Primary Health Networks (PHNs) have been established with the key objectives of increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of medical services for patients, particularly those at risk of poor health outcomes, and improving coordination of care to ensure patients receive the right care, in the right place, at the right time.
As part of this role, the Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) is focussed on improving the accessibility and effectiveness of primary health care after hours.
The after-hours period is before 8:00am and after 6:00pm weekdays; before 8:00am and after 12:00pm Saturdays; and all day Sundays and public holidays.
Larter Consulting has been engaged to undertake a literature review and consult widely with stakeholders and consumers, in order to develop a North Queensland after-hours strategy and implementation plan.
Why Strategy Implementation Matters for PHNs
Developing a strategy is only the first step toward improving healthcare outcomes. A well-designed PHN strategy implementation plan provides a clear roadmap for translating strategic priorities into practical actions, helping healthcare organisations coordinate resources, monitor progress, and respond to changing community needs.
Supporting Evidence-Based Health Service Planning
Successful implementation depends on understanding local health priorities, engaging stakeholders, and using evidence to guide decision-making. By combining strategic planning with community insights, organisations can improve service coordination and strengthen healthcare delivery across diverse populations.
We Would love to hear from you
We are particularly interested to hear from the following health service providers that work or live in Northern Queensland:
- General practitioners
- Hospital and Health Service representatives
- Pharmacists
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Community Controlled Health sector providers
- Residential aged care providers
- Peak and advocacy groups representing diverse consumers
For example:
- Do members of the community know what services are available to them, after hours?
- Is there a need for more after hours primary health care?
- How can we work together to ensure that community members make the best choices when seeking care after hours (e.g. ring an ambulance as necessary, seek primary healthcare, seek information)
- How can we best support providers to provide care or information to their patients after hours?
- Is after hours care culturally safe and linguistically appropriate to meet the needs of our diverse communities?
You can:
- Complete an online survey – surveymonkey.com/r/K967MWB
- Request a phone consultation
- Request a face-to-face consultation
- Email us
Key Contacts
This activity is supported by funding from Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) through the Australian Government’s PHN Program.
- Innovative models for after hours primary health care services https://larter.com.
au/innovative-models-for- after-hours/ - After hours primary care a sustainable model for Leongatha, Foster and Korumburra
- After hours services for residential aged care: Local system solutions needed https://larter.com.au/
after-hours-racf/
Turning Strategy into Measurable Outcomes
Implementation planning helps organisations move beyond high-level goals by establishing clear actions, responsibilities, and performance measures. This structured approach enables Primary Health Networks and healthcare organisations to adapt to changing needs while maintaining a focus on improving health outcomes for the communities they serve.
Conclusion
A successful PHN strategy implementation plan turns strategic priorities into practical actions that strengthen healthcare services and improve community outcomes. Through evidence-based planning, stakeholder collaboration, and ongoing evaluation, organisations can build sustainable health systems that respond effectively to local needs.
Frequently Asked Questions
A PHN strategy implementation plan outlines the actions, priorities, timelines, and responsibilities needed to deliver a Primary Health Network’s strategic objectives effectively.
Implementation planning ensures that healthcare strategies are translated into coordinated actions, helping organisations achieve measurable improvements in service delivery and health outcomes.
PHNs use implementation plans to coordinate initiatives, allocate resources, monitor progress, and respond to changing health priorities within their communities.
Successful implementation plans include clear objectives, stakeholder engagement, measurable outcomes, realistic timelines, and regular performance monitoring.
Healthcare consultants provide expertise in strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, governance, and evaluation, helping organisations deliver strategies that achieve lasting community impact.