Celebrating a Year of Growth, Innovation, and Community Impact
The year 2024 marked a transformative year for FCD Health. Our unwavering commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, and community-led healthcare has driven progress across clinical governance, workforce capacity, financial sustainability, and digital health innovation. This year, we expanded critical services, deepened strategic partnerships, and laid the groundwork for our 2025–2027 Strategic Plan.
The FCD Health Ltd Annual Report 2024 provides a snapshot of the organisation’s achievements, challenges, and strategic developments over the past year. FCD Health is a leader in delivering multidisciplinary primary healthcare whilst building workforce capacity for health professionals across the Northern Territory.
Achieved full accreditation under national clinical safety standards, reinforcing our commitment to high-quality, patient-centred care.
Successfully launched extended hours across both clinics, increasing patient access during evenings and weekends.
Continued innovation in service delivery, including expanded telehealth, patient feedback systems, and digital infrastructure upgrades.
Delivered early detection and treatment for over 540 skin cancer cases through proactive screening in our Skin Clinic.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people comprised 17.5% of our total patient population in 2024, with all services underpinned by culturally safe care aligned with Closing the Gap objectives.
Strengthened cross-sector partnerships with NT Health, Flinders University, Charles Darwin University (CDU), and NGOs to advance education, service delivery, and community-based health research.
Supporting the training and education of 14 Medical Students and 3 GP registrars in training.
Maintained strong clinical leadership and delivered over 20 professional development programs, enhancing capability across all disciplines.
Financial sustainability with revenue growth, expanded services as well as improved risk and audit controls.
Message From the CEO and Board Chair
2024 was a defining year for FCD Health. We delivered services with excellence and set a strong foundation for long-term impact and growth. As Chair of the Board, I am immensely proud that the organisation upheld strong governance, drove innovation, and navigated a changing healthcare environment with integrity and foresight. This Annual Report highlights our achievements and the depth of our accountability to the people of the Northern Territory. The Board remains committed to its role as steward of strategy and good governance, ensuring that every decision strengthens access, equity, and sustainability. With our Strategic Plan now in place, we enter a new era with clarity, confidence, and collective purpose.
Dr Nige Gray
Board Chair
In 2024, FCD Health grew in both reach and impact, delivering over 70,000 appointments, launching extended hours services, enhancing digital infrastructure, and supporting the development of the Territory’s future healthcare workforce. This progress has been built on a foundation of meaningful trust—trust from our patients, partners, and team that we will always strive to do better, for individuals, families, and communities. From expanding urgent care to training tomorrow’s health leaders, our focus has remained consistent: providing quality care that is accessible, culturally safe, and future-focused. This report celebrates a year of resilience, renewal, and readiness. I thank our dedicated staff, Board, community partners, and patients. Together, we are partnering with Territorians for a healthier life, and our 2024 achievements provide a platform to launch ever more successful ventures.
Bernie Cummins
Chief Executive Officer
FCD Health Ltd is a not-for-profit primary healthcare organisation dedicated to delivering equitable, high-quality, and culturally inclusive care across the Northern Territory. With a strong presence in Palmerston and surrounding regions, we serve a diverse and growing population through integrated, multidisciplinary services. As a recognised leader in healthcare delivery, we are committed to closing the gap in health outcomes for First Nations peoples and improving access for rural and remote communities.
Our work is guided by the core values of H.E.A.L.T.H.—Holistic care, Excellence, Adaptability, Lifelong learning, Teamwork, and Health equity.
In addition to providing care, FCD Health is a formally recognised education and training partner of Flinders University and Charles Darwin University. We play a vital role in shaping the future healthcare workforce by offering clinical placements, preceptorship, and cultural safety training to student doctors, Paramedics, Nurses, Allied Health professionals, and GP Registrars.
We operate the Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic, which together form the cornerstone of timely, accessible care for thousands of Territorians each year. These sites also serve as clinical teaching environments, building long-term workforce capability and leadership across the NT. At FCD Health, we are more than a service provider—we are a partner in community wellbeing. Through collaboration, innovation, and culturally responsive care, we are working with Territorians to build a healthier future for all.
FCD Health is committed to strong governance and leadership, ensuring transparency, accountability, and excellence in service delivery. The governance framework comprises key leadership groups responsible for oversight, decision-making, and operational management.
