2. Collaborate with colleagues

10. Interrelationships between the health and community service system

So that their health is effectively managed, a client can move between different levels of the health and community service system.

For example:

A GP can refer a client to a medical specialist, such as a cardiologist, for management of their health condition. This is an example of the relationship between primary and secondary health care.
A physiotherapist providing care to a client in a hospital can refer to a community physiotherapist to continue to the client’s care on discharge. This is an example of the relationship between tertiary and primary health care.
A community health practitioner can refer a client to other providers in the community including oral health, mental health services or community nursing. This is an example of the relationship with primary health care.

Other relationships that exist in Australia’s healthcare system include within Primary Healthcare Networks (PHN). PHN are independent organisations that are funded by the Australian Government to coordinate primary health care in their region. The role of PHNs is to assess and provide health care that meets the needs of their community.

Reference: Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care | What Primary Health Networks are, accessed 7/11/2024