Regional

Murray River

Lockhart

Berrigan

Wagga Wagga

Federation

Snowy Valleys

ACT

Greater Hume Shire

MURRAY

4 sectors SOUTH EASTERN NSW Riverina – Incorporating the communities of Junee, Coolamon, Temora, Young, Boorowa, Harden, Cootamundra, West Wyalong, Gundagai, Tumut, Batlow and Tumbarumba Wagga Wagga

GIPPSLAND

Border – Incorporating the communities of Barham, Deniliquin, Finley, Jerilderie, Berrigan, Tocumwal, Corowa, Culcairn, Henty, Holbrook, Lockhart and Urana Western – Incorporating the communities of Griffith, Leeton, Narrandera, Hay, Hillston and Lake Cargelligo

Our priorities

Mental health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health Population health Health workforce Digital health Aged care Alcohol and other drugs

2 | Annual Report 2020-2021

POPULATION DENSITY

0.1-16.3

514

PERSONS /KM2

TOWNS

POPULATION

242,962

78.5 YEARS LIFE

EXPECTANCY

36.9% OBESE

15.1% SMOKERS

12,350 (5.1%) 66.0 YRS LIFE EXPECTANCY

38.9%

118,829

LAND AREA 136,898KM

31

PUBLIC HOSPITALS

3

OBESE

MALES 23.6% (49%) SMOKERS

121,782

FEMALES (51%)

80.0 YEARS LIFE

EXPECTANCY

89

ABORIGINAL MEDICAL SERVICES

GENERAL PRACTICES

247

47

GENERAL PRACTITIONERS

PRACTICE NURSES

2,411

46,958

TOTAL BIRTHS

OVER 65 YEARS

(2.4%)

(19.3%)

ABORIGINAL AND TORRES STRAIT ISLANDER

1,583 OVER 55 YEARS (9.1%)

19.9% CONSUME ALCOHOL AT RISKY LEVELS

11.1% PSYCHOLOGICAL DISTRESS

73.6% INACTIVE

CHAIR REPORT While it has again been a challenging year in the health industry, I’m optimistic about the future of primary healthcare.

First, I would like acknowledge the passing of my

Health District. The Boards and Executives of both

predecessor Sue McAlpin in late May 2021. Sue

organisations regularly discuss local opportunities to

served many years as MPHN board chair and

transform the health system and it’s pleasing to see

director for the various iterations of the organisation.

this supported at the state and national levels too.

Her dedication and advocacy has contributed to improving health outcomes for our rural and regional communities. Sue certainly leaves an enduring legacy, and on behalf of the MPHN Board I again extend my sincere condolences to her family, friends and colleagues.

This year has also seen the federal department of health conduct a Baseline Maturity Assessment of all PHNs and MPHN’s result indicates a solid performance in our governance, systems, performance, monitoring and reporting. MPHN is working to develop an overarching Governance

While it has again been a challenging year in the

and Compliance Framework and an Internal

health industry, I’m optimistic about the future

Performance Framework to further strengthen

of primary healthcare. Nationally, the Australian

future performance.

Government’s Primary Health Care 10 Year Plan presents a roadmap towards positive change. As both a clinician and leader in primary healthcare I’m looking forward to seeing how we can be involved in shaping these changes to address the needs of our region.

In closing, I would like to sincerely thank the region’s primary healthcare and commissioned service providers and administrators for their continued efforts in supporting our communities through this pandemic. Your unwavering dedication has not gone unnoticed and is gratefully appreciated. Equally,

In fact, it is pleasing to see such commitment to

MPHN employees, under the steadfast leadership

reform discussions and actions at all levels of

of CEO Melissa Neal and Acting CEO Julie Redway

government. Both NSW Health and NSW Primary

have delivered outstanding support to all of your

Health Networks have been developing a shared

stakeholders, and on behalf of my fellow healthcare

commitment in delivering person-centred healthcare

colleagues and Board, I extend my heartfelt gratitude

under a one health system mindset. It heralds real

for all you do to support us and our communities.

commitment to address challenges and brings renewed focus on regional and local, rather than central, planning, designing, commissioning and delivering healthcare. Locally it supports existing structures between MPHN and Murrumbidgee Local

4 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Dr Jodi Culbert

CEO REPORT It’s been another year navigating uncertain times, and despite the challenges, our people, our primary healthcare professionals and our communities have continued to show resilience.

It is my pleasure to report on the sixth year of

Planning, monitoring and measuring performance

operation as a Primary Health Network. It’s been a

outcomes of commissioned services has continued

privilege to provide leadership to MPHN as Acting

to be strengthened with further development of the

CEO since March 2021 while Melissa Neal has taken

Data Analytics Platform and Population Health Data

extended leave. I would like to take this opportunity

Analytics Tool. Mental health and suicide prevention

to thank all our employees for their diligence,

support programs continue to mature with the

flexibility, commitment and support throughout the

MyStep to Mental Wellbeing model now 18 months

year.

into operation, and implementation of the elements

It’s been another year navigating uncertain times, and despite the challenges, our people, our primary healthcare professionals and our communities have

of LifeSpan significantly strengthening the whole of region approach to suicide prevention and after suicide support.

continued to show resilience. As the response to

Of the many achievements outlined within this

COVID-19 continued to dominate the attention of the

annual report, I am particularly proud of MPHN’s

sector, we have been able to implement new activity

journey towards developing our first Reconciliation

while continuing with business as usual, be some of

Action Plan, and I’m looking forward to seeing this

that modified. Our healthcare professionals and

action plan come to life.

commissioned service providers have responded magnificently to the challenges of working in a pandemic to keep our communities safe, well supported by our primary care engagement team.

As we continue to respond to the primary healthcare needs of the region, and listen to and tell the stories of our region, I look forward to seeing what the next 12 months will bring.

Collaboration between regional organisations and stakeholders across sectors has contributed to much of the success of the organisation in the past 12 months, providing a solid foundation to bringing our vision of Well People, Resilient Communities

Julie Redway

to life. The opportunities to develop truly

Acting Chief Executive Officer

integrated, regional approaches to health planning, commissioning of services, and accountability for outcomes is exciting, making a real difference to the lives of people living in our communities.

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 5

OUR BOARD

Dr Jodi Culbert Chair

Jodi was a physiotherapist before returning to study and qualifying as a GP in 2011. Her interests include musculoskeletal medicine, mental health, preventative health and medical student education. Jodi is a strong advocate for the role of general practice in primary care.

Paul Gianniotis Treasurer

Paul is the director of a livestock equipment company, with a background in project management.

Paul is passionate about addressing the challenges faced in delivering effective integrated health care to our significant region. He also has broad involvement in the local business and sporting communities.

Donna McLean

Donna is a practice nurse, working in primary health care, with a Masters in Gerontology. Donna has 30 years nursing experience and is proud to be a nurse leader facilitating preventive health programs to improve health outcomes for all age groups.

Dr Alam Yoosuff

Alam is a rural GP from Finley NSW with particular interests in public health, palliative care and emergency medicine. Alam has been working as the principal GP at Finley Reginal Care and GP/VMO at Finley Hospital since 2008. He is passionate about providing better health outcomes to rural remote communities in the region.

Kristen Mann

Kristen is the practice manager at Corowa Medical Centre, a medium-sized general practice. Kristen brings a well-rounded knowledge of the healthcare ­field from both a clinical and a business management perspective. Her background in administration, nursing and practice management brings a diverse perspective to all of her endeavours.

Peta Larsen

Peta, an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, and has held senior health management positions across acute, primary health and community settings providing leadership to health professionals. With a passion to improve health and wellbeing, Peta contributes to clinical quality and safety as a member of the LiveBetter Clinical Governance Committee and the LikeMind Wagga consortium.

Dr Jacques Scholtz

Jacques is a GP obstetrician in Cootamundra who’s also interested in family health and a strong voice for palliative care provision. He participates on MLHD and MPHN committees and is the principal/owner of a large general practice. He stands for equitable healthcare across all segments of society and works towards an integrated primary healthcare model.

Christine Howard

6 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Christine is the Director of Charles Sturt University’s Three Rivers Department of Rural Health. With more than 30 years’ experience working in rural health, Christine has diverse executive health management and leadership experience. She is passionate about the Murrumbidgee region and improving rural health outcomes.

Rene Pennock

Rene is an experienced health sector consultant, who has worked extensively with allied health, nursing and medical professionals. Formerly the CEO of South Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Rene has qualifications in physiotherapy and gerontology, and is committed to improving the health of the communities he serves.

OUR SENIOR LEADERSHIP TEAM

Julie Redway, Acting Chief Executive Officer Julie is responsible for leading the execution of MPHN strategies with a focus on results and outcomes for health service providers and consumers. Having started her career in medical science, Julie transitioned into the primary care environment in 1993. Julie holds a Bachelor’s in Medical Science, Masters in Health Service Management and is a graduate of the Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD).

Narelle Mills, Acting Executive Integration and Partnerships

Andrew Heap, Senior Manager, Primary Care Engagement

Narelle has more than 20 years’ experience in primary health program development and implementation with interests in quality improvement, chronic disease management, integrated care, aged care and palliative care. Narelle has an Honours Degree in Applied Science, a Graduate Certificate in Public Sector Management and is currently studying an MBA.

Andrew has spent the last 10 years in the field of primary care engagement and has a particular interest in current and emerging digital health solutions and continual quality improvement. Andrew has experience in acute and primary health sectors in metropolitan and rural settings and holds qualifications in medical science (Pathology) and music.

Anita McRae, Senior Manager, Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol

Dr Alison Koschel (PhD), Senior Manager, Population Health, Planning and Data

Anita’s mental health career started in support work and community development, before moving into management roles. Anita’s ongoing passion is that everyone deserves access, in every meaning of the word, to the supports required to live a fulfilling and meaningful life.

Ali has an extensive background in health research and population health planning with expertise and qualifications including epidemiology, biostatistics, nursing and health promotion. Her PhD is secondary prevention in cardiovascular disease. Ali is responsible for health needs assessment, data monitoring and service planning, and is passionate about supporting vulnerable communities.

Janelle Dufty, Acting Senior Manager, Commissioning

Troy Sutherland, Interim Finance Manager

Janelle has worked for MPHN for eight years and was appointed Acting Senior Manager Commissioning in March 2021.

Interested in how minds work, Janelle completed postgraduate studies in psychology in 2013.

While mental health and suicide prevention are areas of interest, Janelle also has an affinity for data and how it relates to decision making.

Troy graduated from Charles Sturt University in 1997 and was advanced to the status of Certified Practising Accountant of CPA Australia in 2003. After initially working in public practice accounting firms in Wagga and Albury, since 2013 Troy has gained finance experience in primary healthcare and hospital care settings.

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 7

YEAR IN REVIEW PRIMARY HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS

2,900 2,510 390

PRACTICE VISITS

total practice engagements

100% 96% of all eligible practices enabled to use ePrescriptions

remote support interactions

of all eligible pharmacies supported to accept ePrescriptions

DIGITAL HEALTH

in person support visits

11

attendance rate for in person events

in person events 8 in Wagga Wagga and 3 outside of Wagga Wagga

80%

160

virtual events (41 hosted by MPHN)

attendance rate for virtual events

36%

719

people attended CPD events

CHILDHOOD IMMUNISATION

236

practice engagements to support childhood immunisations

97.8% of all children in the Murrumbidgee region are fully vaccinated by the age of 5 years (Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2018/2019)

96.0% of all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in the Murrumbidgee region are fully vaccinated by the age of 5 years (Data source: Australian Institute of Health and Welfare 2018/2019) 8 | Annual Report 2020-2021

WORKFORCE

25 72

new medical practitioners to the region GP Registrars trained in the region

5

University of Wollongong students completed placements

3 2

in Griffith in Leeton

MENTAL HEALTH

2,696 28,629 7,500 clients accessing

204 521

clients aged 0-11 years

421

clients aged 12-24 years

identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

1,499 471 clients aged 25-65 years

clients aged 66 years and over

WAGGA GP AFTER HOURS

occasions of service supporting someone experiencing sucidality

occasions of service

31.9%

57%

of services were conducted in person

of services were conducted over the phone

ALLIED HEALTH

6,569

4,395 233 46 8

total services delivered by the WARATAH program, comprising

patient consultations

1,338

2,029

diabetes education

podiatry

home visits

899

2,303

other, including physiotherapy

dietetics

GPs from

1,998

practices

HEALTHPATHWAYS

146 175 38

HealthPathways with

request pages and

resource pages in total

723 91.4% users

returning visitors

other allied health services

27,192 7,576 3.56 page views

sessions

average pages per session

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 9

COMMITTEES AND COUNCILS Community Advisory Committee (CAC) Chair: Garth Hungerford Comprising community representatives from across

were raised in CAC meetings and MPHN responded

Murrumbidgee, the CAC has provided consumer

with increased awareness and programs to aid and

insight into a range of issues over the past 12 months.

support communities. One of these such programs

In particular, we have advocated for supports relating

is Connect with Vitality, which deals with social

to COVID-19 impacts with additional pressures

isolation in older consumers, which are particularly

on healthcare providers and patients alike, and

vulnerable. Finally, I would like to acknowledge to

a number of issues were addressed in relation to

my predecessor, Margaret King, for her strong

COVID-19 vaccination supplies and hesitancy. The

commitment and unyielding advocacy for rural

pandemic has presented challenges on mental

communities, and thank all members for their

wellbeing, social connection, and economic stresses

continued input as healthcare advocates.

from loss of trade and employment. These concerns

Clinical Councils Border ClinicaL Council Chair: Marion McGee

Over the past 12 months mental health, COVID-19 and cross border issues have been of most importance to the Border Clinical Council. Specifically we have advocated the importance of communications with community to reduce anxiety around COVID-19 including interrupted referral pathways due to border closures.

