A prestigious national health conference to be held in Cairns this weekend is set to inject three-quarters of a million dollars into the TNQ economy.

The second annual national Primary Health Network (myPHN) conference will attract more than 40 expert health speakers and around 400 delegates from across the nation.

This year marks the second in a row for Cairns to act as host city to the event, with Northern Queensland Primary Health Network Chairman Trent Twomey calling it a “coup”.

“After a sell-out inaugural event in 2016, myPHN will this year deliver a bigger and even better conference program to help prepare healthcare providers for the future,” Mr Twomey said.

Advance Cairns Chief Executive Officer Kevin Byrne said the two-day conference was great news for the Cairns economy.

“We estimate that this conference will bring approximately $750,000 into the Cairns economy through visiting intrastate and interstate delegates, with local tourism and hospitality businesses set to benefit greatly,” he said.

AN UNMISSABLE EVENT

The myPHN Conference will explore the ever-changing landscape of health across Australia, focusing on current health reforms, the future of digital health, and what they mean for healthcare providers and the wider community.

It offers primary health professionals the opportunity to work together in transforming health care for all Australians.

The conference is open to a wide range of health professionals, including GPs, pharmacists, dentists, nurses, Allied health professionals, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health workers, medical administrators, policy makers, medical educators, local government and community advocates, and medical allied health and nursing students.

Conference Chair, Professor Brian Dolan, will lead the interactive two-day program which also includes pre-conference workshops, myPHN networking events, and a Digital Health Breakfast.

Key streams include social determinants of health, partnerships in primary health, and digital and data innovation.

Mr Twomey said the conference will deliver unique opportunities for health providers to access keynote speakers addressing a wide range of key health issues.

“In one weekend, delegates will be able to get up to speed on crucial primary health topics by listening, engaging and connecting with fellow health industry professionals,” he said.

“myPHN Conference 2017 will address how we can work together to provide optimum service to patients through a series of purposeful workshops and presentations.

“The conference is all about working together to improve the patient journey, ensuring that patients receive the right care, at the right time, and in the right place.”

A LOFTY LINEUP

The conference will be officially opened by the Honourable Ken Wyatt MP, Federal Minister for Aged Care and Minister for Indigenous Health.

Some of the world-class speakers presenting at the conference include Professor Brian Dolan (Director at UK-based organisation Health Service 360 and expert in health systems reform), Michael Moore (CEO at Public Health Association of Australia) and Janet Quigley (Acting First Assistant Secretary, Department of Health).

Registrations for the event start at $75, a lower than average fee for an event of this stature.

“The low cost of the conference registration reflects how significantly NQPHN values health professionals and their teams’ time,” said Mr Twomey.

DETAILS
WHAT: The myPHN Conference 2017
WHEN: July 8-9
WHERE: Pullman Reef Hotel Casino
TICKETS: myphn.com.au for ticketing information