Enhancing Healthcare through Partnership—Benchmarque Group and Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN)

Benchmarque Group has been a trusted partner for Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), delivering comprehensive training programs to healthcare professionals across North Queensland. Our collaboration extends beyond course delivery, involving a shared commitment to improving healthcare outcomes, particularly for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. This case study highlights our partnership's success, from delivering specialised clinical training to developing a groundbreaking professional development conference.

Blood Collection and Cannulation Training

In partnership with NQPHN, Benchmarque Group provided training to more than 110 primary healthcare professionals across Cairns, Townsville, and Mackay. The courses—Perform Intravenous Cannulation and Iron Infusion and Perform Venous Blood Collection—upskilled health professionals in critical procedures essential to primary care. These hands-on sessions equipped nurses, enrolled nurses, and registered Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Practitioners with the skills needed to deliver accurate diagnostics, improve patient care, and reduce complications.

Our training programs were met with outstanding feedback from participants. Many professionals reported increased confidence in performing these procedures, thanks to our engaging facilitators and interactive approach. As John von Dadelszen, our Business Development and Partnerships Manager, noted, proper technique in blood collection and cannulation reduces patient risk and ensures diagnostic accuracy. This program showcases our ability to deliver high-impact training that directly improves healthcare outcomes.

For healthcare organizations seeking to upskill their teams, both courses are available for group bookings or public workshops, ensuring flexible learning solutions that meet specific workforce needs.

Professional Development Conference for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers

Beyond traditional training programs, our partnership with NQPHN includes the development of a two-day Professional Development Conference specifically designed for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers and Practitioners. This initiative underscores our mutual commitment to First Nations health, with a focus on empowering healthcare providers working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in Northern Queensland.

This in-person conference, held in Cairns, Mackay, and Townsville, provides participants with the opportunity to engage in learning sessions on essential topics such as childhood immunisation, paediatric health assessments, chronic kidney disease, and motivational interviewing. These sessions are designed to provide practical, actionable knowledge that supports better health outcomes for First Nations clients.

We are proud to support NQPHN in this important initiative, and there are still spots available for those looking to participate in these conferences. Interested individuals can register via the NQPHN Professional Development Conference page on our website.

Upskilling Clinicians in Paediatric Assessment

Another critical aspect of our partnership with NQPHN is the delivery of training focused on paediatric assessment, an area where primary care nurses can make a significant impact on the long-term health outcomes of children. Paediatric health and physical assessments are vital in ensuring early detection of health issues and guiding timely interventions, particularly during the critical first 2000 days of a child’s life.

The Paediatric Assessment Workshop, offered as a one-day, in-person program, equips healthcare professionals with the skills to:

• Conduct comprehensive health checks for both well and unwell children
• Engage in meaningful conversations with parents or caregivers
• Assess developmental milestones and escalate care when needed
• Identify and leverage local support networks for both mothers and providers

Aligned with the Children’s Health Queensland guidelines and the personal health record (Red Book), this workshop ensures that clinicians have the knowledge and skills to deliver quality care in line with national best practices. Workshops will be held in Cairns, Mackay, and Townsville, with expressions of interest now open.

A Collaborative Approach to Upskilling Healthcare Professionals

The partnership between Benchmarque Group and NQPHN exemplifies how collaboration can drive meaningful improvements in healthcare delivery. From equipping healthcare professionals with the technical skills required for blood collection and cannulation to developing culturally safe professional development opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health Workers & Health Practitioners, we remain committed to empowering the Northern Queensland healthcare workforce.

Our success with NQPHN underscores our ability to tailor our programs to meet the specific needs of healthcare organisations, particularly Primary Health Networks (PHNs). Whether it’s delivering high-quality, accredited training or co-creating professional development opportunities, Benchmarque Group is ready to support your organisation in delivering better healthcare outcomes.

We look forward to continuing our collaboration with NQPHN and invite other healthcare organisations to explore how Benchmarque Group can assist in upskilling your workforce. Together, we can enhance the skills of healthcare professionals and make a lasting difference in patient care.

For more information on our programs or to express interest in upcoming workshops, visit our website.