In the area of mental health and allied health the Border Clinical Council have provided detailed advice and guidance to improve service provision through MyStep and WARATAH programs, and provided feedback on the functionality of the MapMyRecovery tool. In addition we have contributed to the identification of local needs and gaps in services to improve child health outcomes, care pathways for COPD and CHF, pain management and Aboriginal medical services. We have also provided feedback on various regional planning and provider support initiatives, and believe our perspectives have helped to strengthen and guide future primary healthcare supports and services.

Images: Wagga Clinical Council, Western Clinical Council.

10 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Riverina Clinical Council Chair: Daniel Fry

The Riverina Clinical Council has continued its focus on the delivery of mental health services, domiciliary palliative care services and outreach community paediatric clinics. As a group we have provided guidance and feedback to the delivery of commissioned mental health service via the MyStep to Mental Wellbeing program. As expected the delivery of services in the COVID-19 era including the rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program has been new and ongoing focus for the Riverina Clinical Council. We have also played a role in guiding the delivery of allied health services to areas of low service access through the Murrumbidgee WARATAH program, and helped to improve regional access to high quality end of life and palliative care in the after hours period. We are looking forward to our continued involvement with and guidance to MPHN to help improve health outcomes for the people in our communities.

Wagga Wagga Clinical Council Chair: Rachael Fikkers

The primary focus of the Wagga Wagga Clinical Council has been to provide guidance and feedback regarding current MPHN initiatives. This has included feedback on the design and implementation of the Community Paediatrician clinic and has resulted in the appointment of a community paediatrician with the aim to recruit GPs with a special interest in developmental paediatrics to provide initial screening clinics for children identified as requiring assessment.

The Clinical Council also provided input and advice into the COVID-19 vaccine rollout across primary care and pharmacies, including outlining the major barriers and potential solutions regarding vaccine hesitancy; the COVID-19 mental health response; and feedback regarding the Health Needs Assessment for the region. There was also discussion around Collaborative Commissioning and the barriers and solutions to improving outcomes for people with COPD and CHF. This resulted in identifying opportunities for better communication portals between hospitals, specialists, pharmacies and primary care.

Western Clinical Council Chair: Muhammad Arshed

The Western Clinical Council has continued to focus on addressing barriers to care in rural communities and ensuring access to much needed primary care services especially mental health and allied health services. This has been against the backdrop of managing the impacts of COVID-19 and vaccinations across the sector. The Council has been able to contribute to the co-design of new collaborative models of care including community paediatrics and pathways of care for people with COPD and CHF. Support for the primary care workforce has focused on the development of MPHN’s primary care engagement model and to defining digital solutions for palliative care and MPHN’s digital health strategy. Other noteworthy initiatives the group provided advice on were the allocation of COVID-19 mental health funding, primary care engagement model and GP prospectus, Lumos data collection program, palliative care app, and pain management grant application.

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 11

making a

DIFFERENCE Through regular monitoring, assessing and analysing the health needs of our region, MPHN is able to ensure our funded services address the health needs of people in our community. The invaluable feedback and guidance of our Clinical Councils, Community Advisory Committee, and Local Health Advisory Committees, is key to supporting our communities, particularly who are at risk of poorer outcomes.

Services and programs carefully consider these groups and how to best engage them – be that through community-led initiatives, holistic and integrated approaches, or programs specifically targeting a particular group. This helps improve health outcomes, quality of life, health literacy, awareness and all contributes to making a difference in the health of our communities.

IN THIS SECTION • Power to the people • Empowered communities will endure • On the road to recovery • Supporting mental health and AOD across the region • Unique approach to suicide supports in the region • Regional approach to after hours healthcare underway • Closing the gap in Aboriginal health • Ageing gracefully • Promoting healthy living

Tell it Well storyteller Debbie Gadd.

12 | Annual Report 2020-2021

READ MORE

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 13

POWER TO THE PEOPLE People are at the heart of understanding the region’s health needs, and this year MPHN undertook a review into its community and consumer engagement practices and refreshed its approach for gathering feedback for the 2021 Health Needs Assessment.

MPHN has long understood the value of community

“At the heart of the eight recommendations,

feedback and its role in shaping health initiatives and

are practical activities for MPHN to engage with

activities. Indeed, consumers are no longer viewed as passive recipients of healthcare, or ‘shoppers’ for health

community and consumers in a meaningful and

services, but as co-creators of a health system that works

authentic way and further strengthen our consumer

for them and their communities, and this premise has

and community engagement policies, frameworks

always been a critical component in the Health Needs

and procedures.”

Assessment for the region.

To help strengthen MPHN’s consumer and community engagement practices, the Consumer’s Health Forum of

Among the recommendations were: •

vulnerable populations;

Australia were engaged to conduct a review into current practices and make recommendations for improvement.

•

followed by in-depth interviews and focus groups with more

available and MPHN’s communications; •

utilising varied mechanisms for engagement and feedback, including closing the feedback loop;

than 70 key stakeholders including staff, board members, and community representatives from Local Health Advisory

strengthening awareness and understanding of MPHN’s role in primary healthcare and services

The review itself took two parts, first a desktop review of MPHN’s documents and a literature review. This was closely

wider community representation, especially from

•

continuing to foster strong partnerships with key

Committees (LHACs), the Community Advisory Committee

community and consumer groups including LHACs

(CAC) and various alliances, consortiums, and steering

and CAC, including opportunities for a formalised

committees in which MPHN is involved.

induction process, understanding skills and consumer lived experience among consumer representatives,

Leading this work was MPHN’s Strategic Initiatives and Engagement Advisor Monica McInnes.

“It was pleasing to see acknowledgement from the Consumer’s Health Forum of the great work we were undertaking in consumer and community engagement,” Ms McInnes said.

•

identify opportunities to increase knowledge and awareness around health services including planning and coordination.

Image: LHAC Forum, May 2021.

The region’s Local Health Advisory Committees: Adelong-Batlow Barham Berrigan Boorowa Coolamon-Ganmain Cootamundra Corowa Culcairn Deniliquin Finley Griffith Gundagai Hay Henty Hillston Holbrook Jerilderie

and formal training opportunities; and

Junee Lake Cargelligo Leeton Lockhart Moulamein Murrumburrah/Harden Narrandera Temora Tocumwal Tooleybuc Tumbarumba Tumut Urana Wagga Wagga West Wyalong Young

14 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Hillston

2018 2019 2021

Lake Cargelligo

Conversations on the Couch were unable to take place in 2020 due to COVID-19.

ON THE COUCH West Wyalong

Griffith Hanwood

Temora

Leeton Narrandera

Hay

Cootamundra Junee

Jerilderie

Wagga Wagga

Deniliquin Barham

Berrigan

Howlong

Holbrook

Corowa

Images: (left) Conversations on the Couch at Harden, (right) map of Conversations on the Couch.

MPHN’s Senior Manager Population Health Planning and

Such pleasing results can be attributed to the local

Data Dr Alison Koschel said, while the recommendations

knowledge, expertise and connections from MPHN’s LHAC

include short, medium and long term activities for MPHN

representatives.

to address, in the short term it allowed for an updated approach for gathering feedback and insights into the region’s health needs.

In fact, LHACs have a depth of knowledge and understanding about their local communities which informs many decisions for MPHN.

“As part of our approach to gathering feedback for the 2021

MPHN’s Senior Manager Primary Care Engagement Andrew

Health Needs Assessment we introduced HNA Community Feedback, which included a mini survey, and a longer survey,” Dr Koschel said.

Heap takes pride in supporting the region’s 33 LHACs and welcomes their feedback at monthly meetings, quarterly sector meetings and at the biannual LHAC Forums co-

“We also conducted face to face opportunities, COVID-19

hosted by MPHN and the Murrumbidgee Local Health

restrictions permitting, with Conversations on the Couch

District.

taking place in the Harden, Hanwood, Jerilderies, Howlong and Junee communities.

“What I really enjoy most about being involved with the LHACs is to hear these passionate people advocate for

“An element of the campaign also focussed on gathering

improved health in their communities. They know their

data specifically from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

communities so well and can provide unique insights and

people, and their carers and health professionals, and 45

ideas for how to do our work better,” Mr Heap said.

responses were received.”

Over the next 12 – 24 months, MPHN will continue to

The six month campaign saw a total of 1,001 people provide

implement the eight recommendations of the CHF Report,

feedback which will support better understanding of the

with a particular focus on developing capability of the

region’s health data and inform MPHN’s 2022-2024 Health

current network of consumer representatives and continue

Needs Assessment.

exploring various engagement mechanisms and expanding consumer and community networks.

FAST FACTS 1,001 825 45

HNA COMMUNITY FEEDBACK MARCH TO AUGUST 2021

people provided feedback including:

completed online surveys completed Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander online surveys

READ MORE

52 84

Young Harden

social media comments

people attended Conversations on the Couch

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 15

Gundagai Tumut

EMPOWERED COMMUNITIES WILL ENDURE MPHN has been supporting the region’s drought affected communities since late 2018 and, in June 2021, the highly successful and impactful Empowering Our Communities (EOC) initiative came to an end. But as you will see, not before building a legacy that will endure.

For people who call rural and regional Australia home,

“Whether it’s been through the many grant activities we have

there is no other place they would rather be. The wide

funded to foster positive wellbeing, social connectedness and

open plains, the fresh air, the peacefulness, and the sense

community capacity to support each other’s mental health,

of community and belonging just can’t be replicated in

some of which will continue well into the future like the

cities. Regional and rural communities are also faced with

establishment of Park Runs in Griffith and Leeton. Or from

differing challenges, like living with drought.

the willingness of community members to step forward and start conversations through sharing their personal stories.”

MPHN’s Senior Manager Mental Health Drug and Alcohol, Anita McRae said despite the challenges of drought on

In fact, farmer Michael Gooden, bravely shared his Millennial

farming families and their communities, rural communities

Drought story in the hopes farmers experiencing hardships

rally to support each other.

know they aren’t alone and there is hope.

“Throughout my time leading the implementation of the

“It’s humbling when I have someone reach out and say they

Empowering our Communities initiative, I’ve been privileged

have read my story and have been experiencing similar

to witness the strength, ingenuity and resilience of our

challenges. It starts a conversation and together we work

drought affected communities time and time again,” Ms

through some strategies to help,” Mr Gooden said.

McRae said.

