This submission focuses on lessons learned from COVID-19 on the vital contribution of primary health care in preparing for and effectively responding to future pandemics. It highlights the role PHNs played in coordinating, commissioning and capacity building to support an integrated primary care response at a regional level, informed and supported by local knowledge, networks and partnerships.
It also identifies opportunities to anticipate and more effectively respond to future public health challenges through integrating, including, authorising and resourcing the role of PHNs in governance, planning, coordinating and commissioning arrangements as part of a ‘one-system’ approach.
