Homegrown solutions, statewide change

The Gold Coast Primary Health Network (GCPHN) and the Queensland Injectors Health Network (QuIHN) have built a strong, practical partnership over the past decade, driving innovation and setting benchmarks for alcohol and other drug (AOD) services across Queensland.

QuIHN Senior Program Manager for Therapeutic Services Sean Hynes says the collaboration has always been about closing service gaps and reaching people where they are.

“It’s all about feet on the ground and making sure people have the very best possible access to AOD services, even after hours,” Mr Hynes said. 

QuIHN provides a broad suite of services, including overdose prevention, Hep C testing and treatment, therapeutic programs, and harm reduction initiatives, to support people with substance use and any co-occurring mental health concerns. 

A hallmark of the partnership has been pioneering models of care such as therapeutic interventions delivered in people’s homes and community spaces, and a two-year nurse practitioner led home detox trial jointly funded by GCPHN and QuIHN. 

“Some of these approaches, first developed on the Gold Coast, are now rolling out in other PHN regions across Queensland,” Mr Hynes said. 

The relationship with GCPHN has allowed QuIHN to better meet the needs of the northern Gold Coast corridor, where transport and other access barriers have historically limited people’s options. 

“When GCPHN was created 10 years ago, it gave a real local flavour to what we were doing. 

“Instead of dealing only at a national level, we were suddenly working with local people on local initiatives, and that made a real difference,” Mr Hynes said. 

The partnership is also characterised by close collaboration and open communication. 

“We meet regularly, at least every three months, and we know our reporting is going somewhere. 

‘We can pick up the phone any time and have a conversation; it’s a very practical, responsive relationship,” Mr Hynes said. 

He believes GCPHN has played a key role in enabling innovation. 

“GCPHN has always backed new ideas, and that’s allowed us to deliver services that really meet people where they’re at, including those with more complex needs,” Mr Hynes said. 

At the heart of QuIHN’s work is a client-centred approach that values the expertise of people with lived and living experience. 

“Our community is made up of diverse and dedicated individuals who share the goal of creating meaningful change. 

“The staff understand the challenges firsthand and provide flexible, non-judgmental and practical support,” Mr Hynes said.