Key achievements of the EOC initiative $1,343,700 was shared among 213 Murrumbidgee Community Grant activities reaching a total of 27,162 people

15 32

Tell it Well stories published READ MORE

people completed Vicarious Trauma training

$162,400

23

was shared among 62 Community Youth Grant activities reaching a total of 7,829 young people

•

Alison Thorne – Murrumbidgee Local Health District

•

Dan Brear – NSW Farmers

•

David Galloway – Rural Financial Counselling Service

•

Gary Rodda – Local Land Services

•

Giles Butler – Regional NSW

•

Glenda Carter – Rural Aid

•

Graeme Kruger – Rice Growers Australia

•

John Harper – Farmer and mental health lived experience

11

Local Government Areas shared in $97,700 for activities for National Youth Week in 2021

24 12 50,000 73

primary schools across the region completed Positive Living Skills

•

farmer health and wellbeing checks were conducted – 39 in 2021 at the Riverina Field Days

16 | Annual Report 2020-2021

comprised of:

advocate

Trusted Advocates trained

diaries issued

23 steering committee meetings were held and were

Katrina Myers – Farmer and mental health lived experience advocate

•

Julie Briggs – Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils

•

Bridget Leopold and Kevin Mack - Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation

•

Katie McDonell and Darryn Binks – Rural Doctors Network

READ MORE Images: Various MPHN funded Local Government Area Youth Week activities in action.

An initiative of the EOC Steering Committee, Michael’s story

“For me, being involved in the Trusted Advocate program

was part of the Tell it Well series, of which 15 stories of

built my skills to better support people who may be feeling

hope, courage and resilience were published.

overwhelmed. It’s important for people to understand

Steering Committee member from the start, Julie Briggs, CEO of Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation of Councils, said the group guided decisions about activities supporting drought affected communities.

“We were a group of people from mostly non-

experiencing a mental health issue is not something to be ashamed of, and talking about it reduces stigma and can make people feel happier,” Ms Lewis said.

“While I am no longer part of the Trusted Advocates program, I’m grateful to have the skills and confidence to support my fellow community members long into the

health organisations, or farmers with lived mental

future.”

health experience, who knew what people in our

Similarly, other training opportunities also provided life-

communities were experiencing. This helped shaped

long skills and benefits for the participants. For example,

our discussions and guidance, and MPHN always

Vicarious Trauma training was facilitated in businesses

took our advice and ran with it,” Ms Briggs said.

in Coleambally, Darlington Point, Leeton, Hillston,

The group assisted the development of mental health

a specialised suicide prevention training called Deadly

diaries, of which 50,000 were distributed across the region,

Thinking is being delivered by Wellways.

and helped develop the National Weathering Well app in partnership with Western Queensland PHN. After two years, the app is now ready for people to be trained to use

Boorowa, Lockhart, and Henty. And for Aboriginal people,

Anita McRae said another legacy of EOC is the provision of wellbeing skills in the region’s young people.

the strength-based motivational interviewing techniques to

“MPHN has funded several activities focussed on nurturing

deliver low-intensity mental health, wellbeing and alcohol

the mental health, mindfulness and wellbeing in the

and drug supports.

region’s young people, including the Positive Living Skills

It’s this type of legacy the EOC program leaves behind and is hoped will support rural communities to weather the ups and downs of life in the long term.

For the Narrandera community, who participated in the Australian Government’s Trusted Advocate program, 12 trusted advocates, trained to further support people in the community experiencing hardships, remain. One such advocate is local hairdresser Tracey Lewis.

program provided to children in 24 of the region’s primary schools; 62 youth grant activities over the course of EOC; and this year 11 Youth Week activities facilitated by local councils,” Ms McRae said.

“Young people are our future and if MPHN has been able to play a role in setting them up with the necessary skills to support their own mental health and wellbeing, that is something I am immensely proud to have been a part of.”

Images: MPHN at the Riverina Field Days in May 2021 - a total of 39 farmer and wellbeing check were conducted by the National Centre for Farmer Health.

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 17

ON THE ROAD TO RECOVERY Eighteen months since the devastating 2019/2020 summer bushfires, the communities of the Snowy Valleys, Greater Hume and Cootamundra-Gundagai council areas have rallied together in a show of strength, determination and resilience. They even managed to get comedian, actor and writer Magda Szubanksi to join their plight for recovery.

Bushfires are destructive and in their wake they leave great

The five Gather events in Batlow, Adelong, Tumut,

trauma. MPHN has been proudly supporting recovery

Tumbarumba and Jingellic were also highly successful in

efforts, but it hasn’t been through rebuilding fences,

bringing the wider community together.

replanting trees, or repairing building damage. Instead, MPHN’s support has focussed on supporting the healing of people who were impacted.

“It was a health by stealth approach, people gathered for an afternoon or evening of connecting, and enjoying local entertainment and food, with a good mix of mental health

MPHN’s Bushfire Response Lead, Maja Asmus said mental

and wellbeing messages and stalls thrown in for good

health supports available are many and varied, but the trick

measure.”

is navigating the system and finding the right service.

“Central to all MPHN’s efforts to support mental health and wellbeing in these communities is coordination, collaboration and connection,” Ms Asmus said.

“Working with communities through their councils, RFS and community champions to learn what supports were required, then coordinating existing mental health services, collaborating with providers to deliver specific loss and grief services, and ensuring people who needed these services were connected has been critical.”

Equally important are social connection initiatives which was the focus of Bushfire Recovery Grant initiatives, delivering $285,000 in funding for 41 events to bring the community together. The grants provided activities such as community yoga, high teas, group fitness classes,

In fact, comedian, actor and writer Magda Szubanski paid the Tumbarumba Gather event a visit during her efforts with the Regeneration Program in the Snowy Valleys.

It’s been common for organisations to want to help impacted communities and as a result, service providers who were funded for specific bushfire activities formed to become the Virtual Team. Meeting fortnightly to coordinate mental health supports in bushfire impacted regions, Community Recovery Officer for Snowy Valleys Council Andrew Rae said he saw the benefits of the Virtual Team firsthand.

“The Virtual Team is a key component of the recovery efforts through the ability to be responsive to community needs and get services in place as quickly as possible.

Equally important, was for any organisations coming into the region, linking them as a priority to the Virtual Team to ensure coordination of services,” Mr Rae said.

chaplaincy in schools, morning teas, a dairy farmer’s dinner,

The Bushfire Recovery Steering Committee has also been

winter solace festival, nature-based community playgroup,

instrumental in identifying community needs and guiding

and community friendship groups.

solutions to meet these needs. NSW Farmers South-West

“One grant initiative led by Community Foundation for Tumut Region was Fire Shed Fridays, which were dinners for members from fire sheds across the region, as well as others who helped to fight the fires. On the night they

Regional Services Manager, Dan Brear is a member of the committee and said the collaboration between the member organisations has been invaluable to supporting the local communities.

were waited upon by Murrumbidgee Local Health District

“As part of my role I was making regular phone calls to

bushfire counsellors, and heard a presentation from the

our members specifically around some issues to do with

Rural Outreach Counselling Service. It was a great way for

fencing. By bringing it up at a steering committee meeting,

mental health support workers to connect with the local

we were able to partner with Local Land Services and

community and in turn it helped to increase awareness of

councils to address these fencing issues and on the visits

supports that are available,” Ms Asmus said.

we were joined by bushfire clinicians to help support mental health and wellbeing,” Mr Brear said.

18 | Annual Report 2020-2021

FAST FACTS $285,000 Image: Madga Szubankski at the Tumbarumba Gather event.

“This is just not how we have worked before.

Organisations often operate in silos, but when we work together and address the whole impacts of bushfire – on farming business and property, and the farmer and their families, we have much better outcomes – for the business and the people.

“It is almost like pooling all our resources for the good of the bushfire impacted communities, and that has been really rewarding to see the benefits.”

MPHN’s bushfire funding has included specialist grief, loss and trauma support delivered by Amaranth Foundation. Existing MPHN mental health services delivered by headspace Wagga centre and Grand Pacific Health’s MyStep program were extended and prioritised for people living in bushfire impacted communities.

READ MORE

20,000 15

delivered over 41 Bushfire Recovery Grant recipients

mental health diaries distributed into bushfire impacted communities READ MORE

Steering Committee Meetings attended by between 10 – 15 members each meeting representing the following organisations: •

Snowy Valleys Local

•

Health District

Government Area •

Greater Hume Local

Murrumbidgee Local

•

Albury Wodonga Health

Government Area New South Wales

•

RivMed

Police

•

Resilience NSW

•

Rural Fire Service

•

National Recovery

•

Rural Doctors Network

•

Department of

•

and Resilience Agency •

Education •

Local Land Service

•

Department of Primary

Lived experience community representatives

Industry

•

SES

•

Regional NSW

•

Rural Financial

•

NSW Farmers

•

Rural Aid

Counselling Service

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 19

Supporting mental health and AOD across the region

READ MORE

READ MORE

MPHN has long supported the wellbeing of our communities through various mental health and drug and alcohol targeted programs and initiatives for anyone needing support. From young people, pregnant women and mothers, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, older people and everyone in between, there is a service in the region for you.

Meet Mary*. When Mary was an infant her father died. She

“We don’t always get to witness the true achievements

went on to marry in her late teens to a man nearly 20 years

of our services, but after a young person completes their

her senior. Mary had three children, the first of which is

treatment, we hope they are achieving their goals,” Mr

stillborn. Mary lost her husband suddenly and lives in a

Thomas said.

small town with her supportive family living more than five

Some young people remain connected with their local

hours away.

headspace centre as a member of the Youth Reference

Mary presented to the MyStep to Mental Wellbeing (MyStep)

Group. Griffith headspace Manager Sharron Dean said

program and was diagnosed with depression and attended

their lived experiences provide opportunities for improving

a number of grief counselling sessions. After these sessions

services and amenities.

Mary reported being able to manage her grief and cope

“Our Youth Reference Group was pivotal in the development

with day to day living without a sense of overwhelm.

of the ‘safe space’ zone, which encourages help-seeking

Mary is just one of the nearly 1,500 people the MyStep

opportunities from young people accessing the zone as

program has supported over the past 12 months. MPHN’s

it’s an area where rapport and relationships are built,” Ms

Acting Senior Manager Commissioning Janelle Dufty said

Dean said.

the program had seen considerable growth since inception

Building relationships and social networks is key for the

18 months ago.

Women’s Wellness and Recovery program for women

“Both service providers, Murrumbidgee Local Health District

who are pregnant or have young children and struggling

and Grand Pacific Health have built really strong services

with substance use. Calvary Riverina Drug and Alcohol

over the past 18 months. In fact, after the initial six-month

Centre delivers the program across the region and

transition of clients, new client numbers have tripled and

General Manager Greg Brylski said the non-residential

occasions of service more than quadrupled,” Ms Dufty said.

program allows for family and social support bonds to be

An important part of the MyStep program is in-reach

maintained.

services into residential aged care facilities for residents

“Through the program a woman with a drug dependency

who have, or are at risk of developing, a mental illness,

and history of violent relationships and incarceration was

such as depression, adjustment disorders or abnormal

able to access clinical and practical supports, and education

symptoms of grief and loss.”

on a range of topics while still maintaining relationships

While MyStep provides mental health supports to all ages

with those loved ones who were supporting her recovery,”

from young children to the elderly, many young people in our region access mental health supports through headspace Wagga Wagga or Griffith. Both locations provide

Mr Brylski said.

“Now, this young woman has developed new

outreach services and together supported nearly 1,600

skills and coping strategies to assist her in

of the region’s young people. Wagga Wagga headspace

stressful times, increased insight into how drug

Manager Shane Thomas said for the clinicians supporting young people the most reward comes from knowing they

use impacts her family, is able to care for her

are flourishing in the community.

children and been accepted into a residential detox program.”

*Not real name

20 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Images: Well Connected program in action.

Another program improving health outcomes for its

female experiencing challenges associated with finding

clients Well Connected delivered by Wellways, which

employment and voluntary work.

offers psychosocial supports such as the ability to get to

“Wellways worked with the employment agency to conduct

work, maintain relationships, financial management, and social integration. A service is also available that provides support for families and carers to navigate the mental health system.

appointments at the Wellways office to help reduce the woman’s interview anxiety, and suitable employment opportunities for her personal situation have been sought.

It’s a practical example of how the program can produce

MPHN’s Senior Manager Mental Health, Drug and

long term benefits to a person’s mental wellbeing,” Ms

Alcohol Anita McRae said the last financial year saw 82

McRae said.

participants in Well Connected including a 33 year old

FAST FACTS Supporting mothers and new parents

1,462 9,485

total clients

Women’s Wellness and Recovery

565

total clients

occasions of service

Gidget Foundation New parents are supported either pre or postnatally both in person and telehealth sessions from across the region.

