North Coast Collective presents a regional framework for change

The North Coast Collective presents

Using systems models and simulation to guide investments across the social determinants of health to reduce youth suicide.

Meet our BHAG (big hairy audacious goal) and its introduction to regional commissioning and our vision for the North Coast Collective.

Health Speak, the voice for health professionals on the North Coast, featured the North Coast Collective’s vision for healthcare.

In partnership with the University of Sydney, our systems dynamic modelling predicted the impact COVID-19 would have on suicide.

Collective & collaborative regional governance that recognises the importance of respect, trust and collaboration. Our regional governance is underpinned by transparency – we report to all funders as opposed to a state or national funder controlling the process.
An independent and experienced lead commissioner in Healthy North Coast (reduces perverse incentives to invest in their own ‘back pocket’).
A focus on population health and improving social determinants of health (in recognition of the critical role social determinants play in realising a change in long-term health outcomes).
Cross-sector approach with partners outside traditional health silos, such as Department of Education.
Shared investment to enable a local and system-wide focus, driven by population needs rather than existing services.

Massive and escalating spend in healthcare coupled with high health needs
Current approach to health funding has some perverse incentives to deliver on volume rather than outcomes (for example, ABF and MBS episodic payments)
Little involvement of consumers, carers, and those with lived experience in the current health system
Data and evidence not currently systematically applied to investments