From taking WA Primary Health Alliance (WAPHA) from “three people and a couple of boxes”, to being the largest, and, arguably, most innovative Primary Health Network operator in Australia, Learne Durrington has been a trailblazing CEO with an unwavering commitment to health equity.
As she prepares to embark on a new chapter of her life, with a focus on garden design, cycling and simply enjoying and being grateful for every single day, Learne took the time to sum up just some of her achievements and challenges of the last 10 years.
Common themes included the fragmented health care system, the rising cost of health care for both service users and providers, and the need to focus the PHN program’s efforts on areas that will make the most difference to health outcomes.
“We have come to crisply describe who it is we’re attempting to serve and the outcomes we’re trying to achieve,” Learne said.
But there is light at the end of the tunnel in joining up the health system, according to Learne, who shared her firm belief that progress is being made.
“The development of the National Health Reform agreement, which has a tripartite agreement with PHNs, the state and the Commonwealth, is an important step.”
“Primary care is vital to the health of the health system and PHNs have a role in helping providers become more adaptable to changing needs.”
“At WAPHA, we’ve worked hard to be a voice for primary care, and to focus on health navigation, care coordination and equity provision.”
“This is important work and it is work that will continue.”
Thank you, Learne, for your vision, leadership and dedication to improving the health outcomes of our under-served communities.
Read about WAPHA’s new CEO, Bernadette Kenny.