Our Board is committed to providing equitable and growing high-quality healthcare while nurturing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
Board Chair
Taking up a position on the FCD Health Board in August 2023, Dr Gray has worked as a provider of primary health care services, education and supervision for more than three decades. His experience covers the Australian, UK and Canadian health care systems and includes participation on a range of health service Boards and committees. Dr Gray’s knowledge and expertise in the healthcare sector will see him make an invaluable contribution to the FCD Health Ltd Board.
Director
Professor Brand was appointed to the FCD Health Board in April 2023. Professor Brand teaches and researches corporate law and governance, whistleblowing, social licence to operate and foreign bribery at Flinders University in the College of Business, Government and Law. Professor Brand has significant experience as a director, including directorship of an ASX company (including sitting on its Audit & Risk Committee and Investment and is the new Chair of the FCD Health Board.
Director
Mr Rick Davies was appointed to the FCD Health Board in 2023. Holding the position of Vice-President Finance and Corporate, Charles Darwin University, Mr Davies has over 25 years’ experience in the financial field, including just under a decade as Executive Director Corporate and Chief Financial Officer at LaTrobe Community Health Centre. With his background in corporate services leadership in both the public and private sector including a Victorian Government Statutory Authority, Mr Davies is a welcome addition to the FCD Health Ltd Board.
Director
Professor Dominic Upton joined the FCD Health Board in February 2025, bringing extensive experience in health leadership, research, and education. As Pro Vice-Chancellor of the Faculty of Health at Charles Darwin University (CDU), he has led initiatives to address health workforce shortages in the Northern Territory, leading the introduction of new programs, most recently Physiotherapy, Audiology and Medicine. Professor Upton, a Health Psychologist and Fellow of the British Psychological Society is committed to improving health outcomes through evidence-based practice. Professor Upton’s leadership aligns with FCD Health’smission to provide high-quality, accessible healthcare to the community. His expertise will strengthen the Board’s capacity to respond to local health challenges and support innovative, patient-focused care for the Northern Territory.
Director
Professor Chris Baggoley was in the first cohort of the Flinders University School of Medicine, which commenced in 1974. Professor Baggoley came from Melbourne University, where he graduated with a degree in veterinary science. Professor Baggoley’s clinical career was in Emergency Medicine at Flinders Medical Centre, Ashford Community Hospital, and the Royal Adelaide Hospital. Later, Professor Baggoley became the Chief Medical Officer (CMO) for the South Australian Health Department, the Chief Executive of the Australian Commission on Safety and Quality in Health Care, and the CMO for the Australian Government. Professor Baggoley serves on several national boards and committees and is a member of the oversight committee for the WHO Emergency Programme. Professor Baggoley is a welcome addition to the FCD Health Board with a wealth of expertise across health systems.
FCDHealth’s Executive Team share a commitment to delivering high-quality, accessible healthcare. Our team is systems-focused and committed to excellence across the service.
Chief Executive Officer
RN, RM, GAICD, AFACHSM, Hon. Fellow Menzies
Bernie Cummins is the Chief Executive Officer of FCD Health, bringing over 35 years of expertise in healthcare and 22 years in executive leadership roles across health systems and operations. With experience spanning hospitals, health services, health departments, and primary care networks in multiple Australian states and territories, Bernie is recognised for her ability to lead cross-functional teams and drive transformational change.As CEO of FCD Health Ltd, Bernie combines her deep understanding of the healthcare system with a commitment to delivering exceptional patient outcomes. Bernie is a champion for accessible, multidisciplinary care and has led pivotal initiatives to expand health services, particularly for remote and underserved communities. Her strategic vision includes the creation of innovative training pathways that prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals to address the unique challenges of the Northern Territory.
Under Bernie’s leadership, FCD Health is setting new standards for culturally responsive, community-focused care while prioritising workforce sustainability and health equity. Her passion for advancing healthcare outcomes and fostering collaboration with professionals and system partners inspires confidence and progress. Bernie’s leadership is a driving force behind FCD Health’s mission to transform healthcare in the Northern Territory and beyond.
Director of Clinical Training and Governance
Chris joined our team in 2014, initially as a Specialist GP and Clinical Supervisor before taking up his current position in mid-2016. With extensive experience in teaching medical students and training general practice registrars, Chris provides vital input into our teaching and training programs as well as clinical oversight of our day to day operations.
