A program that is bringing ADHD care closer to home for children across northern NSW has been named a finalist in the 2026 NSW Health Awards.
Northern NSW Local Health District’s Child, Youth and Family Network is one of 45 finalists chosen from across the state in the 28th edition of the awards. Its ADHD Co-management Program is a finalist in the Transforming Patient Experience Award category, for working with the local primary health network to improve access to care.
Since February 2025, more than 650 children with stable ADHD have moved to GP-led care, with ongoing specialist oversight. The model builds on recent policy reform that allows GPs to prescribe ADHD medications, helping bring care closer to home while improving access and cultural safety.
A dedicated nurse coordinator, GP education, clinical pathways and decision-support tools help keep care consistent.
The shift has also freed up to 750 paediatric outpatient appointments each year for diagnostic assessment and complex care.
“ADHD is a burgeoning area of paediatric care, and I am so pleased to see the innovation and determined commitment of our team to get this project up and running recognised,” said Northern NSW Local Health District Chief Executive Tracey Maisey.
“By working closely with our partners at Healthy North Coast Primary Health Network, Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations and General Practitioners in the Northern Rivers, we have been able to not only ensure our patients get more timely access to the care they need, closer to home, but also free up our paediatricians to provide other specialist services.”
Luke Elias, Director of Primary Health Programs and Partnerships at Healthy North Coast, Sara Gloede, the Child, Youth and Family Network Strategy and Coordination Lead at the health district, and Dr James Hodges, Head of Department, Paediatrics at Grafton Base Hospital, are the finalists named for their work on the program.
“The ADHD shared care in children model is helping young people access the care they need sooner, while making better use of our specialist workforce,” Mr Elias said.
“By supporting GPs to take a greater role in ongoing ADHD care for patients, we are reducing pressure on paediatricians and helping ensure their expertise is available for people with more complex needs.”
“It’s a practical example of how strengthening primary care can improve access and deliver better outcomes for our communities.”
NSW Health Secretary Susan Pearce AM said she was extremely proud of all the finalists.
“The NSW Health Awards recognise the incredible work our staff and volunteers do every day to improve the health and wellbeing of the people of NSW,” Ms Pearce said.
The finalists and winners will be celebrated at the NSW Health Awards ceremony on Thursday, 29 October at the International Convention Centre in Sydney. It will be livestreamed on the NSW Health website at 6pm.
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