Northern Queensland PHN

30/04/2026

When Ana* travelled from her remote Cape York community to Cairns to give birth, pregnancy came with layers of challenges beyond medical care ❤️

This Our Region, Our People story shares how culturally safe social and emotional wellbeing support through Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan helped Ana navigate grief, trauma, and complex life pressures during her pregnancy - and why this kind of wraparound care matters for women who must leave home to give birth 👶🏾

The article highlights the impact of a program supported through NQPHN funding, and the difference it’s making for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families across the region.

Read the full story here ➡️https://nqphn.com.au/news/our-region-our-people-meet-mookai-rosie/

Mookai Rosie's SEWB team delivers integrated, trauma-informed support for First Nations women travelling to Cairns for maternity care

22/04/2026

💉 Immunisation Skills Workshop | Townsville – 9 May 2026

Build confidence in immunisation practice and vaccine conversations at this full‑day, practical workshop for general practice teams.

🎤 Featuring renowned Professor Julie Leask AO, national leader in vaccine communication, sharing practical strategies for navigating vaccine hesitancy with clarity, empathy, and cultural safety.

You’ll also gain:

✅ vaccine safety and AEFI updates
✅ hands‑on training in managing severe adverse events
✅ practical tools for everyday general practice

👩‍⚕️ This workshop is ideal for GPs, GP registrars, registered and enrolled nurses, nurse practitioners, vaccinating pharmacists, and aged care clinical staff.

Places are limited. Register now.

📅 Date: 9 May 2026
📍 Location: Townsville
⏰ Duration: Full day
👉 Registrations are now open - and close 3 May:
🔗 https://nqphn.com.au/events/immunisation-skills-workshop/

15/04/2026

We’re pleased to share that the Cairns Medicare Mental Health Centre officially opened this morning, led by the Hon Emma McBride MP and Matt Smith MP .

This new centre offers free mental health support for people in the Cairns community who may be feeling overwhelmed, distressed, or in need of early support. No referral or appointment is needed.

A big thank you to our partners, the Cairns community, our Lived Experience Advisory Group, and our valued colleagues who helped make this important service possible and who joined us to celebrate today.

🚶‍♂️ Free, Walk in support available
📍 267 Mulgrave Road, Bungalow
📞 (07) 3317 1750
👉🏽 Opening hours and more information: https://nqphn.com.au/community-programs/mental-health-and-alcohol-and-other-drugs/medicare-mental-health-centre/

Cairns and Hinterland Hospital and Health Service
Mind Australia

09/04/2026

✨ Introducing Quality Quest for general practices!

Its quality improvement made visible, consistent and easy.

Quality Quest is NQPHN’s new framework to support practices with practical, team‑based quality improvement aligned with PIP QI, accreditation, and local priorities.

With a 🆕 QI Hub and practice data dashboard, plus focused QI support, team challenges and upcoming Quality Quest Awards, it’s designed to meet practices where they are - without added burden.

👉 It's available now! To get involved, contact your Primary Care Engagement team member at pce@nqphn.com.au

Check out the new QI Hub here: https://nqphn.com.au/health-provider-hub/qi-hub/

08/04/2026

Workforce wellbeing is essential, and it looks different outside the city.

In Episode 8 of CAPACIT8, Matt Burrows, NQPHN Executive Director Health System Integration, and Tynan talk about supporting the mental health and wellbeing of teams working in remote and rural communities. They explore what workforce wellbeing really means, why creating space for vulnerability matters, and how a culture of care helps teams stay strong and sustainable.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/pWhK7ZKufws

02/04/2026

We understand that the current fuel supply challenges can create stress and uncertainty for individuals, families, and service providers across northern Queensland 💛

If you’re feeling worried or overwhelmed, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Support is available.

➡️ Resources and helplines:
https://www.medicarementalhealth.gov.au/phone-service

➡️ List of mental health services:
https://nqphn.com.au/emergency-management/respond/flood-and-cyclone-information

🚨 Please note, Northern Queensland PHN is not a crisis or emergency service. For urgent support, contact any of the services listed above. If you need immediate assistance, please call 000.

02/04/2026

Meet Dr Elizabeth Martin, a Cairns GP with more than 30 years’ experience and a passion for general practice, mentoring, and whole‑of-person care.

In our latest Health Workforce Spotlight, Dr Martin shares what she loves most about general practice, the importance of long‑term patient relationships, and a memorable moment that captures the resilience and resourcefulness of our region - including performing a skin excision by torchlight during a blackout

👉 Read her story here

A regular column that features our region’s health workforce and shines a light on their important work

02/04/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us in Townsville yesterday evening for the Townsville Public Health Unit 2026 Immunisation Update 💉

A big thank you to the Townsville Public Health Unit team for sharing the latest program updates, clinical insights, and practical guidance to support safe, evidence‑based immunisation delivery across northern Queensland.

🔎 Did you miss the update or want to build your confidence further?

📅 An 𝗜𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘀𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗸𝗶𝗹𝗹𝘀 𝗪𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗽 is being held in Townsville, in May.
This interactive, hands‑on workshop is designed for immunisation providers who want to strengthen:
✅ vaccine communication skills
✅ clinical decision‑making
✅ confidence managing complex scenarios and vaccine hesitancy.