1,571 866 4.9 7,756

total clients

new clients

average occasions of service per client

87 90

in person consultations telehealth consultations

READ MORE

Alcohol and Other Drugs support programs AOD Enhancement for pre and post treatment

total occasions of service

AOD supports in headspace

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 21

UNIQUE APPROACH TO SUICIDE SUPPORTS IN THE REGION Recently, the National Mental Health Commission, including the Commissioner and Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention, sought a briefing about the Murrumbidgee’s whole of region approach to suicide prevention and after suicide support.

MPHN’s collaboration with likeminded organisations to

these experiences realised she wanted to pursue a career

develop a whole of region approach to suicide prevention

in mental health and is now employed as a peer support

and aftercare is unique and guided by the Murrumbidgee

worker with another Murrumbidgee organisation.

Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Collaborative, which is comprised of service providers, and local, state and federal government representatives and agencies.

MPHN’s Senior Manager Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol Anita McRae said core to the collaborative is the Murrumbidgee Local Response Group (LRG) comprised of MPHN, Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD), Wellways, and NSW Police, who are tasked with responding to a suicide or critical incident.

READ MORE

“The aim of the LRG is to improve community capacity to minimise risk and ensure the right supports are put in place whenever there is a notification of a suicide event or critical

Regional Manager Zoe Evans said many support services are available and each response situation is unique, regardless of the program.

“While the After Suicide Support Program works flexibly to support people bereaved by suicide, other services are available too and having the right organisations part of the collaborative ensures the services and supports people need are provided at the right time,” Ms Evans said.

An early output of the collaborative was the Murrumbidgee Suicide Event and Critical Incident Communications and Response Protocol; a framework guiding suicide or critical incident responses.

LRG member and Riverina Police District Commander Bob Noble said a recent collaboration was the development of

incident in the Murrumbidgee region. Together,

a suicide prevention and self care guide for the region’s

we ensure there is a coordinated, respectful

first responders.

and timely response for people who are

“The guide is a useful generic round up of tools, indicators

directly impacted and communities,”

of things you can do, the language you can use, and it’s easy to digest,” Superintendent Noble said.

Ms McRae said.

MLHD’s Director Mental Health, Drug and Alcohol, Robyn

Wellways is commissioned to provide suicide prevention

Manzie said the collaborative is dedicated to identifying

and aftercare supports including the After Suicide Support

gaps and opportunities to work as one health system, and

Program, The Way Back Peer Enhancement Trial, and The

provides guidance on activities to build community capacity

Way Back Support Service across the Murrumbidgee. These

and awareness.

initiatives are making a difference too. For example, a

“The collaborative’s Priority Action Plan supports activities

participant of The Way Back Support Service was supported by a Peer Care Companion for suicidal ideation. Once well again, she competed in the Miss Wagga Quest and Wellways continued to support her to ensure the safe delivery of mental health and suicide prevention messages. She also participated in community work with Wellways and through

22 | Annual Report 2020-2021

like Mindframe training and QPR suicide prevention training. As well as region wide resources and plans like MapMyRecovery, Journi and the Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Suicide Prevention, and Alcohol and Other Drugs Regional Plan,” she said.

READ MORE Murrumbidgee Suicide Prevention and Aftercare Collaborative

FAST FACTS

Meets every six months to review actions and discuss issues in relation to suicide prevention and aftercare efforts across the

THE WAY BACK PEER ENHANCEMENT TRIAL

103

81

22

individual

accepted to Peer

accepted to Peer

clients supported

CARE Support

Family Support

THE WAY BACK SUPPORT SERVICE

286

region.

Collaborative members: •

Centacare South West NSW

•

Dr Joe McGirr MP, State Member for Wagga Wagga

•

headspace National

•

headspace centre Wagga

•

headspace centre Griffith

•

MPHN

•

Ms Steph Cooke MP, State Member for Cootamundra

individual clients supported

AFTER SUICIDE SUPPORT PROGRAM

433

387

individual clients supported

clients in 21 group sessions

COMMUNITY CAPACITY BUILDING TRAINING

•

Murrumbidgee Local Health District

•

NSW Ambulance

•

NSW Department of Community and Justice

•

NSW Department of Education

•

NSW Police

•

Relationships Australia

•

Riverina Aboriginal Medical and Dental Service

•

Riverina and Murray Joint Organisation Riverina Eastern Regional Organisation

310

1

•

people across the

Mindframe training attended

•

Murrumbidgee completed

by Members of Parliament,

QPR online training to learn

their staff, media, and

how to save a life

community members

of Councils The Hon. Michael McCormack MP, Federal Member for Riverina •

The Hon. Sussan Ley MP, Federal Member for Farrer

•

Wellways

READ MORE Annual Report 2020-2021 | 23

Regional approach to after hours healthcare underway Along with funding existing services such as the Wagga GP After Hours Service and the Wagga Women’s Health Centre, MPHN undertook a study to understand the challenges in delivering equitable and high quality after hours healthcare services across the region.

There are many ‘players’ in after hours healthcare, and

the Wagga Wagga Multicultural Council, Murrumbidgee

many barriers and pressures for providers and patients

Aboriginal Health Consortium, and Wagga Women’s Health

alike. MPHN commissioned KBC Australia to assess the

Centre.”

situation and gain a better understanding of the after hours health needs of our communities, and the services available to meet the needs.

In fact, the Wagga Women’s Health Centre provides women across the region access to counselling and trauma support outside of regular business hours. MPHN funds the service

The broad engagement process comprised of workshops,

to operate on weekends and public holidays, and provide

interviews, and surveys with healthcare providers and

telehealth services three nights a week.

community members in 12 locations. A total of 58 people participated in focus groups, nearly 300 community surveys were received, and seven consultations with general practitioners were conducted. Activities were guided by a project advisory group comprising representatives from the Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Wagga and Griffith hospitals, local pharmacists, Local Health Advisory Committees, MPHN’s Clinical Councils, and Residential Aged

Centre Director Michele Saffery said women accessing this support in the after hours often comment on the benefit of having such a service available, and how they feel comfortable and safe.

“Clients often say they feel much better for having accessed our services whether in person

Care Facilities.

or over the phone. Women say it feels good to

The rich data gathered has guided report findings and

talk to someone who listens and greatly value

recommendations for what is required for a region-wide

the service being available on the weekend

healthy after hours environment. MPHN’s Acting Senior Manager Commissioning Janelle Dufty said the report

when there is no conflict with work or school

findings are still being reviewed.

responsibilities,” Ms Saffery said.

“Consultation feedback show health services across the

“We’ve also developed a series of webinars to provide

region are well regarded with smaller communities placing

education and support resources for women on topics

high value on their local hospitals, general practitioners

related to domestic and family violence, and the role natural

and other health services, and willing to support health

disasters such as bushfires and the COVID-pandemic play in

professionals who choose to practice in rural locations,”

relationships. All have been made possible through funding

Ms Dufty said.

from MPHN and are being viewed and valued by many

“The consultations also suggest people are generally open

women across the region.”

to trying new models of care such as telehealth if they are

In addition to dedicated supports for women in the after

appropriately informed and supported to do so.

hours, urgent non-life threatening issues not able to wait

“We are reviewing the full report and are committed to progressing work to strengthen healthcare services in the after hours period.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank all those who provided feedback including GPs, pharmacists, hospital staff, members of the community and groups such as

24 | Annual Report 2020-2021

until the following business day can be addressed at the Wagga GP After Hours Service (WGPAHS). Operating for 18 years, this general practice helps to reduce the risk of conditions deteriorating overnight and requiring hospital presentations.

Thank you to the following general practices for your Participation in the delivery of this vital service:

READ MORE

•

Blamey Street Surgery

•

Kooringal Medical Centre

•

Central Wagga Medical

•

Morgan Street Healthcare Clinic

•

Glenrock Country Practice

•

Riverina Family Medicine

•

Hammond Health

•

Wagga Wagga Medical Centre

FAST FACTS AFTER HOURS CONSULTATION

299 12 58 7

community survey responses communities people participated in focus group

WAGGA WOMEN’S HEALTH SERVICE

1,075

occasions of service

281

group sessions

GP consultations

READ MORE

Chair of the WGPAHS Management Committee A/Prof

“It was pleasing to achieve no non-conformities as part of

Ayman Shenouda said key achievements for the service

practice accreditation, and late last year we launched a new

over the past 12 months included achieving accreditation,

marketing campaign to promote the services of the clinic

being able to quickly respond to COVID-19, and the

more widely.

development of a marketing campaign.

“Our vital service is valuable to the community and I would

“COVID-19 restrictions has meant the service has needed

like to acknowledge practice staff for their efforts during

to adapt and balance public health requirements with

what has been another challenging year. Special thanks

providing essential medical care. This has been achieved

as well to the 46 general practitioners from eight local

through telehealth arrangements,” A/Prof Shenouda said.

practices who provide high quality care to the people living in and around Wagga Wagga in the after hours period.”

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 25

Closing the gap in Aboriginal health Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing is one of MPHN’s seven priority areas. MPHN’s approach to improving health outcomes and making inroads to closing the gap involves activities targeted at improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as well growing the workforce in this sector.

Meet Julie Schubert, Aboriginal mental health clinician at Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service (GAMS), and a proud Wiradjuri woman. At the end of 2020, Julie graduated from Charles Sturt University with a Bachelor of Health Science specialising in mental health. Julie was supported through a training scholarship provided by GAMS. Funding provided

by MPHN enabled Julie to complete clinical aspects of her studies. She is now undertaking a Bachelor of Social Science majoring in psychology.

Ms Schubert said the opportunity to concurrently study and work in the industry would not have been an option without MPHN’s financial assistance.

“I’m a single mother so wouldn’t have been able to afford the degree – or at least I would have been hesitant to take on a government debt. I just wouldn’t have had the confidence on my own, so being able to do the study and the work experience at the same time was invaluable,” Ms Schubert said.

“Working at GAMS, with people I respect, in a trainee role while studying provided insights into both mental health and other health disciplines and this enriched my learning.

People often present with other issues, not just mental health and the study reinforced what I was doing day to day.

“I’m not a trainee anymore and it’s fantastic and an honour to be able to work in the community where I grew up. Thank you very much to GAMS and MPHN. I couldn’t imagine doing this without the support.”

26 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Image: Julie Schubert on her graduation.

Over the past 12 months, MPHN have funded traineeships with both Riverina Medical and Dental Aboriginal Corporation (RivMed) and GAMS to support and strengthen training and upskilling opportunities for the region’s local Aboriginal health workforce.

FAST FACTS INTEGRATED TEAM CARE

READ MORE

Jointly delivered by Marathon Health to non-Aboriginal Medical Services, and a consortium of the region’s three AMSs – RivMed, GAMS, and Viney Morgan.

263

215

new referrals

discharged

in person and phone

clients

care coordination

11,410 services

Supplementary services

133 506 115 1,283

accommodation

WORK IT OUT

171 total clients

ANNUAL CLIENT SATISFACTION SURVEY RESULTS

97%

92%

of clients were

of clients were

of clients were

‘satisfied’ with

‘very satisfied’

‘somewhat

the services

with the

satisfied’ with

they received

services they

the services

received

they received

transport

7%

medical aids clinical services (specialist, allied health and diagnostic)

Another strategy to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal

Social factors such as employment also impact on the

and Torres Strait Islander people is to enable suitable

health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander

access to primary healthcare and related programs and

people, and the Work It Out employment initiative aims to

services. MPHN funds the Integrated Team Care (ITC)

support people at risk of losing or have difficulty gaining

program, which is designed to support Aboriginal and

employment, or are at risk of dropping out of education

Torres Strait Islander people with complex chronic disease

due to substance abuse. Directions provide this service

to improve their capacity to self-manage.

locally under the Murrumbidgee Pathways program.

MPHN’s Acting Senior Manager Commissioning Janelle

MPHN’s Portfolio Manager Abrie Schutte said the program

Dufty said the ITC program has a unique and broad mix of

supports an average of 45 – 50 clients at any given time and

supports for clients to improve the management of their

has a 97 percent client satisfaction.

chronic disease as well as improving their ability to live well in their local community.

