NQ Primary health Netwok CEO, Ben Tooth, explains cancer centre federal funding cut

The North Queensland Primary Health Network CEO, Ben Tooth, has revealed that funding for the COUCH cancer centre, which will cease in June 2025, will be redirected to supporting general practice and allied health under a new strategy.

The North Queensland Primary Health Network CEO, Ben Tooth, has revealed that funding for the COUCH cancer centre, which will cease in June 2025, will be redirected to supporting general practice and allied health under a new strategy.

COUCH aims to improve the health and wellbeing of people living with cancer in Far North Queensland.

The COUCH Wellness Centre provides health, wellbeing, and lifestyle support for Far North Queenslanders diagnosed with cancer.

Mr Tooth said for five years, NQPHN has provided fixed-term funding to COUCH to support the delivery of cancer survivorship education, nursing support, and wellbeing programs.

“This funding assisted COUCH to establish their services, grow their programs, and implement sustainability solutions,” he said.

Athletes compete in the Cairns Ironman COUCH Charity Breakfast Fun Run 2023. Picture: Isaac McCarthy

Mr Tooth said NQPHN advised COUCH in December 2022 that its contract would conclude as part of our process to align all population health activities with the five-year Chronic Conditions Strategy, developed and released by NQPHN in 2022.

“At this time, COUCH was encouraged to search for other funding streams to strengthen the organisation’s sustainability, and NQPHN supported COUCH to explore alternative funding options.

“NQPHN also advised COUCH they could apply for future NQPHN tenders.”

The new strategy was developed to target NQPHN’s limited funding for chronic disease management towards the areas of greatest need and in accordance with national policies and strategies, Mr Tooth said.

“The Strategy focuses on funding early intervention and management in multidisciplinary primary care settings for identified priority population groups.

“NQPHN funding is now directed to supporting general practice and allied health with government reforms and aligning with broader policy agenda.”

Mr Tooth said the group was supportive of Champions of COUCH Christmas Appeal, which will help raise funds for their transition.

The Board of COUCH (Cairns Organisation United for Cancer Health) announced the appointment of new CEO, Wendy Hughes set to lead the organisation from 3 July. Photo: Supplied.

“NQPHN is proud to have been part of this journey and extends our best wishes as COUCH continues to strengthen its sustainability.

“NQPHN is currently working with COUCH regarding the current contract, which is due to end in June 2025.

“NQPHN and COUCH have had a positive and respectful working relationship since 2019, and we commend COUCH on the positive impact their services provide for North Queenslanders who are living with cancer.”

Originally published as NQ Primary health Netwok CEO, Ben Tooth, explains cancer centre federal funding cut