The Glen Innes Health Hub has officially opened its doors, with hundreds of appointments booked in its first month—a strong indication of the local demand for accessible, coordinated health services.
Located at 293 Grey Street, the Health Hub is the result of a community-led collaboration, developed under the Comprehensive Approach to Rural Engagement (CARE) Model—part of the Better Health for the Bush Framework. The initiative is being piloted by the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (HNECC PHN) and is one of two innovative models of care currently being trialled in regional Australia.
The Hub brings together a range of essential health services under one roof, including general practice, mental health support, rehabilitation, women’s health services, chronic disease management, and more. This integrated approach aims to reduce the need for residents to travel long distances to access the healthcare they need.
“We are pleased to see the Glen Innes community embrace the Health Hub,” said HNECC PHN Chief Executive Officer, Richard Nankervis. “Community input has been invaluable in shaping the services on offer and ensuring that they meet the health needs of the region.”
Mr Nankervis also emphasised the importance of continued community involvement: “We thank the community for allowing this new model of care to be piloted in Glen Innes. With ongoing community support, we hope to secure the longevity and growth of the Health Hub.”
Glen Innes was selected as a pilot site under the Australian Government’s Innovative Models of Care (IMOC) Program, following concerning statistics highlighting health disparities in rural areas. According to the Grattan Institute (2025), people living in rural communities—including Glen Innes—experience higher rates of chronic diseases such as arthritis, lung disease, and cancer, and are more likely to be hospitalised or die from preventable conditions. Yet, rural Australians often face limited access to GPs and other primary health services, resulting in delayed or missed preventative care and increased use of emergency services.
To address these challenges, HNECC PHN conducted extensive community consultations to understand the needs of the region. Feedback from residents directly informed the development of the Health Hub, ensuring the service was designed with the community, for the community.
Local health provider Rural Fit Pty Ltd was selected through a competitive tender process to operate the facility. With a strong understanding of rural health needs, the provider brings valuable expertise and a commitment to improving care access across the region.
The Glen Innes Health Hub is part of a four-year pilot that aims to demonstrate how multidisciplinary, community-informed services can deliver improved outcomes for regional Australians.
Bookings and Contact Information
Community members can book appointments or make enquiries through the following channels:
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In person: 293 Grey Street, Glen Innes
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Phone: (02) 6762 5544
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Online: www.gleninneshealthhub.com.au
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More info: thephn.com.au/community/glenhealthhub
