Supporting the growth of allied health in the NT
A new career, a new home and a whole lot of adventure. For Darwin speech pathologist Nicole, moving to the Northern Territory has been an…
Northern Territory Primary Health Network (NT PHN) is proud to announce the launch of its new Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Program, a major step forward in improving access to essential Allied Health care for eligible clients in Darwin and Alice Springs.
Designed to support individuals living with cardiac conditions, pulmonary disease or diabetes, the MDT Program will cover gap fees for Allied Health services, ensuring clients can access the support they need without financial barriers.
By funding coordinated, team-based care, the program will connect clients to a range of Allied Health professionals such as physiotherapists, dietitians, podiatry, diabetes education, occupational therapy, psychology and exercise physiologists, to improve the management of chronic conditions and deliver better primary healthcare outcomes.
“The MDT Program reflects our commitment to ensuring people in the Territory have access to high-quality, comprehensive care that meets their needs and circumstances,” said NT PHN CEO, Paul Connolly.
“By reducing the financial burden of accessing care and fostering a more connected primary healthcare system, we can help Territorians manage chronic conditions more effectively and live healthier lives.”
The MDT Program is a new Commonwealth Government funded initiative through the Department of Health, Disability and Ageing being delivered by NT PHN. It is designed to enhance patient care by integrating health professionals from various disciplines to work collaboratively in primary healthcare settings.
To be eligible for the program, the patient must:
- Hold a current Health Care Card, Low Income Health Care Card, Pension Card or meet other specified financial hardship criteria
- Have a GP Management Plan or Team Care Arrangement
- Live in the Darwin or Alice Springs regions and be eligible for Medicare-funded services
- Have diabetes, pulmonary disease and/or coronary disease
- Have been hospitalised for their condition in the past 24 months.
The program is expected to launch in July with engagement currently being undertaken with GPs and practices, Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations, Allied Health service providers and NT Health services on referral pathways.
