CEO's reflections 2025-2026

As I reflect on 2025-26, I am proud of the way our people, partners and stakeholders have embraced change while remaining focused on what matters most: improving health outcomes and experiences for the communities we serve.

A defining achievement this year has been the continued design and development of EMPHN OneCare. While much of this work has occurred behind the scenes, it represents one of the most important strategic investments in our future. Through extensive consultation, co-design and planning, we have laid the foundations for a more integrated, connected and person-centred approach to care.

Stakeholder engagement shaped EMPHN OneCare from commencement. Since early 2025, 72 consumers took part in workshops and 55 completed surveys, while 99 provider representatives joined workshops to test the proposed approach and inform key design decisions.

EMPHN's Consumer and Community Council, Clinical and Practice Council and Aboriginal Consultative Council provided advice throughout. Provider scenario-testing workshops examined how the model could work in practice, and engagement with First Nations stakeholders, MPs and system partners added broader perspectives.

This input shaped the regional structure, the focus on priority populations, expectations for collaboration, approaches to access and navigation, and the outcomes OneCare will pursue. It also reinforced the need to maintain consumer choice, culturally safe care and continuity of services through the transition.

OneCare is more than a program of work. It is a long-term vision for how primary care, community services and our broader health system can work together to better support people, particularly those with complex needs. During the year we progressed critical design, governance and implementation planning activities that position EMPHN to lead and enable meaningful system reform across our region.

We have also continued to strengthen access to urgent care for our communities. During the year, two additional Urgent Care Clinics commenced operation, Lilydale and Diamond Creek & Surrounds bringing the total number of clinics across our region to eight. These services are providing local communities with timely access to care closer to home while helping reduce pressure on hospital emergency departments. The expansion of the network reflects the trust placed in EMPHN to work collaboratively with providers, government and health services to deliver practical solutions that improve patient access and outcomes.

In 2025–26, EMPHN continued to show how innovation can improve primary care. In November 2025, our Innovation Series event presented the progress of three flagship initiatives: CareSynergy, Clinical Insights and Link-me+. Each initiative was presented jointly by its EMPHN lead and a partner clinician. Showcasing how EMPHN works with general practice and hospital partners to deliver change that keeps consumers' needs at the centre of care.

Alongside these major initiatives, EMPHN continued to deliver on a broad portfolio of work that supported our strategic priorities and the health needs of our region. We strengthened partnerships across the health system, enhanced support for primary care providers, advanced digital and integrated care initiatives, and continued our commitment to quality improvement and population health planning.

Importantly, we have achieved these outcomes during a period of significant organisational growth and change. I would like to acknowledge the dedication, professionalism and commitment of EMPHN staff, our Board, Advisory Councils, commissioned providers, primary care partners, consumers, other PHNs we learn from and stakeholders. Their willingness to collaborate, innovate and remain focused on community impact has been central to everything we have accomplished.

As we look ahead, the foundations established this year position us strongly for the future. We enter the next chapter with confidence, guided by a clear strategic direction, strengthened partnerships and a shared commitment to transforming primary care and improving health outcomes for everyone in our community.

On behalf of EMPHN, thank you to all those who have contributed to this important work. I look forward to continuing the journey together.

Janine Wilson

CEO