“The annual client satisfaction survey for Directions showed remarkably high results compared with the previous year,

“The ITC program provides health supports such as care

which given the adjustments to service delivery during

coordination, smoking cessation support and health

COVID restrictions, was a significant achievement and

coaching. It offers financial support that can be used

indication of the service’s capacity to meet client needs,”

to enable timely access to specialist or allied health

Mr Schutte said.

appointments and some medical aids. Additionally, the program provides informal supports to participants in the community setting, such as collecting prescriptions and providing transport to GP appointments,” Ms Dufty said.

An ITC client Bob* who has diabetes, joined the ITC program to improve self-management of his diabetes symptoms and management of a newly acquired below the knee prosthesis. Bob reports he is now managing well and living without pain. “My Care Coordinator helped me with lots of things and now everything is all good again,” Bob said.

“Over time, word of mouth has really helped grow Work It Out, and good news stories shared by Directions really show the positive impact the program is having on those Aboriginal people being supported.”

MPHN is also supporting primary healthcare and commissioned service providers to complete cultural awareness training to foster better understanding in regards to the challenges of First Nation peoples and how this impacts on their health.

*Not real name

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 27

Ageing gracefully With Australia’s ageing population, strategies to support the needs of older Australians are critical. From maintaining mobility and wellbeing, to dying with dignity. While having useful and accessible services is key, so too is supporting the aged care workforce.

To improve people’s ability to manage common issues

“To support a collaborative and integrated team approach

associated with ageing and to encourage a holistic

to patient care and best practice care for patients with

approach to health and wellbeing, MPHN funds the Vitality

complex needs, Palliative Care Multidisciplinary Team

Passport program for people aged 65 years or older across

meetings were supported in Coolamon, Corowa and

the Murrumbidgee.

Cootamundra. While in Hay, the use of the PCOC (Palliative

Vitality Passport’s Jeremy Carr said the program develops an individualised plan for each participant with components of exercise, nutrition and cognition activities to aid ageing well and halt or reverse the effects of frailty.

“The program actively promotes a positive behaviour change by delivering evidence-based interventions aimed at improving participant capacity to age well and improve

Care Outcomes Collaboration) tool has helped to identify patients with chronic conditions in primary care who may benefit from a palliative approach,” Ms Heer said.

“It was also great to be part of the opening of a dedicated palliative care room within Adina Care at Cootamundra to provide another option for end of life care, in a home-like setting rather than in a hospital setting.”

physical, cognitive and nutritional areas of their life,” Mr

Another palliative care strategy was the Compassionate

Carr said.

Communities initiative. To support people grieving over the

Across the Murrumbidgee region Vitality Passport is delivered under three programs – Vitality Passport in the Community, Vitality Passport in Residential Aged Care Facilities (RAFCs), and Connect with Vitality, which was

festive season a Christmas Tree of Remembrance Guide was launched in late 2020 to help communities establish an annual activity for locals to acknowledge their lost loved ones at this time.

implemented to support mental health in older people

Culcairn local Colleen Hoffmann said the Christmas Tree of

impacted by social isolation from COVID-19 restrictions.

Remembrance provided her with a fitting way to remember

While these programs support people to live well for as long as possible, a growing number of people will require palliative care for themselves or a loved one. Working with five general practices and local community, MPHN’s At-

her late father, who passed away three weeks before Christmas.

“I found it to be a comfort to write a message

Home Palliative Care program supports a multidisciplinary

about dad and place it on the Culcairn

approach and the early identification of patients with

Christmas tree, acknowledging and honouring

palliative care needs.

MPHN’s At-Home Palliative Care Project Manager Stacey Heer said the program has worked with communities and other organisations to identify opportunities to better support palliative care options available locally.

Image: Vitality Passport program in action.

28 | Annual Report 2020-2021

him, especially as I knew he would be missed by us all at this happy festive time,” Ms Hoffmann said.

READ MORE

READ MORE

Images: Palliative care room at Adina Care in Cootamundra, Culcairn LHAC Chair David Gilmore with the Christmas Tree of Rememberance Guide, Acute Care decision Guidelines.

The At-Home Palliative Care program also delivered

at risk of frequent unplanned emergency department

Advance Care Planning training and mentoring to RACF

presentations. A Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) tasked with

staff in partnership with Advance Care Planning Australia.

developing referral pathways targeting modifiable risk

Further support for the aged care workforce commenced

factors for hospitalisation was also established.

and is still being implemented with upskilling on the Acute Care Decision Guidelines with an updated flip-chart style book and associated training so when older people become unwell within an RACF the most appropriate in-home care can be provided..

In fact, reducing hospital presentations is the focus of the Supporting Aged Care in the Community initiative, which is being undertaken by the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD). After extensive co-design for a model of

MLHD’s Project Officer Rebecca Keeley said initial evaluation results for a three month period between February and April 2021 show a positive trend towards reduced hospital presentations.

“Initial findings show the tool is successfully identifying the level of risk with 11 of the 157 participants being assessed identified as high risk and where appropriate referred to the MDT,” Ms Keeley said.

care with carers, patients, clinicians, and service providers, a

“I’m looking forward to seeing further improvements in

risk assessment tool was developed to identify older people

health outcomes in our older people through this initiative.”

FAST FACTS

READ MORE

VItality passport in the community

What people say about vitality passport

13

217

“I was falling over four times a week to falling

locations

participants

over once in eight weeks. I feel so much better,

delivered to

eating more protein, which the course has explained is so important to our daily living.”

VItality passport in RACFs

17

173

locations

participants

“What I have gained from Vitality Classes: Stand straighter; can now vacuum the house

delivered to

and clean floor on the same day (previously only vacuum half the house on one day); back

Connect with Vitality

to golf two times per week; moving better

62 29

with no osteo pain and no tablets; enjoy the

people commenced in March 2021 with

in Coolamon

14

19

in Hillston

in Coleambally

camaraderie of others; can get in and out of the car much easier; just loving life!”

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 29

Promoting healthy living By supporting people’s social care needs and helping them navigate the health system, MPHN is helping the region’s most at-risk people to better manage their health in the long term.

Among the various initiatives promoting healthy living,

and then implement a range of strategies to achieve these

MPHN funds a Health Navigator Support Service with

goals.

Marathon Health to help people enrolled in Integrated Care Coordination (ICC) program navigate their social care needs and prepare them to effectively engage with clinical services and address their health issues.

MPHN’s Acting Senior Manager Commissioning Janelle Dufty said the service is about supporting people to meet

“The goals clients set can be around a range of topics including improving their health literacy, better understanding their chronic disease, support to cease smoking, motivational interviewing and health change management,” Ms De Mattia said.

their most basic needs.

“Key to the client achieving their goals is

“Complexities around family, transport, housing, finances,

having their basic psychosocial needs met,

and being able to access food are often a barriers to people

which is often being supported in parallel with

achieving their health goals and living well,” Ms Dufty said.

“At its heart the Health Navigator Support Service is about social prescribing – getting people back into the community

the Health Navigator Support Service, and building trust with their care coordinator.”

by connecting with groups and training opportunities. This

Trust was key for Steve* (59), who was recently diagnosed

helps raise confidence and self-esteem and ultimately leads

with cancer and recovering from an assault injuries. The

to improving health and wellbeing.”

care coordinator provided access to education on relevant

The service helped support John* (75) who was living with multiple chronic conditions, recent hospital admissions and complex life challenges including unsuitable housing arrangements and loss of his driving licence. The Health Navigator Support Service was able to source suitable posthospital respite, find longer term care accommodation, and support the completion of driving licence paperwork.

While a client is receiving support through the Health Navigator Support Service, they will also be working with their ICC care coordinator to achieve their health goals.

MPHN’s Contract Manager Maya De Mattia said care coordinators work with clients to identify their health goals

*Not real name

30 | Annual Report 2020-2021

local support, supported Steve with health and social security paperwork, connected him with a local financial counsellor, and organised health planning with multidisciplinary team. Steve is now in remission and reports he is feeling confident and positive about his future saying “I can’t thank you enough for your support!”

A similar care coordination program is offered by Murrumbidgee Local Health District, and collaboration is vital to ensure service duplication is avoided. Referrals coming from MLHD include client information to reduce the need for client shaving to repeat their stories.

FAST FACTS INTEGRATED CARE COORDINATION

READ MORE

1,625

3,260

411

in person consultations

telephone consultations

new referrals

HEALTH NAVIGATOR SUPPORT SERVICE

READ MORE

78

1,279

new clients

occasions of service

164 people discharged

1,817

6,569

new clients

occasions of service, including:

2,465

1,338

2,303

total clients

diabetes education

dietetics

2,029

899

podiatry

physiotherapy

READ MORE

Images: 2020 asthma campaign, 2021 winter strategy campaign.

READ MORE

Reducing health story sharing and smooth transitions

Another way MPHN is promoting healthy living is through

between healthcare providers are key components of

dedicated campaigns encouraging people to undertake

the Murrumbidgee WARATAH program (Wellness and

activities aimed at keeping them well and out of hospital,

Recovery Achieved Through Allied Health), which provides

in particular Winter Strategy and the Spring Thunderstorm

allied health services to help people manage chronic

and Asthma campaigns.

health conditions. Similar to the Health Navigator Support Service, WARATAH includes a Health Linker role as part of the model, helps clients link with the community services needed to support them to achieve their wellness goals.

Both campaigns focus on minimising acute episodes of respiratory conditions including influenza, asthma and hay fever. This year MPHN engaged with 16 general practices from across the region as part of Winter Strategy

For example, a client, who was referred by his GP for

and worked with each to develop strategies for increasing

diabetes education and management, was also living with

influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations. A dedicated

depression and anxiety. He had recently decided to not

marketing campaign promoting vaccination and hand

take his prescribed medication due to personal beliefs. The

hygiene supported the efforts of general practice. Similarly,

WARATAH health linker was able to work with the client to

the Spring Thunderstorm Asthma campaign reminded

identify a counsellor who understood his personal beliefs

people to update their Asthma Management Plan and of

and supported him to restart his medications.

basic Asthma first aid.

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 31

SUPPORTING

HEALTHCARE PROFESSIONALS

The region’s primary healthcare workforce, healthcare professionals, practice staff and our commissioned service providers have been at the forefront of responding to COVID-19 whether that be through testing, vaccinating or supporting their patients to be well – mentally and physically while managing the impacts of social isolation.

MPHN has been privileged to support the region’s general practitioners, pharmacists, allied health providers, aged care facilities, practice nurses and staff, and pathology during these times.

The resilience shown by our frontline health workforce, particularly in rural and regional communities, is inspiring.

IN THIS SECTION • At the COVID-19 frontline • In practice – flexibility key to navigating primary care support • Congratulations to our 2020 Primary Healthcare Award winners

Image: Griffith GP Dr Marion Reeves.

32 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 33

AT THE COVID-19 frontline

READ MORE

As the new financial year commenced, efforts to combat the global COVID-19 health pandemic continued across the Murrumbidgee. Key to the region’s success on the COVID-19 frontline were the strong partnerships and collaborations formed with local health organisations, and the enthusiasm and dedication of our primary healthcare workforce.

34 | Annual Report 2020-2021

MPHN’s COVID-19 Pandemic Lead Dr Alison Koschel

Practice Manager from Deniliquin Clinic found the

attended regular and at time frequent meetings with the

opportunity to connect with key decision makers and

Health Emergency Operation Centre (HEOC) facilitated by

colleagues each week was vital.

the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).

“Being able to voice concerns I was seeing on the ground

“As we moved past the initial lockdown period and into

in the general practice and Commonwealth Vaccination

slowly returning to workplaces, opening of businesses in

Centre directly to MPHN’s executive and a group of the

our communities, and people feeling more confident to

region’s health professionals involved in the day-to-day

return to their new normal, it was critical for the HEOC

COVID-19 fight was invaluable. It was a relief to know

to continue to meet regularly and more frequently when

what I was experiencing was common, and being able to

required. Our meetings would discuss any issues such

brainstorm solutions to our challenges as a collective, in

as declining testing numbers, PPE supplies, aged care

my opinion, helped us achieve some really great results.”

concerns, identified communities where COVID-19 was

Ms Campbell said.

impacting on mental health and wellbeing, just to name a few,” Dr Koschel said.

