Founded in 2006, Healthdirect Australia is a government-owned, non-profit organization dedicated to giving Australians easy access to trustworthy health information and services. The Commonwealth and collaborating state and territory governments worked together to create it with the goal of streamlining health advice and assistance nationwide.
Daily+4 Health Services
Origins and Establishment
The inception of Healthdirect Australia traces back to February 2006 when the Council of Australian Governments (COAG) signed a Heads of Agreement to establish the National Health Call Centre Network (NHCCN). This initiative was designed to offer consistent and trustworthy health advice to Australians, regardless of their location. The NHCCN began delivering services in July 2007 under the national brand “healthdirect Australia,” accessible via the phone number 1800 022 222. In December 2012, reflecting its expanded services beyond telephone triage, the organisation adopted the trading name Healthdirect Australia, and in November 2015, it officially became Healthdirect Australia Limited .LinkedIn+2Wikipedia+2Aged Care Guide+2
Funding and Governance
Healthdirect Australia operates through a unique funding model that involves both the Commonwealth and participating state and territory governments. This joint funding approach ensures that the services provided are consistent and accessible across different jurisdictions. The organisation is governed by a board of directors appointed by its government shareholders, ensuring alignment with national health priorities and policies .Health Services Daily
Leadership
As of March 15, 2021, Bettina McMahon serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Healthdirect Australia. With a strong background in digital health, including previous roles at the Australian Digital Health Agency, McMahon brings extensive experience in delivering major reforms in complex regulatory and stakeholder environments .Health Voices+3THE ORG+3The Mandarin+3Pulse+IT+3Health Voices+3The Mandarin+3
Services and Impact
Since its establishment, Healthdirect Australia has evolved to offer a wide range of services, including:
- 24/7 Health Advice: Providing round-the-clock health information and advice via telephone and online platforms.
- National Health Services Directory: A comprehensive directory to help Australians find health services nearby.Research Data Australia
- Pregnancy, Birth and Baby Service: Offering support to families with children aged up to five years.Wikipedia+1Research Data Australia+1
- After-Hours GP Helpline: Connecting individuals with general practitioners during after-hours periods.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Healthdirect Australia played a pivotal role by operating the National Coronavirus Helpline, which has handled over four million calls, providing critical information and support to the public .