From 1 July 2016, as directed from the Commonwealth Government, Primary Health Networks (PHNs) moved from delivering health services directly to the community, to delivering health services through a commissioning framework. Commissioning refers to the strategic purchasing, monitoring and evaluation of health and related services.
Commissioning decisions are informed by:
Population health analysis
Evidence review
Service mapping
SEMPHN’s commissioning cycle
As the figure below indicates, SEMPHN’s commissioning cycle involves five key stages.
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1. Assessing needs and priorities
The commissioning process begins with determining the needs and priorities of the SEMPHN catchment, which is informed by:
- an analysis of population health data
- review of literature and evidence
- service mapping and/or
- stakeholder consultation.
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2. Strategic planning and specifying services
Once the needs and priorities are identified, SEMPHN uses the data to determine the types of services to be commissioned, with a view of the proposed outcomes. The type of services to be commissioned will determine the approach to market and the target audience.
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3. Contracting and procurement
In this stage, SEMPHN approaches the market through a structured, measured approach.
SEMPHN advertises requests for tender or proposals via eProcure. Once registered, you must log in and create a password. You must login once every 12 months to continue to receive tender opportunity email notifications from eProcure.
eProcure outlines the scope, guidelines and assessment criteria that will be used to evaluate applications. The use of eProcure ensures that all services procured by SEMPHN have undergone a fair and transparent process.
Once the approach to market closes, in most cases, the application is assessed by an Evaluation Panel comprising of SEMPHN and external representatives with relevant expertise and knowledge in the industry. If necessary, shortlisted candidates are reviewed by the Evaluation Panel to determine the final outcome.
The successful applicants then participate in a contract negotiation process. SEMPHN works collaboratively with the preferred providers to develop a Contractor Project/Evaluation Plan that forms the basis of the contract between SEMPHN and the Provider.
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4. Monitoring and managing performance
The Contractor Project/Evaluation Plan indicates the anticipated outcomes of the commissioned services. SEMPHN works closely with the Provider(s) to identify performance indicators that will be used to measure the intended outputs and outcomes. Once the contract has been executed between SEMPHN and the Provider, the Provider needs to provide data/progress reports addressing the agreed outputs/outcomes at a frequency specified in the contract.
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5. Reviewing services
SEMPHN’s commissioning cycle ends with the review of the procured services to determine whether the anticipated outcomes/outputs have been achieved. The identified opportunities and challenges guide the procurement of future services.
Once registered, you need to login and create a password. You must login once every 12 months to continue to receive tender opportunity email notifications from eProcure.
For general questions about tenders, please email commissioning@semphn.org.au or call 1300 331 981, then select Option 2 (Commissioning and Tendering or Contract Management).
Please note: SEMPHN cannot provide individual information relating to specific tender/commissioning opportunities. All questions specific to a particular tender/commissioning opportunity must be asked through SEMPHN’s eProcure.
Contract management
SEMPHN uses Folio to manage all contracts to better support our providers.
Folio lets you:
- view checklists (reports) related to your current contracts
- upload reports, invoices, credentials and any other requirements or deliverables.
When your contract is executed, you will receive a welcome email with a link that’s active for 72 hours. Once you activate the link, you can change your password details and you’re set to go.
From time to time, dependent on your contract deliverables, you will receive email reminders to complete tasks in Folio.
Folio walkthroughs
Vendor onboarding and data management
SEMPHN uses eftsure for the set-up and management of vendor data.
The system is robust and recognised for protecting vendor payments against fraud and error to ensure payments are made to the intended recipient.
All vendors are required to provide this information, which is critical to conducting business and getting payment from SEMPHN.
As part of the onboarding process, you will receive a welcome email with a link to the eftsure portal asking you to register your details as a new vendor, including your:
- ABN
- company name
- address
- phone number
- bank account details.
- Other information/documents that may be required.
After you have registered your details you will receive an email with a reference number. You will then receive a call from an eftsure team member (usually within 24-48 hours) to verify that the details are correct. The team member will quote the reference number to verify it is eftsure calling on SEMPHN’s behalf. You will receive a confirmation email when your data has been verified.
If your details change you will need to contact accounts.semphn@semphn.org.au and we will send you an 'eftsure change request' link via email.
It is your responsibility to ensure your details are up to date. Please notify accounts.semphn@semphn.org.au immediately if your details change, or if you notice any discrepancies.
For eftsure technical support, phone: 1300 985 976.
For more information relating to Folio, email: folioHelp@semphn.org.au
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SEMPHN acknowledges the Bunurong and Wurundjeri peoples of the Kulin Nation, the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies in which we work. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present. We also acknowledge all First Nations peoples with whom we work. Sovereignty was never ceded!