Recent News

The Western Queensland Primary Health Network (WQPHN) is delighted to announce the appointment of two new board directors, Rob Margetts and Catrina Felton-Busch. We also extend our congratulations to Sheryl Lawton on her re-appointment and bid farewell to Jason Warnock, whose contributions since the inception of WQPHN in 2018 have been invaluable.

The Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) has made a Serious Scarcity Substitution Instrument (SSSI) to help manage the discontinuation of Protaphane InnoLet (insulin isophane human).

Key points: 1. A case of locally acquired dengue has been identified in a Gold Coast resident who had travelled to Gladstone, Rockhampton and Cairns during their exposure period. Investigations are ongoing. 2. Cases of locally acquired dengue do occur sporadically in central and north Queensland. 3. Dengue also continues to be identified in returning overseas travellers, particularly from Indonesia. 4. Clinicians should be alert for signs and symptoms of dengue and organise testing, particularly in patients who have travelled to dengue endemic areas. 5. Mosquito numbers tend to increase at this time of year, particularly following heavy rainfall, increasing risk of all mosquito-borne diseases.

Key points: 1. Pertussis notifications in Queensland are continuing to increase, particularly in children aged 5-14 years (54% of all cases since 1 January 2024). 2. In Queensland, the rates of pertussis in 2024 are the highest ever recorded. 3. A significant increase in pertussis cases is being seen nationally, with highest number of cases in New South Wales and Queensland. 4. Clinicians should be alert for signs and symptoms of pertussis. Early detection and treatment can reduce the risk of transmission. 5. Babies who are too young to be vaccinated and unvaccinated infants and children are most at risk of severe disease. There have been 115 notifications in Queensland year-to-date in children under 6 months (1% of all cases). 6. Vaccination is the best prevention. Immunity wanes over time and boosters are required.

As mpox numbers increase, The Communicable Diseases Branch | Queensland Health will be issuing weekly updates published at the following link weekly until further notice.

Health Workforce Survey and Competition is now open!

WQPHN extends its heartfelt gratitude to Board Director Dallas Leon for his commitment and service to the Western Queensland region.

Mount Isa and surrounds - Community Consultation sessions to begin 2 September 2024

WQPHN proudly announces the launch of the Western Queensland First Nations Health Equity Statement. This landmark statement reflects WQPHN's commitment to addressing health disparities and ensuring that all individuals have access to high-quality healthcare.

Join the WQPHN Consumer Advisory Committee: Shape the future of healthcare services in Western Queensland

OzHelp Foundation Launches Support Program for Transport Workers in partnership with Western Queensland PHN

Tender now open WQPHN Universal After Care Service North West Queensland

Western Queensland Primary Healthy Network (WQPHN) endorses Australia’s first National Health and Climate Strategy, released in late 2023.

Tender now open WQPHN Universal Aftercare Service | South West Queensland and Central West Queensland