Governance

Firsthealth Limited, trading as Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN), is an independent membership organisation established under the Corporations Act as a Company Limited by guarantee. Membership of MPHN consists of practices and other incorporated organisations with the prime  purpose of delivering and/or supporting recognised primary healthcare services within the Murrumbidgee area.

Member’s rights include to:

  • Receive notices of, have a delegate attend, speak and vote at general meetings of the company

  • Participate in a call for poll

  • Elect up to seven (7) directors to the Board

  • Propose amendments to the constitution

  • Vote on amendments to the constitution

MPHN has a skills based Board of six (6) elected and three (3) appointed directors.

Board of Directors

Dr Jodi Culbert
(Chair)

Dr Culbert was a physiotherapist before returning to study as a GP In 2011. As well as being a busy clinician in her own General Practice, Dr Culbert is also committed to serving the broader medical and general Wagga Wagga community. She has particular clinical interests in musculoskeletal medicine, mental health and multidisciplinary preventative health. Dr Culbert also teaches medical students at the University of New South Wales and is passionate about showing the next generation of doctors how rewarding and enriching a career in rural general practice can be.

Paul Gianniotis
(Treasurer)

Paul is the director of a livestock equipment company, with a background in project management. Paul is passionate about addressing the challenges faced in delivering effective integrated health care to our significant region. He also has broad involvement in the local business and sporting communities.

Dr Alam Yoosuff
 

Alam is a rural GP from Finley NSW with particular interests in public health, palliative care and emergency medicine. Alam has been working as the principal GP at Finley Reginal Care and GP/VMO at Finley Hospital since 2008. He is passionate about providing better health outcomes to rural remote communities in the region.

Dr Jacques Scholtz

Jacques is a GP obstetrician in Cootamundra who’s also interested in family health and a strong voice for palliative care provision. He participates on MLHD and MPHN committees and is the principal/owner of a large general practice. He stands for equitable healthcare across all segments of society and works towards an integrated primary healthcare model.

Christine Howard

Christine is the Director of Charles Sturt University’s Three Rivers Department of Rural Health. With more than 30 years’ experience working in rural health, Christine has diverse executive health management and leadership experience. She is passionate about the Murrumbidgee region and improving rural health outcomes.

Rene Pennock

Rene is an experienced health sector consultant, who has worked extensively with allied health, nursing and medical professionals. Formerly the CEO of South Western Sydney Primary Health Network, Rene has qualifications in physiotherapy and gerontology, and is committed to improving the health of the communities he serves.

Peta Larsen

Peta, an Accredited Practicing Dietitian, and has held senior health management positions across acute, primary health and community settings providing leadership to health professionals. With a passion to improve health and wellbeing, Peta contributes to clinical quality and safety as a member of the LiveBetter Clinical Governance Committee and the LikeMind Wagga consortium.

Catherine Ryan

As Practice Manager of a rural, solo general practice in the Murrumbidgee, State President of Australian Association of Practice Management, and a Department of Health, Practice Management Advisory Group member, Catherine brings has a wealth of knowledge and experience in practice management and preventative health. She is an enthusiastic advocate for rural and remote healthcare, with a passion for innovative solutions to current workforce challenges.

 

Sophie Ryan

Sophie is a strong believer in equitable healthcare. Serving as CEO of Sony Foundation, Sophie has worked closely with hospitals, Government and corporates to fund projects which are delivering better health outcomes.  She also has a legal background and strong foundations in governance and strategic thinking. Sophie is passionate about improving access to services in the region and helping MPHN create sustainable health solutions for regional communities.

MPHN Members

A full list of MPHN members can be found by clicking on the link below.

Our Councils and Committees

MPHN has established four Clinical Councils and a Community Advisory Committee to assist in the identification of opportunities to improve primary healthcare across the Murrumbidgee. These committees are an important part of the MPHN governance infrastructure and play a significant role in supporting the delivery of best practice healthcare. They also provide advice about population health planning and the commissioning of services.

The clinicians and community representatives engaged on these committees bring varied experiences and insights to assist in improved understanding of health needs and to inform service planning and delivery.

 

Quality Management

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s management system has been certified to ISO 9001 by SAI Global.