One such issue was testing hesitancy. Minimal case numbers in the region, and people not knowing what

Equally important to determining activities to address

to expect when they get a test was seen as part of the

identified issues was the support and guidance from the

challenge. In response, a testing video was developed in

COVID-19 Steering Committee. An initiative of MPHN, the

partnership with MLHD and well-known Prime7 journalist

committee comprises of healthcare professionals from

Samantha Costin. In fact, on launch of this two-minute

GPs, pharmacy, pathology, aged care, NSW Ambulance,

video via social media, it reached 275,000 people in

and MLHD representation.

our region. Such success lead to the development of a

The steering committee met weekly throughout 2020, and only moved to monthly meetings in the first quarter of 2021. One member of the committee, Sarah Campbell

30-second television commercial, and with both of these campaigns and supporting social media posts, testing numbers increased.

“Key to keeping our community safe was ensuring people were tested for the virus, and indeed, as we moved into 2021, our attention turned to vaccinations,” Dr Koschel said.

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 35

Keeping healthcare professionals safe and updated Throughout testing and vaccinations, MPHN has been

MPHN has supported general practice through the

tasked to distribute PPE to eligible healthcare providers

pandemic and more recently supported participating

and professionals. This has included masks and gowns to

general practices and General Practice Respiratory Clinics

keep healthcare providers safe while collecting test swabs,

now additionally working as Commonwealth Vaccination

and to support vaccinations.

Centres with a range of practical tools and support.

MPHN employee Karly Pollard led the distribution efforts

MPHN’s Senior Manager Primary Care Engagement

and has packaged and sent 133,250 masks and 3,740

Andrew Heap said his team have supported practices

gowns.

through the use of the RACGP’s Emergency Response and Planning Toolkit, telehealth, CPD opportunities and one-

“It’s been a huge task, not just in numbers, but also ensuring all inventory is logged and kept

on-one support through phone calls and practice visits.

“Being able to provide our 89 general practices with practical supports to help them navigate and respond to

secure. It’s nice to know I am playing a role in

the changing COVID-19 landscape allows our healthcare

the COVID-19 efforts,” Ms Pollard said.

professionals to do what they do best – care for their

Aged care

patients,” Mr Heap said.

In April 2021, MPHN has helped facilitate Commonwealth appointed providers to deliver vaccines to residents in private residential aged care facilities as part of the Phase 1a cohort in the National Vaccination Rollout.

Caring for aged care residents has also been a cornerstone

“At a national level the coordination of the vaccination

of the activities offered by MPHN in partnership with

rollout is both complex and challenging. Despite the

MLHD. Aged Care scenario testing was rolled out to all aged

slow start to vaccinations in our privately run aged care

care facilities across the region from mid-2020 to ensure

facilities, the majority of residents were vaccinated with

preparedness to manage any outbreaks in their facility.

their first dose by the end of May 2021.” Dr Koschel said.

COVID-19 vaccinations

“It was so important to me to play my part in keeping myself, my family and the wider community safe, so there was never a question

To support the administration of COVID-19 vaccinations, five Commonwealth Vaccination Centres were established in Wagga Wagga, Gundagai, Young, Griffith and Deniliquin in existing GP-Led Respiratory Clinics. Additionally, over a four week period, 67 general practices across the region commenced COVID-19 vaccinations.

about whether or not I should receive it,” Mrs Bloodworth said.

As vaccinations progressed, concerns at a national level were raised about vaccine safety resulted in a decrease in people receiving their vaccine. In late May 2021, a new campaign was launched to address vaccine hesitancy.

One Murrumbidgee region resident, Joy Bloodworth (75)

While it’s too early to tell the impact on vaccination

said she was pleased to be among the first to receive the

numbers, the video is receiving good reach on social

vaccine.

media.

36 | Annual Report 2020-2021

The numbers for 2020-2021 124

136,990

6

PPE items issued to

5

COVID-19 GP Respiratory

Commonwealth Vaccination

healthcare providers around

Clinics collected 20,935 tests

Centres have administered

the region

131

47

media engagements

private residential aged

(releases, media interviews)

care facilities achieved a vaccination rate of 95%

610,000 people across our

3,379

region

vaccinations

173

as at 30 June 2021

eNewsletters sent to GPs, pharmacy, aged care, allied

67

health and Local Health

general practices have

3

social media posts reaching

Advisory Committees

administered

We’re here for you; Testing;

13,051

Vaccination

vaccinations

marketing campaigns –

as at 30 June 2021

Final word

Images: Joy Bloodworth; Dr Koschel receiving her vaccination.

For Griffith’s MyPrac CEO, Keith Fletcher, the efforts of the

“There has been rapid change, and within that rapid

frontline healthcare workforce have been nothing short of

change, there was genuine fear. Staff across our practices

heroic.

have rallied in such a commendable way, and I think their

“We must acknowledge the role of staff in general practice and the effect that COVID-19 has had on them because I believe they have been inspirational,” Mr Fletcher said.

bravery in turning up to work, responding to the many changes, and doing their job in a really professional way has provided a pillar of strength for our community.”

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 37

In practice – flexibility key to navigating primary care support Despite the COVID-19 restrictions throughout the year, MPHN’s Primary Care Engagement Team was able to pivot and adapt work practices and support to general practice across the region.

This year has seen the development of a new Primary Care

At the foundation tier general practice support can include

Engagement Service Delivery Model to ensure MPHN has

immunisation, digital health, and workforce, while at the

a structured, efficient and effective approach to general

quality tier the practice can seek support in areas such

practice engagement. The model was developed in

as managing ‘at-risk’ patients, quality improvement, and

consultation with the region’s primary care providers.

continuing professional development.

MPHN’s Senior Manager Primary Care Engagement Andrew

“Practices engaged in the quality tier receive a quarterly

Heap said MPHN aims to strengthen and support general

Quality Improvement Benchmark report to assist identifying

practice teams to develop sustainable local services for

improvement areas and with 80 percent of practices in the

our regional and rural communities and the model allows

region sharing de-identified data on a monthly basis this

for unique engagement with all 89 general practices in the

supports data-driven decisions,” Mr Heap said.

region.

The innovation tier includes scholarships, research opportunities, communities of practice, targeted grant

“Not all practices are the same and the model

funding. In fact, this year saw the establishment of a

allows each practice the opportunity to have

community of practice with a monthly Practice Manager

tailored practice support to their needs and

Network meeting, and the launch of GP Innovation Grants.

at the levels they require, and this can lead

Grants were awarded to Lockhart Medical Practice, Riverina Family Medicine, St George Family Medical Centre and

to enhanced capacity and capability of the

Moama Health Clinic to establish innovative strategies

practice in a range of areas,” Mr Heap said.

aimed at reducing the impact of social distancing on the

“The model is based on three levels of service offerings with each focusing on practice quality and business success to deliver sustainable local services, and practices can engage

mental health and wellbeing of older people and those who are experiencing social isolation as a consequence of COVID-19.

FO TIER UN DA 1 TIO N

T QU IER 2 AL ITY

INN TIER OV 3 AT ION

with MPHN at any level of the model at any time.

Supporting innovation in general practice Scholarships, research support and funding, communities of practice, targeted grant funding

+

Supporting quality in general practice New models of care aimed at managing ‘at risk’ patients and reducing PPH rates, integration initiatives, quality improvement, health pathways, education, targeted and tailored practice visits, population health needs reports

Supporting foundations of general practice Accreditation, cancer screening, immunisation, digital health, MBS billing, MBS services, aged care, Indigenous health, after hours, incentive arrangements, workforce, templates and resources, population health needs reports

Image: Primary Care Engagement Service Delivery Model.

38 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Digital health READ MORE

Digital

technologies

in

healthcare

support

create

efficiencies and MPHN supported various initiatives including My Health Record, ePrescribing and eRequesting.

There was also the extension of telehealth grants to 20 practices for Health Direct Video Call.

the vision to improve health outcomes for the region’s communities.

“Planning for the development of our digital health strategy commenced with expressions of interest from general practice, Aboriginal health, pharmacy, allied health,

Ongoing and future digital health activities will be

medical specialists, and the community for representatives

supported by a Digital Health Strategy 2022 - 2025.

to form a Digital Health Working Group and guide the first

MPHN’s Digital Health Officer Dr Vimal Pasupathy said the

draft of the strategy,” Dr Pasupathy said.

strategy will help set MPHN’s agenda for digital health with

Continuing Professional Development READ MORE

COVID-19 restrictions limited in-person CPD events in

Practice event was attended by more than 60 general

the Murrumbidgee resulting in 41 virtual CPD events. A

practice staff across a session in four locations including

further 11 in person events were also held by MPHN and

Finley, Young, Wagga Wagga and Griffith in March 2021,”

collectively these were attended by 719 people with an

Ms Wrobel said.

attendance rate of 80 percent for in person events, and 36 percent for virtual events.

MPHN also hosted the Alcohol and Other Drugs (AOD) GP Education Program delivered by RACGP and ACRRM,

Key topics covered by all CPD events included infection

which was completed by 27 general practitioners. MPHN’s

control, wound care management, asthma, heart failure,

GP Liaison Dr Jonathan Ho said the training provides

palliative care, and immunisation. MPHN’s CPD events

resources and skill building opportunities for GPs to treat

Coordinator Edyta Wrobel said two major events were

drug and alcohol use.

able to be conducted in person.

“It now means we have more GPs across the region who

“The Antenatal Shared Care Workshop in May 2021 saw

are equipped to care for people living with AOD issues,”

38 general practitioners attend, and the Triage in General

Dr Ho said.

Seasonal planning and immunisations The annual Immunisation Update session was held in July

also assisted practices to establish their influenza and

2020 and was attended by 58 practice nurses. Since then

COVID-19 vaccination clinics,” Ms Warren said.

the recording has been viewed by a further 80 people.

Practices across the region were also supported with

MPHN’s Immunisation Support Officer Kate Warren said

region wide seasonal health campaigns including Winter

immunisation support this year has been varied and

Strategy to encourage influenza vaccination and hand

included assisting with the National COVID-19 Vaccination

hygiene to reduce the spread of germs; and the Asthma

Rollout.

Spring Thunderstorm campaign to support practices

“Supporting practices with their cold chain management and

increasing

our

Accredited

Nurse

Immunisers

in reviewing and updating Asthma Action Plans, and to encourage consumers to understand Asthma first aid.

across the region has been ongoing, and this year we

READ MORE

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 39

Workforce READ MORE

This year MPHN facilitated recruitment of 25 medical

in addition medical practitioners commencing. COVID-19

practitioners and welcomed 72 GP Registrars completing

and border closures impacted general practice recruitment

their training within the Murrumbidgee region. MPHN’s

which has created a challenge for everyone involved.”

Workforce Manager Alison Jansen said a collaborative approach across the profession was a key to this success.

“Collaboration and support between a number of agencies including Murrumbidgee Local

MPHN also supports University of Wollongong Graduate Medicine hosting medical students. MPHN’s Medical Student Coordinator Kelly Dal Broi said five students completed placements during the 2020/2021 financial year.

Health District, Rural Doctor’s Network, and

“Of the five students, two were placed in Leeton and three

GP Synergy has contributed to the workforce

in Griffith, and with many students arriving from locations

achievements,” Ms Jansen said.

“This year also saw several towns including Wagga Wagga

impacted by COVID-19, we worked together to implement suitable strategies to keep both students and the local community safe,” Ms Dal Broi said.

designated as Distribution Priority Areas, which resulted

Adjustable and adaptable support Even with the additional COVID-19 pressures the team remain the first point of call for the region’s primary healthcare providers.

“The primary healthcare workforce as a whole have been

well – it’s certainly a challenging role,” Mr Heap said.

“The flexibility and adaptability of the Primary Health Engagement team to the ever changing COVID-19 impacts is certainly appreciated by those they support.”

working so hard to keep our local communities safe and

CONGRATULATIONS TO

Dr Jan Reddy retired in December after 46 years of medical

Dr Sharon Hambly, Lakeside Medical, who celebrated

services to Culcairn and surrounding communities.

40 years of community medical services to Finley and surrounding communities.

40 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Congratulations

to our 2020 Primary Healthcare Award winners!

Each year MPHN recognises excellence in primary healthcare. 2020 was no different, aside from hosting a virtual awards ceremony.

