What are Primary Health Networks (PHNs)?

A primary health network (PHN) is an independent government-funded organisation that coordinates health services in a local area. 

Its objective is to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of health services, especially for disadvantaged groups, and improve the coordination of medical care across the local healthcare system.

The role of a PHN is to:

• assess the health needs of its local area
• support community health centres and hospitals
• support nurses, general practitioners (GPs), medical specialists and other health professions
• coordinate parts of the health system, for example, a hospital and a GP when a patient is discharged from hospital
• provide additional services, including:
  • support for primary care, such as general practitioners (GPs), and continuing education
  • after-hours services
  • mental health services
  • health promotion.

In Australia, there are 31 primary health networks (PHNs).