Creating a National Allied Health Network
Susan Nancarrow1, Rob Curry, Robyn Fitzroy, John Petrozzi, Lauren Schneider 1Healthwork International | Southern Cross University, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
Abstract
This presentation will discuss a proposal to introduce a National Allied Health Network (NAHN) to improve health care access, outcomes and integration by increasing the allied health engagement in health care decision-making at a national level and within the footprint for each Primary Health Network (PHN) in Australia.
The proposed NAHN is a national federation of regional allied health networks (RAHNs) that build workforce capacity, provide advocacy and data for the allied health professions (AHPs) at a regional level, thereby supporting AHP workforce knowledge, planning and coordination.
A small number of multidisciplinary, locally based RAHNs already exist in Australia, including North Coast Allied Health Association; Central and Eastern Sydney Allied Health Network; Far North Queensland Allied Health Network (FNQ AHN); and the North Brisbane Allied Health Collaborative.
Most RAHNs are supported by their respective PHN, but rely on voluntary input from AHPs and others to achieve their goals. Independently, each RAHN can engage with patients and AHPs in their region, however their capacity is dependent on access to local resources, and their relationship with their PHN. None, individually, has a national voice.
Creation of a national network, through NAHNs creates opportunities for AHPs to coordinate and share resources, intelligence, and capture local workforce and needs data and benchmark nationally. The NAHN collective proposes to build on the strengths of the existing RAHNs to increase the national capacity to support local RAHNs, while creating a national voice for regional AHP issues.
Biography
Susan is an allied health professional, health services researcher, recovering academic and aspiring entrepreneur. She founded HealthWork International in 2021 to work with industry and the health professions to find new and innovative ways to shape the health workforce to better meet the needs of the 21st century.