Culturally safe healthcare services are at the centre of a new vision set by Northern Territory PHN, following the release of our five-year strategy to improve the health and wellbeing of Territorians.
Under the Northern Territory PHN Strategic Plan 2024–29, we will deliver a range of measures to support a culturally safe, inclusive, person-centred and integrated healthcare system that helps Territorians thrive.
In his final year as a Director and as Chair of Northern Territory PHN, John Rawnsley says he is proud to deliver this plan on behalf of the organisation.
NT PHN Chief Executive Officer, Gill Yearsley, also welcomed the release of the plan.
“This is our ninth year of dedicated service in enhancing primary health care across the Northern Territory,” Ms Yearsley said.
“Our vision is clear—to build a sustainable, culturally aligned healthcare workforce, facilitate healthcare coordination and integration, and commission culturally safe healthcare services.”
Northern Territory PHN serves a population of over 247,000 people in an area covering almost 1.3 million square kilometres. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples comprise 30.8 per cent of the Northern Territory population, of whom 74.6 per cent live in remote or very remote areas.
Socioeconomic disadvantage is a common denominator for the leading cause of early death and hospitalisation in the Territory.
“We know that a health-in-all-connections approach to addressing health disparities is key to reducing health inequity,” Ms Yearsley said.
“As a healthcare professional, I also recognise the significance of person-centred care in improving health outcomes.”
The plan acknowledges the role of Northern Territory’s healthcare service providers as the cornerstone to achieving improved health outcomes.Â
“We stand beside primary and mental health service providers, and we recognise the invaluable contribution made by both our providers and our workforce,” Ms Yearsley said.
The release of the Strategic Plan follows extensive consultation with the community which culminated in a launch event on 27 May 2024 featuring keynote speakers, Larrakia Development Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mr Nigel Browne and Australian Indigenous Doctors’ Association President Dr Simone Raye.
Ms Yearsley says she is looking forward to working with our partners to deliver on the plan.
“I know that together we can achieve our vision to shape a healthier future for all Territorians.”