In November MPHN hosted a virtual awards presentation

in the elderly and slowing down the common problems

to acknowledge the significant contribution of the region’s

associated with ageing,” Dr Culbert said.

primary healthcare professionals and initiatives, made even more relevant given the uncertain and rapidly-changing work environment of 2020.

Thirty-seven teenagers in the drought impacted community of Hay were the focus for the Giz a Break initiative and winner of the Innovation award for its four adventure

Adaptation was necessary for Berrigan Medical Centre’s

camps. Giz A Break’s Daniel Thomson said it was a real

practice nurse Lorraine Robertson, who found herself

privilege to facilitate the camps with the young adults who

without a GP. Lorraine’s tireless efforts to keep the

enjoyed a range of activities aimed at building resilience.

practice operational during the COVID-19 pandemic earned her the Outstanding Contribution to Leadership in Primary Healthcare award. Berrigan Local Health Advisory

“We had quite a few challenges along the way which we were able to negotiate as a team,” Mr Thomson said.

Committee (LHAC) Chair Tony Taylor said Ms Robertson was

Taking out the Murrumbidgee Community Grant of the

a worthy recipient of the award.

Year category, the ‘LHAC Chats’ initiative by Deniliquin

“We found ourselves in a very difficult position when our doctor, because of COVID-19, was restricted to Melbourne, and that’s when Lorraine really stepped into the breach,” he said.

LHAC used print advertising and social media posts to significantly increase local awareness of mental health services and how to access them. Chair of the Deniliquin LHAC Ms Liebenberg said community grant funding has allowed so many of the LHACs across the region to

Vitality Passport program took out the Promoting Healthy Living award. At the time MPHN Board Chair Dr Jodi Culbert applauded the achievements of the program.

undertake wonderful community projects.

“What is really exciting is to see how these initial projects are evolving into other projects through collaboration with

“An independent evaluation concluded Vitality Passport had

other groups in our community,” Ms Liebenberg said.

successfully achieved its goal of reducing or arresting frailty

Images: (top left) Giz a Break, (top right) Lorraine Robertson, (bottom) LHAC Chats Deniliquin.

OUTSTANDING CONTRIBUTION TO LEADERSHIP IN PRIMARY HEALTHCARE Winner: Lorraine Robertson

READ MORE

PROMOTING HEALTHY LIVING Winner: Vitality Passport Program Runner-up: QPR Community Gatekeepers initiative

READ MORE

coordinated by Wellways

INNOVATION Winner: Giz a Break Runner-up: Wagga Women’s Health Centre

READ MORE

MURRUMBIDGEE COMMUNITY GRANT OF THE YEAR Winner: LHAC Chats Deniliquin Finalist: Art Relief

READ MORE Annual Report 2020-2021 | 41

READ MORE

42 | Annual Report 2020-2021

INTEGRATION AND TRANSFORMATION – ONE HEALTH SYSTEM

One of the core roles of MPHN is service integration, and partnering with health services, providers, and the community to transform and integrate the system is key.

Equally important are all those other areas contributing to a person’s wellbeing linking between health and social care services. It doesn’t matter who funds what service, so long as people get access to care when needed.

At the core of One Health System is bringing together all the key organisations to identify and remove barriers with the aim of ensuring people don’t fall through cracks.

By doing this you are transforming the system, providing a seamless patient journey, and improving health outcomes.

IN THIS SECTION • Collaboration key to transform the health system • Local service and care integration through digital technologies

Image: Tell It Well storyteller Olivia Mullan.

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 43

Collaboration key to transforming the health system No one organisation or service can truly transform the health system without likeminded collaborators and partners whose vision is for better patient experiences and improved health outcomes.

Collaboration within the workplace isn’t new. But the notion

development since mid-2019, and includes information

of organisations working together through sharing ideas,

gathered from consultations with service providers and

pooling resources and skills, and partnering to achieve

community members.

shared goals is a strength in the Murrumbidgee region.

“Input from these consultations informed the four priority

MPHN Acting CEO said for regional and rural centres

areas of the regional plan, which are enhancing health

collaboration and partnerships between healthcare

literacy of the community; increasing the awareness of

organisations can identify gaps and solutions in the system.

health needs and services in the region; strengthening

“We know health resources and services can be limited for people living in regional and rural communities, and collaboration between health organisations, services and

service delivery and the responsiveness of services; and improving coordination and integration between service providers,” Ms Green said.

agencies is key to reduce service duplication, improve

Another joint plan launched in late 2020 was the

efficiencies and cost effectiveness and deliver better patient

Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Suicide Prevention and

outcomes,” Ms Redway said.

Alcohol and Other Drugs Regional Plan, which outlines

Joint plans and strategies To set the foundation for a one system approach, collaboration on region-wide planning and strategies, is necessary.

One example of this is Murrumbidgee Aboriginal Health Consortium’s three year plan to improve the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the Murrumbidgee Region.

Chair of the Consortium, which comprises MPHN, MLHD, Riverina Murray Regional Alliance, Viney Morgan Aboriginal Medical Service, Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service, and Riverina Aboriginal Medical and Dental Corporation, Melinda Green said the plan has been in

the commitment by MPHN and Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) to improving and strengthening coordination of services.

Senior Manager Mental Health Drug and Alcohol Anita McRae said MPHN worked with the MLHD and local stakeholders, including clinicians, people with lived experience, carers and community members to explore local issues, priorities and determine actions.

“The plan guides integration among services to support a more effective, person-centred service system, and helps ensure resources are targeted to best respond to local needs, and this integration starts the process of health system transformation that delivers better experiences and most importantly, recovery,” Ms McRae said.

READ MORE

READ MORE

44 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Involvement on alliances and consortiums Like the Murrumbidgee Aboriginal Health Consortium, the Murrumbidgee Mental Health, Alcohol and Other Drug Alliance, of which MPHN is a one of 17 member organisations and includes lived experience and carer representation, also strives to deliver better health experiences and outcomes for the region.

MPHN Alliance representative Anita McRae said the group collectively work on opportunities, gaps and solutions to further support people accessing mental health, drug and alcohol services within the region.

“The Alliance is well positioned to develop strategic and integrated approaches to meeting the needs and expectations of consumers across the region by building on existing relationships, initiatives and programs with the aim of improving health outcomes for people with mental health and drug and alcohol concerns, including families

consumers and carers the resource update would not have been possible.”

The

Murrumbidgee

Aged

Care

Consortium

also

collaborates to improve access to suitable health services for older people and their carers, and comprises of key stakeholders from health, social, community and education sectors.

MPHN’s Consortium representative Narelle Mills said collectively the member organisations aim to ensure cross sector linkages and service integration result in the best care and outcomes.

“Age inherently brings health complications, and the necessity to engage with a complex and unfamiliar health and aged care system can heighten stress,” Ms Mills said.

“By working together we aim to help alleviate the complexity of the system and ensure access to much needed services and support, providing positive experiences for both the older person and their carer as well as supporting our local aged care workforce; and this can only be a good thing.”

and carers,” Ms McRae said.

“An example of one Alliance project is the updating of the MapMyRecovery resource containing details of local support services and other useful information. Without the involvement and contribution of all Alliance agencies,

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 45

MPHN and MLHD partnerships This concept of reducing system complexities is key to the joint MPHN and MLHD collaboration on the Living Well, Your Way; a Collaborative Commissioning approach aiming to improve health outcomes for people living with a chronic disease, in particular Chronic Obstructive

To address the unique health and workforce challenges faced by small rural communities MPHN and MLHD partnered with Rural Doctors Network (RDN) to commence a Collaborative Care initiative in the Snowy Valleys Local Government Area “Challenges include the recruitment and retention of health practitioners, financial sustainability of health services, and continuity of care,” Ms Mills said.

Pulmonary Disease and Congestive Heart Failure.

“Collaborative Care works with local health

MPHN’s Acting Executive Integration and Partnerships

professionals and communities to create a

Narelle Mills said the three-year initiative will realign the system through development of a joined-up care pathway

primary healthcare access model meeting their

that engages and supports patients throughout their

needs. It does this by bringing communities

care journey and importantly ensures equity of access to

from neighbouring areas together to develop

services across the region “While MPHN and MLHD are partnering with the NSW

shared priorities and solutions, through a

Ministry of Health who has funded the initiative, broad

networked, multidisciplinary team.”

collaboration is critical in establishing the new pathways.

No doubt, MPHN’s strong partnerships and collaboration

This will involve consultation and co-design opportunities

efforts is helping transform the health system.

for the region’s service providers across health and social care systems, and people living with these conditions and their carers,” Ms Mills said.

We know there are finite resources across our care systems and we need to work together and collaborate to achieve the best outcomes for consumers and clinicians.”

Collaboration in action The 2019 Murrumbidgee Maternal and Child Health Strategy is being implemented as a joint initiative of MPHN and MLHD with development this year of the Enhancing Paediatrics in Primary Care Model to improve health outcomes for the region’s most vulnerable children.

In fact, the appointment of Dr Lahiru Amarasena in 2021 as a dedicated community paediatrician for the Murrumbidgee region, is a key component of the model.

“The strategy identified a need to increase expertise and READ MORE

confidence within primary care to assess and manage developmental and behavioural issues, particularly in the first 2000 days of a child’s life, and general practitioners can seek advice and guidance through this model to support their clinical practice” Dr Amarasena said.

“The project’s strength is the collaboration between care providers to design a fit for purpose model and I’m really be pleased to be contributing to bringing to life this new model of paediatric care in the community.”

46 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Images: Dr Lahiru, Maternal and Child Health Strategy.

Local service and care integration through digital technologies For a person receiving healthcare, digital technologies and platforms are key to integrating health systems to allow for people to seamlessly move between health services and achieve improved health outcomes.

When a person visits their general practitioner there is a

“It was pleasing to see general practitioners, pharmacists

level of expectation that information about their health

and patients really engaged to take on these new

records and relevant referral pathways are available at the

technologies and platforms, with both particularly useful

click of a button.

in providing patients with care via telehealth and to ensure

Senior Manager Primary Care Engagement, Andrew Heap

COVID-Safe practices were being met within practices.

said digital health is critical to health system integration.

“For a patient, access to health records,

“We know access to information helps supports all primary

prescriptions, referrals through platforms

health practitioners in caring for their patients,” Mr Heap said.

like My Health Record, ePrescribing and

“My Health Record has seen usage and cross-viewing of

eRequesting is health system integration at

information increasing across the region, which means

work. It can reduce the need for re-telling

uploaded documents are being viewed by other authorised

health stories, and improve efficiency and

organisations.”

MPHN’s Primary Care Engagement Team supports general

medicine safety.”

practice in digital health technologies, such as My Health

Linking and streamlining health information and patient

Record, and throughout the year worked to support

journeys can be supported through local referral pathways

ePrescribing and eRequesting to reduce paper prescriptions

accessible on Murrumbidgee HealthPathways.

and pathology referrals.

Dr Marietjie van Der Merwe, Clinical Lead for Murrumbidgee

“Both ePrescribing and eRequesting quickly gained

HealthPathways and local General Practitioner said the

momentum. ePrescribing allows a patient to request

platform demonstrates the importance of partnerships and

their prescription be issued digitally, and they take the

collaboration and how it leads to integration of systems and

digital prescription to the pharmacy for the script to be

better patient journeys.

filled. While eRequesting allows for electronic requests for

“Pathways are designed to be used at the point of care

pathology tests to be issued for a patient,” Mr Heap said.

to provide support in the assessment and management of clinical conditions, and can improve the quality and appropriateness of referrals within the local health system,” Dr van Der Merwe said.

As at 30 June 2021 there are 146 localised HealthPathways, and a total of 723 total users who have amassed more than 27,000 page views, 10,000 more than the previous financial year.

READ MORE

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 47

At the heart of all organisations are employees.

While COVID-19 restrictions and concerns presented various challenges, the resilient team endured. Guided by MPHN’s values of Work Together, Be Honest, Value Everyone, Learn from Others and Aim to Inspire, all employees deliver, and continue to deliver their work to the highest of standards.

Every day MPHN’s dedicated people strive to achieve and deliver the best possible work in an effort to bring the vision of Well People, Resilient Communities to life.

48 | Annual Report 2020-2021

OUR PEOPLE

IN THIS SECTION • Navigating a new normal for work • Celebrating years of service with MPHN • Staff Engagement Survey results

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 49

Images: MPHN’s Big Day In: bowling, values signing, and tennis; and Partners in Recovery farewell lunch.

