More quality carefor chronic disease

HEALTHY North Coast has announced a second round of Primary Care Impact Grants recipients to support high-quality care for people living with chronic and complex diseases across the region.

Thirteen grants with a total value of $679,564 have been awarded in NSW to general practices, Aboriginal Medical Services, allied health businesses and other providers.

Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler said chronic diseases were the leading cause of death and disability in Australia.

“We know that nearly 40 per cent of this burden could be prevented by early intervention and addressing risk factors,” Wheeler said.

“We’ve seen the real difference that local ideas can make through our first round of Primary Care Impact Grants.

“This second round will give even more providers across the North Coast the chance to test and scale practical solutions that improve care and make it easier for people to stay healthy.”

Multidisciplinary Team Care grants were awarded to PKG Medical Centre, in Tweed Heads ($74,750) and Total Health Pottsville – Integrating pharmacist-led medication reviews into the general practice setting ($75,000).

Chronic Disease Prevention Grants went to Ocean Shores Medical Centre ($25,000), Tweed Health For Everyone ($40,000), Banora Point Medical Centre ($24,674), and Keen Street Clinic in Lismore ($50,000).

“These are projects that directly respond to the needs of local communities,” Wheeler said.

“If you’re a local health provider with an innovative idea for chronic disease prevention and management in your community, I’d encourage you to register your interest for our future grant rounds.”

The $3.4m funding includes $1.8m through the MyMedicare Multidisciplinary Teams initiative and $1.6m through Primary Health Network program funding to support patients in high-risk populations.

More than $1.5m has been awarded through 31 grants to date, with future rounds still to come.

For more information on applying for future rounds, visit hnc.org.au.