👉 Find out more and register:
https://nqphn.com.au/events/immunisation-skills-workshop/

If you work in immunisation or know someone who does, feel free to share or tag them below 👇

01/04/2026

How do you show the real difference your work is making.

In Episode 7 of CAPACIT8, Janine Cox - NQPHN Executive Director Data and Digital, and Emele Tuinona talk about what impact really means and how to share it well.

They explore why reporting back matters, what to include beyond the numbers, and how honest reflection builds trust and credibility. The episode also includes a case study with Laura from , bringing impact reporting to life through a real world example.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/Yqz6zfXsh50

31/03/2026

🐰Cracks, breaks, bumps, and bruises can happen when you least egg-spect. The 𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰 is open over the Easter long weekend to help with those illnesses and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening.

The clinic provides timely care for things like:
🤒 minor infections
🦴 minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
🦠 urinary tract infections (UTIs)
🧫 sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
🩸 blood borne viruses (BBVs)
🩹 minor cuts
🕷️ insect bites and rashes
👁️ minor eye and ear problems
🤧 respiratory illness
🤢 gastroenteritis
🔥 mild burns & more

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide walk-in, bulk billed care and are open seven days a week (including weekends and public holidays).

𝗧𝗼𝘄𝗻𝘀𝘃𝗶𝗹𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰
🕒 Open 7 days, 8am - 10pm (including public holidays)
📍 86 Thuringowa Drive, Thuringowa Central
📞 (07) 4434 5090

🔗 Find out more: https://nqphn.com.au/community-programs/population-health/medicare-urgent-care-clinics-uccs/

💭 Remember, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are not a replacement for your GP. Always check in with your usual general practice clinic to see if they have availability before heading to the Urgent Care Clinic.

🚨 In an emergency, do not attend a Medicare UCC. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.

A patient’s regular GP should continue to be the first point of contact for non-emergency, routine, and preventative health care. Some GPs also offer same day appointments.

31/03/2026

🐰Cracks, breaks, bumps, and bruises can happen when you least egg-spect. The 𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰𝘀 are open over the Easter long weekend to help with those illnesses and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening.

The clinic provides timely care for things like:
🤒 minor infections
🦴 minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
🦠 urinary tract infections (UTIs)
🧫 sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
🩸 blood borne viruses (BBVs)
🩹 minor cuts
🕷️ insect bites and rashes
👁️ minor eye and ear problems
🤧 respiratory illness
🤢 gastroenteritis
🔥 mild burns & more

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide walk-in, bulk billed care and are open seven days a week (including weekends and public holidays).

𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰
🕒 Open 7 days, 8am - 8pm (including public holidays)
📍 7-11 Mount Milman Drive, Smithfield
📞 (07) 4033 9950

𝗖𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗻𝘀 𝗦𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰
🕒 Open weekdays 8am - 10pm
🕒 Open weekends and public holidays 9am - 6pm
📍 5b Walker Road, Edmonton
📞 (07) 4015 2987

🔗 Find out more: https://nqphn.com.au/community-programs/population-health/medicare-urgent-care-clinics-uccs/

💭 Remember, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are not a replacement for your GP. Always check in with your usual general practice clinic to see if they have availability before heading to the Urgent Care Clinic.

🚨 In an emergency, do not attend a Medicare UCC. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.

Cairns Urgent Care Clinic

A patient’s regular GP should continue to be the first point of contact for non-emergency, routine, and preventative health care. Some GPs also offer same day appointments.

30/03/2026

🐰Cracks, breaks, bumps, and bruises can happen when you least egg-spect. The Mackay Medicare Urgent Care Clinic is open over the Easter long weekend to help with those illnesses and injuries that are urgent, but not life-threatening.

The clinic provides timely care for things like:
🤒 minor infections
🦴 minor fractures, sprains, sports injuries and neck and back pain
🦠 urinary tract infections (UTIs)
🧫 sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
🩸 blood borne viruses (BBVs)
🩹 minor cuts
🕷️ insect bites and rashes
👁️ minor eye and ear problems
🤧 respiratory illness
🤢 gastroenteritis
🔥 mild burns & more

Medicare Urgent Care Clinics provide walk-in, bulk billed care and are open seven days a week (including weekends and public holidays).

𝗠𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝘆 𝗠𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗨𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗖𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗖𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗰
🕒 Open 7 days, 8am - 10pm (including public holidays)
📍 11-13 Peel Street, Mackay
📞 (07) 3167 8791

🔗 Find out more: https://nqphn.com.au/community-programs/population-health/medicare-urgent-care-clinics-uccs/

💭 Remember, Medicare Urgent Care Clinics are not a replacement for your GP. Always check in with your usual general practice clinic to see if they have availability before heading to the Urgent Care Clinic.

🚨 In an emergency, do not attend a Medicare UCC. Call triple zero (000) or go to your nearest emergency department.

A patient’s regular GP should continue to be the first point of contact for non-emergency, routine, and preventative health care. Some GPs also offer same day appointments.