Welcome to our dedicated hub for Primary Health Networks
PHNs are key stakeholders in the community healthcare setting. Established by the Australian government in 2015 as local not-for-profit health organisations, PHNs have a mandate to ensure people receive the right care in the right place at the right time. Operating as service commissioners and system integrators, improving access to primary care services for patients and improving the coordination of care is a focus of their activity.
Every PHN has a role to play in ensuring that its region’s health care system is equipped to meet the needs of those living with or at risk of developing an eating disorder. Joint regional planning and local solutions are critical to ensuring that people can access the care they need, as early in illness as possible and as close to home as possible
NEDC is committed to supporting PHNs to understand their role in the stepped system of care for eating disorders and to implement the National Eating Disorder Strategy within their region.
To find out more about NEDC's current projects and work alongside PHNs, please contact NEDC's Primary Health Lead.
E | info@nedc.com.au
NEDC's role with PHNs
NEDC is committed to supporting PHNs to understand their role in the stepped system of care and to implement the National Strategy within their region.
NEDC is funded by the Australian Government to support PHNs in the following areas:
- Building a system of care for eating disorders
- Making eating disorders core business
- Developing a capable health workforce
What can NEDC offer?
NEDC offers a comprehensive suite of resources, training opportunities, consultations, and ongoing support tailored for Primary Health Networks. Recognising that each PHN operates within a distinct region[HS1] , NEDC is committed to delivering solutions that align with local priorities, reflect community needs, and respectfully consider key population groups. Our approach is responsive, collaborative, and grounded in building meaningful partnerships.
Examples of how NEDC can support PHNs include:
- Providing bespoke updates to relevant HealthPathways
- Support with mapping of local services to support referral pathways
- Delivering a variety of trainings, including Identification and Response, Consideration of Eating Disorders in the IAR-DST, Using the Eating Disorder Medicare Item Numbers, and low intensity treatment modalities, such as Single Session Intervention and CBT-Guided Self Help.
How can my PHN engage with NEDC?
There are several ways for your PHN to engage with NEDC:
- To start a conversation about how NEDC can support your PHN, send an e-mail to info@nedc.com.au
- To assess how your PHN is currently aligned with the National Eating Disorder Strategy, and next steps, complete the Eating Disorder Quality Improvement Tool
- Visit our Workforce Development Hub and explore resources, e-learning modules and professional development opportunities.
- Sign up to 'NEDC PHN Connect'. A Bimonthly newsletter keeping PHN’s up to date with the eating disorder sector, important resources and upcoming trainings.
Alignment with key frameworks and strategies
NEDC’s collaboration with Primary Health Networks is strategically aligned not only with the National Eating Disorder Strategy but also with a range of broader health system frameworks and priorities. This integrated approach enhances the effectiveness and relevance of PHN engagement, reinforcing your role in delivering coordinated, high-quality care across mental health, population health, workforce development, and more.
These aligned strategies include:
- National PHN Allied Health in Primary Care Engagement Framework
- National Women's Health Strategy 2020-2030
- Vision 2030
- National Mental Health Workforce Strategy