SEEKING EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST
North Western Melbourne PHN
Primary Health Care Nursing Reference Group
Aim
Melbourne Primary Care Network (MPCN) operates the North Western Melbourne PHN (NWMPHN).
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.
Whilst primarily focused on improving population health outcomes the 31 PHNs across Australia will also work
with the primary healthcare sector to improve frontline services.
Collaborating with Local Hospital Networks to ensure better integration between primary and acute care
services will also be within the PHN remit.
PHNs formally began operations on 1 July 2015, taking over from the existing Medicare Locals which ceased
operations on the 30 June 2015.
Further detail of NWMPHN’s strategic intent and developing core competencies can be found in the 2014/2-17
MPCN Strategic Plan.
Background
The primary health care system is a complex area that requires all primary health care service providers to be
equipped and able to readily respond to political, environmental, social and technological changes.
NWMPHN acknowledges the vital role Primary Health Care Nurses play in ensuring optimal patient health
outcomes and business sustainability within their health service. NWMPHN would like the PHCN Reference
Group to drive and influence the strategic direction, content, focus and event calendar for our Primary Health
Care Nursing Support Program, delivered by the Primary Care Improvement Practice Support Team at
NWMPHN.
The PHCN Reference Group aims to have representation from within the NWMPHN catchment boundaries,
including but not limited to:
 General Practice;
 Maternal and Child Health Care within Local Government;
 Primary/ Secondary School;
 Aged Care;
 Allied Health;
 Royal District Nursing Service; and,
 Mental Health Service Nurses.
PHCN Reference Group roles and responsibilities
Participating in Reference Groups such as this one can help individuals become recognised as experts in their
practice and as ambassadors for best practice systems. This is a great opportunity to help drive positive
change within the NWMPHN community and to contribute towards positive and appropriate support for Primary
Health Care Nurses.
The role and responsibility of the PHCN Reference Group is:
 To act as a collective representative of Primary Health Care Nurses in the NWMPHN catchment area;
 To provide input on Primary Health Care Nurses training and education needs;
 To assist in driving a relevant continuing professional development agenda;
 To provide input on Primary Health Care Nursing resources;
 To provide feedback to NWMPHN regarding significant and topical issues for Primary Health Care
Nurses; and,
 To ensure program activities and plans are appropriate and targeted to local needs in the NWMPHN
region.
Meeting frequency
The Working Group will meet four times per financial year for the duration of one and a half to two hours on
each occasion.
Reporting
The outcomes of the Primary Health Care Nursing Reference Group will be reported back to NWMPHN
Director, Primary Care Practice and the Executive Director, Primary Care Improvement.
Resources relevant to PHCN will be distributed and made available by all members of the Practice Support
Team to provide to all services that have a Primary Health Care Nurse on staff.
Membership
The Primary Health Care Nurses Reference Group will consist of up to eight PHCN representatives, chosen
from the variable service environments identified in the Background section and from the NWMPHN catchment.
The Reference Group meetings will be chaired by NWMPHN’s Primary Health Care Nursing Program Officer
with meeting support provided by NWHPHN.
Agenda items will be called for and meeting papers sent out prior to the meetings.
How to apply
Please provide your Curriculum Vitae or a few paragraphs outlining your experience in Primary Health Care
Nursing, including the practice/ service you are currently working within.
Please include information that discusses your motivation to apply for a position on the Primary Health Care
Nurses Reference Group.
Applications for membership of the Primary Health Care Nurses Reference Group will close on Friday 20th
November 2015.
For further information or to submit your formal application, please contact Samantha Smorgon,
Samantha.smorgon@mpcn.org.au or call 9347 1188.
PHN - EOI PHCN Reference Group Oct15
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
Primary Health Care Nursing Reference Group
Application Information
Your Name
Your Title
Practice/ Facility Name
Phone
Email
Type of organisation:
General Practice
Residential Aged Care Facility
Allied Health/ Other
Number of staff in your
Practice
General Practitioners
Nurses
Administrative
Contact Details
What is your motivation
for applying for a
position on the Primary
Health Care Nursing
Reference Group?
PHN - EOI PHCN Reference Group Oct15