Making digital health work in practice
Digital health has the potential to make healthcare more connected and efficient – but technology delivers benefits only when healthcare providers can use it with confidence. During 2025-2026, MPHN continued to focus on helping practices and providers translate national digital health initiatives into practical improvements in everyday care.
Building a stronger GP workforce pipeline
In 2025-2026, the General Practice Workforce Planning and Prioritisation (WPP) program strengthened MPHN’s capacity to identify areas of GP workforce need and work with training partners to support a pipeline into those communities.
Supporting general practice through national reforms
General practices across the Murrumbidgee region navigated significant national primary care reform during 2025-2026, requiring changes to everything from business models and funding arrangements to clinical workflows and the way patients access care.
Preparing practices for flu season
Annual influenza vaccination is recommended for everyone aged six months and over, unless contraindicated, with free vaccines available through the National Immunisation Program for people at higher risk. With influenza vaccination advice updated each year, ensuring providers have timely access to current clinical information is an important part of supporting safe and effective immunisation.
Strengthening cancer screening across the Murrumbidgee
With cancer incidence rising across the Murrumbidgee, improving participation in screening and supporting earlier detection remain important priorities for MPHN. Throughout 2025-2026, MPHN worked with general practices and partners to strengthen participation across bowel, cervical and breast cancer screening programs, while supporting preparations and early implementation of the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program.
Extending care through the flu season
MPHN supported general practices to increase access to care during the 2026 flu season. Through the After Hours Flu Season Grants, practices and Aboriginal Medical Services received funding to extend existing after-hours services or introduce additional after-hours consultations during May and June.
Care that comes to the bedside
For residents of Uralba Hostel in Gundagai, accessing specialist care may no longer require leaving the comfort and familiarity of home. In May 2026, five residents received individual speech therapy consultations via telehealth, delivered directly to their rooms using purpose-designed mobile equipment funded by MPHN.
Celebrating the nurses at the heart of primary care
Across the Murrumbidgee, primary health care nurses play a vital role in keeping people well and connecting them with timely, accessible care close to home. On Primary Health Care Nurses Day in February, MPHN celebrated nurses from across the region and recognised the skill, professionalism and commitment they bring to their communities every day.