51.8%

Of eligible people were up to date with cervical screening in 2026, increasing from 38.6% in 2024

652

People received low-dose CT scans through the new National Lung Cancer Screening Program between July and December 2025

General practices received funding to extend after-hours care during the 2026 influenza season

General practice support and workforce

General practice is at the heart of primary healthcare across the Murrumbidgee. During 2025-2026, MPHN worked alongside practices and their teams to build workforce capability, support prevention and early intervention, and help services respond to changing community needs.

This work ranged from supporting influenza vaccination and extending after-hours care during the flu season to strengthening cancer screening and recognising the critical contribution of primary health care nurses.

Across these programs, the emphasis was practical: equipping practices with current information and resources, supporting workforce capability and helping more people access timely care closer to home.

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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.

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.

General practice support and workforce

Aged care and integration