Northern Queensland PHN

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.

25/03/2026

Not all data is useful, but the right data makes all the difference.

In Episode 6 of CAPACIT8, Janine Cox - NQPHN Executive Director Data and Digital, and Amy Foulkes talk about collecting evaluation data that actually matters. They explore how to capture the right information, choose practical systems and methods, and use data strategically to clearly show the impact your projects and programs are making.

Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/4EeGpZOSXpQ

23/03/2026

🙌 We would like to sincerely thank our partners, members, health providers and services, and our staff who have responded to the recent severe Tropical Cyclone Narelle in northern Queensland.

Collaborations with the Local and District Disaster Management Groups, Councils, Hospital and Health Services, and other peak bodies and government agencies, have been crucial in helping to provide the support and assistance needed – and still are.

There are still wet weather warnings in place for our region:

1. Stay safe: If it’s flooded, forget it. Stay up to date via your local disaster dashboards.

2. Stay informed: Keep an eye on health alerts from the Hospital and Health Service in your region and your local GP.

3. Look after yourself (and loved ones): If you need mental health support, visit https://nqphn.com.au/emergency-management/respond/flood-and-cyclone-information

The efforts of all involved are a testament to the strength and dedication of our community ❤️ Thank you.

23/03/2026

Request for Information (RFI) – Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) solutions

📢 Calling GRC solution providers

Northern Queensland Primary Health Network is inviting market input via a Request for Information (RFI) to better understand available Governance, Risk and Compliance (GRC) solutions.

This is a non-binding, non-competitive process focused on learning about:

✔️ GRC functionality
✔️ Security and hosting approaches
✔️ Integration and implementation models.

No pricing. No scoring. No preferred supplier selection.

Responses will be reviewed at a deidentified, market wide level to inform future planning only.

Read more here ▶️ https://nqphn.com.au/news/nqphn-invites-market-input-on-governance-risk-and-compliance-grc-solutions

📅 RFI closes: 17 April 2026 at 2.00pm (AEST), 3.00pm (AEDT)

🔗 View full details and submit via the registered procurement portal: https://nqphn.etenderbox.com.au/Supplier/Home.aspx

20/03/2026

💚 Mental health and wellbeing support is available for people across northern Queensland, including those impacted by recent cyclone and weather events.

Looking after your mental health and wellbeing is important, and support is available 24/7. If you or someone you know has been affected, help 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.

19/03/2026

💙 Our thoughts are with communities and health services across northern Queensland.

As conditions change, we encourage everyone to stay informed through official disaster dashboards and local authorities, and taking the steps to prepare if needed.

Northern Queensland PHN is supporting our primary care providers and partners, and will continue to share verified information as it becomes available.

𝗨𝗦𝗘𝗙𝗨𝗟 𝗟𝗜𝗡𝗞𝗦

🚨 Health workforce can visit the NQPHN emergency management web page for useful resources: https://nqphn.com.au/emergency-management/

💻 Residents can visit http://getready.qld.gov.au/ for more information on what to do before, during, and after a disaster.

📢 Visit local disaster dashboards and subscribe to local council SMS alerts to receive the latest information: https://www.qld.gov.au/community/disasters-emergencies/disasters/resources-translations/local-government-disaster-dashboards

👐 If you need mental health help, go to: https://nqphn.com.au/emergency-management/respond/flood-and-cyclone-information/ -services

🌀 Keep up to date with all the latest weather updates: www.bom.gov.au

Remember: If it's flooded, forget it!