Our PHN

Brisbane South PHN is the local Primary Health Network (PHN) for the Brisbane south region. We work with health professionals and communities to understand our region's health and wellbeing needs and commission services that directly respond to these needs.  

Brisbane South PHN is an independent, not-for-profit organisation funded by the Australian Government. We are a key health system connector, integrator and innovator. We specialise in person-centred, place-based health system reform that delivers real-world results for the people and communities in our region. 

As local agents of change for the people in Brisbane’s south, we’re committed to:

• deeply understanding the health needs and service gaps in our region

• commissioning safe, equitable health services in response to people’s needs 

• improving health literacy and access to health services in our communities

• supporting general practitioners (GPs), pharmacists, nurses and other health workers and administrators in the primary health system

• partnering to deliver better health outcomes and experiences of care for all people.

What is a Primary Health Network (PHN)?

In 2015, the Commonwealth Department of Health (now the Department of Health and Aged Care) established Primary Health Networks (PHNs) with two key objectives: 

• Improve the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services, particularly for those most at risk of poor health outcomes.

• Better coordination of care so people receive the right care in the right place at the right time.

Brisbane South PHN is one of 31 regional PHNs established nationally to deliver an efficient and effective primary health care system for the people of Australia.

We partner to drive health innovation

Brisbane South PHN supports health system reform and actively addresses health inequities and inequalities for the people in our region by working closely together with:

• health care professionals

• health and community service providers

• local hospital networks 

• community organisations

• government departments

• local, state and federal government representatives

• universities and academics

• other intersecting public, private and not-for-profit organisations.

Through cultivating strong partnerships across each stakeholder group, we help coordinate a responsive, high-quality primary health system that meets the needs of our diverse region.

We commission and co-design health services 

Brisbane South PHN works with general practices, allied and community health service providers, and our community to identify health needs and service gaps. We then commission, co-design and co-create services and programs to address regional needs using locally informed, place-based frameworks for delivering models of care. Our work helps people access safe, equitable and timely health care where it’s most needed.

We monitor and analyse community health needs

Brisbane South PHN regularly assesses the health needs of our communities. Annually, we undertake a Health Needs Assessment (HNA) in partnership with Metro South Health, Children’s Health Queensland and Mater Health Services. Understanding health needs and service gaps is a critical foundation in our commissioning approach. The HNA enables us to identify the priorities for our diverse region and guide strategic decision-making.

Our vision and values

Better system, better health

Brisbane South PHN works to support the best possible health and wellbeing outcomes for every person in the Brisbane south region. We value:

Courage
We listen actively, communicate freely, engage respectfully in challenging conversations, embrace and lead change and pursue innovation with determination to achieve better health outcomes.

Integrity
We can be trusted to make decisions that are well-considered, supportive and fair. We lead by example, treat others as we would like to be treated, hold ourselves to the highest standards of ethical and honest behaviour, align our words and actions, and take full responsibility for those actions.

Purpose 
Our focus is to respond to challenges with meaningful actions that make a difference and improve health outcomes.

Respect
We respect who we are, who we work with, what we do and how we do it.

Synergy 
We value that the whole is greater than the sum of parts and believe that collaboration and cooperation towards common goals deliver better outcomes for all.

Our approach

• We put people at the heart of health care.

• We prioritise those with the greatest need.

• We value the strength of community.

• We learn, adapt and innovate.

• We partner to deliver meaningful change and sustainable results.