NAVIGATING A NEW NORMAL FOR WORK This year saw MPHN consolidate remote working arrangements, implement a Human Resources Information System, and establish working groups to drive internal communications and the development of the Reconciliation Action Plan.

Despite the challenging year, MPHN employees continued

commitment signing, reinstatement of Lunch ‘n’ Learns,

to deliver high standards of work. In fact, the 2021

and commencement of ‘Getting to Know You’ videos.”

Employee Engagement Survey results show MPHN remains in a Culture of Success for the fourth time in a row.

Another key achievement was the implementation of ELMO, a Human Resources Information System aimed at

Acting CEO Julie Redway said the Employee Engagement

improving efficiencies and streamlining processes including

Survey is a useful tool for MPHN to identify strengths, and

on-boarding, induction, learning and development,

opportunities for improvement.

compliance, employee contracts, and performance

“Pleasingly, MPHN continues to be classed as being in a

management.

Culture of Success with staff reporting a strong sense of

Executive and HR Support Kristy Hawkins said ELMO’s

success and achievement, are positive and proactive, and

performance management tools have supported

optimistic about the organisation’s future,” Ms Redway said.

addressing feedback in the 2020 performance reviews.

“Staff continue to value the flexibility offered by the

“While we did have a system for performance reviews, there

organisation, and report feeling respected and engaged in

were differences in how performance was being recorded

meaningful work. I’m looking forward to working towards

and addressed between reviews,” Ms Hawkins said.

improvements in these areas and continue our success culture in an effort to make MPHN an even better place to work.”

“By utilising ELMO’s performance review module, staff have oversight and access to their key performance indicators and feedback from their regular check-ins and formal

Constructive feedback from the 2020 survey informed

reviews. To date the process and platform has been well

strategies to address concerns including the establishment

received.”

of the Internal Communications Working Group.

Staff also appreciated COVID-19 safe working environments

Group lead, Strategic Initiatives and Engagement Advisor

and remote working arrangements on a more permanent

Monica McInnes said it was pleasing to see results around

basis, both of which have been supported by MPHN’s Work

communication trending positively since the last survey.

Health and Safety Committee. At the commencement of the

“Our group has enthusiastically worked on activities aimed at improving cross-team communications and relationships, and fostering a positive team culture,” Ms McInnes said.

“Among the achievements of the group was the establishment of the Values Framework and values

50 | Annual Report 2020-2021

COVID-19 pandemic a remote working policy was enacted, and in 2021, longer term remote working commenced on a trial period.

“Feedback on remote working shows increased productivity and efficiencies, improved work life balance, and well connected teams,” Ms Hawkins said.

“A result of the success of the remote work arrangement success, and the nature of some positions who travel out of the office to fulfil their duties, it became clear

Celebrating years of Continuous service with mphn

the Howlong office was no longer required and was closed.”

Also finishing in 2021 were three key programs – LifeSpan, Empowering Our Communities and Partners in Recovery.

“I would like to thank and acknowledge those who worked in these three mental health programs for their dedication in delivering initiatives and activities to people in the Murrumbidgee region with respect, care and enthusiasm,” Acting CEO Julie Redway said.

Julie Redway

Kristy Hawkins

21 years

12 years

Toni Preuss

Andrew Heap

15 years

12 years

Narelle Mills

Daniel Hayes

13 years

10 years

Years of service includes employment with the various iterations of MPHN including Murrumbidgee Medicare Local and Divisions of General Practice.

They are traits of all employees, including members of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) Working Group, which was established in early 2021.

Aboriginal Health Strategy and Programs Manager and proud Yorta Yorta woman, Melinda Green said the team are diligently working towards the development of an Innovate RAP to drive MPHN’s contribution to

Staff engagement survey results

reconciliation both internally and within the region’s

73%

61%

relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait

of employees say MPHN is

employee engagement –

Islander people and non-Indigenous peoples for the

a truly great place to work

Culture of Success

85%

94%

and a workshop to start exploring what reconciliation

of employees are proud

of employees feel their

means to each employee. This information is being

of the successes and

manager is friendly

used to develop MPHN’s RAP vision.”

achievements of MPHN

communities.

“At its heart, reconciliation is about strengthening

benefit of all Australians,” Ms Green said.

“At the May 2021 Big Day In, employees started thinking about reconciliation with a presentation from Wiradjuri woman Associate Professor Faye McMillan

While the 2021 Big Day In was in person, the late 2020 development day was held virtually over a series of and leadership speaker Rachel Robertson. All Big

97%

91%

Day In sessions are facilitated and lead by the CEO

of employees feel MPHN

of employees agree MPHN

provides adequate

provides good physical

flexibility in work hours

conditions of employment

one-hour session, one of which featured motivational

Consultative Committee.

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 51

Clinical Council Members BORDER CLINICAL COUNCIL

WAGGA CLINCIL COUNCIL

WESTERN CLINICAL COUNCIL

Dr Alam Yoosuff

Carin Lewis

Belinda Guest

Dr Marion Magee

Dr Ayman Shenouda

Donna McLean

Dr Rachel James

Dr Jodi Culbert

Dr Bhupinder Kumar

Jeremy Carr

Dr Jonathan Ho

Dr Khaled Bardawil

Laura Ross

Dr Khalil Soniwala

Dr Damien Limberger

Lourene Liebenberg

Dr Rachael Fikkers

Dr Muhammad Shahzad Arshed

Kim Aylward

Dr Shahid Abbas

RIVERINA CLINICAL COUNCIL

Luke van der Rijt

Elizabeth Dixon

Brett Causer

Michael O’Reilly

Emma Kelly

Dr Daniel Fry

Nancy Kaur

Jessica Ammendolia

Dr Jacques Scholtz

Paul Colenso

Karen Ingram

Dr Nang Win

Sandra Skaf

Leanne Baulch

Dr Tom Douch

Tom Shumack

Leanne Kennedy Sandra Royal

Dr William Meagher Evan Feather Lee Francis Luke Peacock

Community Advisory Committee Members Beth Louise Lucas

John Moi

Peta Larsen

Dr Jodi Culbert

Julie Mecham

Rachel Marion

Felix Machiridza

Kristen Mann

Ruth White

Garth Hungerford

Lee Ncube

Stan Warren

Hilary Robinson

Margaret King

Sarah Day

John Harper

Michael Gooden

52 | Annual Report 2020-2021

COMMISSIONED SERVICE PROVIDERS Advance Care Planning Australia

Larter Consulting

Amaranth Foundation

Leeton Family Clinic

Back On Track Physiotherapy

Leeton Medical Practice

Bec-Lee Creating Dreams

Leeton Shire Council

Blamey Street Surgery

Lockhart Medical Practice

Bland Shire Council

Marathon Health

Bright Agency

MedCirc Medical Centre

Business Data Enterprise

MediCoach

Calvary Health Care Riverina

Moama Health Clinic

Carrathool Shire Council

Morgan Street Healthcare Clinic

CBT Institute

Multicultural Council of Wagga Wagga

Centacare South West NSW

Murray River Council

Charles Sturt University

Murrumbidgee Council

Community Options Australia Limited

Murrumbidgee Local Health District

Consumers Health Forum of Australia

Murrumbidgee Medical & Primary Care Centre

Coolamon Advisors

Narrandera Shire Council

Cootamundra Medical Centre

PA2Health

Corowa Medical Centre

Positive Living Skills

Directions Health Services

PricewaterhouseCoopers

Dr Ken Mackey

Procare

Dr Muhammad Shahzad Arshed

Rao Medical Centre

Dr Taghrid Samuel

Relationships Australia

Edward River Council

Riverina Family Medicine

Evohealth

Riverina Joint Organisation

Fuel Your Life

Riverina Medical & Dental Aboriginal Corporation

Gidget Foundation Australia

Shiloh Medical Practice

Glenrock Country Practice

Snowy Valleys Council

Grand Pacific Health

St George Family Medical Centre

Greater Hume Council

Sunflower House Incorporated

Griffith Aboriginal Medical Service

Swan Hill District Health

Griffith City Council

Tatton Medical Centre

Gundagai Medical Centre

The Benchmarque Group

Hammond Health

The Trustee for Sana Medical Services Trust

Hay Medical Centre

Trail Street Medical Centre

Hay Shire Council

Trinity Medical Centre

J Alster & M Alster

Tumbarumba Medical Practice

Junee Medical Centre

Wagga Wagga City Council

Karralika Programs Inc

Wagga Wagga Medical Centre

KBC Australia

Wagga Women’s Health Centre

Kincaid Medical & Dental Centre

Wellways Australia

Lakeside Medical Centre

Western Riverina Community College

Lambing Flat Enterprises

Young District Medical Centre

Annual Report 2020-2021 | 53

TREASURER’S REPORT

I am pleased to present the highlights of the 2020-21

us to date, Firsthealth is implementing plans in 2021-

financial report for Firsthealth limited.

22 and beyond to utilise these funds in an agile and

The Company’s major activity remains the conduct

community-led manner.

of MPHN under contract with the Australian

Please refer to the graphics on the next page which

Government Department of Health. The contract

show the sources and applications of the funding

requires that services be delivered through

received and effectively managed by the company

commissioned providers. The company also delivers

in deliverables to customers.

some health-related services directly and under separate contracts.

The company operates on a not-for-profit basis and is precluded from making any profit on government

Whilst revenue from funders increased by seven per

funded services. In 2020-21 the company made

cent overall from the previous year to $25.5 million,

a profit of $59,536 from management of its own

$7.4 million of this was held at hand to fund future

members’ funds.

services and not recognised as income. Conversely, $4.1 million of funding from previous years was pleasingly utilised towards the provision of services throughout the Murrumbidgee, resulting in a total recognised income in 2020-21 of $22.2m.

Full financial statements are available on the company’s website. I particularly draw your attention to Note 1 Basis of Preparation, Note 2 Summary of Significant Accounting Policies, and Note 3 Critical Accounting Estimates and Judgements.

At June 30 2021, the company held an additional $7.4 million in hand to fund future services, which has increased from the previous year. Whilst this increase has been driven by the significant challenges that the global pandemic has thrown at

54 | Annual Report 2020-2021

Paul Gianniotis

Revenue SOURCE

2020-2021

2019-2020

% CHANGE

$20,343,911.72

$22,879,045.00

-11%

$1,330,290.58

$516,809.00

157%

CLIENT FEES AND SERVICES

$309,629.85

$336,792.00

-8%

INTEREST EARNED

$134,976.28

$258,566.46

-48%

$84,448.13

$76,799.54

10%

$22,203,256.56

$24,068,012.00

-7%

AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH FUNDING (OTHER SOURCES)

OTHER INCOME TOTAL

1% INTEREST EARNED

6% FUNDING (OTHER SOURCES)

0% OTHER INCOME

1% CLIENT FEES AND SERVICES

2% GP PAYMENTS

1% OCCUPANCY COSTS

1% BOARD & COMMITTEE COSTS

7% OTHER

2% COMMUNICATIONS

21% EMPLOYMENT COSTS

92% AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT

0% MOTOR VEHICLE

65% CONTRACTORS

REVENUE

EXPENSES

EXPENSES SOURCE

2020-2021

2019-2020

% CHANGE

$14,488,062.10

$14,908,411.00

-3%

$4,753,119.22

$4,889,062.00

-3%

BOARD & COMMITTEE COSTS

$138,886.49

$152,716.00

-9%

GP PAYMENTS

$381,137.39

$388,846.00

-2%

OCCUPANCY COSTS

$324,321.80*

$267,014.00

21%

COMMUNICATIONS

$379,233.61

$493,838.22

-23%

$42,928.81

$74,338.00

-42%

$1,636,031.08

$2,797,204.46

-42%

$22,143,720.50

$23,971,429.68

-8%

$59,535.96

$96,582.32

CONTRACTORS EMPLOYMENT COSTS

MOTOR VEHICLE EXPENSES OTHER EXPENSES TOTAL

Profit or (loss)

*Classification change of Occupancy Costs to include all related costs (eg. utilities) that were classified as “Other expenses” in 2019-20.

www.mphn.org.au Tel 02 6923 3100 Fax 02 6931 7822 1/185 Morgan Street, Wagga Wagga NSW 2650