Clinic Nurse Manager
Sushma Garbuja joined the FCD Health team in mid-2020 and has since become an invaluable member and leader of the nursing team at Palmerston GP Super Clinic and the Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic. Sushma’s dedication and leadership were particularly evident during the COVID-19 pandemic, where she tirelessly supported the community and proved herself as a natural leader and mentor. As the Clinic Nurse Manager, Sushma leads the nursing team with compassion, ensuring that every patient receives the highest quality care. Her commitment to excellence in healthcare and her ability to inspire her team make her an essential part of our executive team and the broader clinic community.
Executive Officer
Mads Polson is a committed leader in health administration, with extensive experience in advancing culturally safe and equitable healthcare services. As the Executive Officer of FCD Health, she is dedicated to strengthening healthcare systems that are responsive to the needs of our community and advocating to strengthen culturally responsive primary healthcare. With expertise in health policy, contracts, and service delivery, Mads champions the development of our workforce that leads and delivers healthcare in community-driven ways. She has played a pivotal role in shaping policies and programs prioritising cultural governance, workforce capacity building, and sustainable healthcare solutions.
Mads’ leadership is grounded in a commitment to self-determination and genuine partnerships, ensuring that healthcare services are not only accessible but also culturally safe and empowering for our community. Through her role, she continues to develop and drive initiatives that embed cultural integrity, improve health outcomes, and create lasting change.
FCD Health delivers holistic, patient-centred healthcare services through our flagship Palmerston GP Super Clinic (PGPSC) and Palmerston Medicare Urgent Care Clinic (PMUCC). These initiatives are supported by a skilled workforce and tailored programs for all Territorians, particularly those from vulnerable and remote populations.
In addition to delivering frontline care, FCD Health is a formally recognised education and clinical training partner of Flinders University and Charles Darwin University, supporting students across medicine, paramedicine, nursing, and allied health disciplines. Our organisation plays a crucial role in developing the Territory’s future healthcare workforce by offering high-quality clinical placements, cultural safety training, and supervision pathways. This dual role—both as a healthcare provider and a teaching organisation—positions FCD Health as a cornerstone of workforce development in the Northern Territory.
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The Palmerston GP Super Clinic regions, offering multidisciplinary, patient-centred services as a vital healthcare hub for the Palmerston and Greater Darwin regions, providing multidisciplinary, patient-centred care that is accessible, inclusive, and responsive to the needs of our growing community.
In 2024, the PGPSC delivered over 70,000 appointments and recorded a 5.44% increase in patient numbers compared to the previous year. These results reflect our expanded operating hours, now including Saturdays and Sundays, and our commitment to improving timely access to care.
Our integrated model brings together General Practitioners, nurses, allied health professionals, and administrative staff to provide wraparound care tailored to every stage of life. Services include:
In 2024, our Skin Clinic alone identified 547 melanomas, highlighting the vital role of early detection in long-term health outcomes.
With a strong focus on continuity of care, cultural safety, and digital health integration, PGPSC is more than a clinic — it is a centre of community wellbeing. Our services are backed by education, training, and workforce development, making PGPSC a critical site for student placements and clinical leadership development in the Territory.
We are proud to serve a diverse population, comprising 38% of patients under 16 years of age and 19% over the age of 65, as well as 17.4% who identify as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
Our patient-centred approach, extended hours, and inclusive care pathways reflect our mission to partner with Territorians for a healthier life.
The PMUCC provides timely, walk-in healthcare for urgent non-emergency medical needs. Conveniently located at the rear of the Palmerston GP Super Clinic, the PMUCC plays a critical role in reducing hospital burden by offering extended hours, 7 days a week, to patients across Greater Darwin and the broader Top End.
The clinics serve patients from across the Greater Darwin region and the broader Top End of the Northern Territory, providing a critical safety net for urgent healthcare needs. In 2024, 43% of patients were children under the age of 16, underscoring the importance of family-focused, accessible care.
In 2024, the PMUCC recorded a 25% increase in patient presentations from January to December. The average wait time was just 22 minutes, underscoring our commitment to prompt and accessible care.
Our multidisciplinary team treated a wide range of acute presentations, including minor injuries, infections, respiratory conditions, and gastric illnesses —with 92% of patients reporting they would have attended an Emergency Department if PMUCC care hadn’t been available. Notably, only 5% of patients required referral or transfer to hospital emergency departments, demonstrating the clinic’s ability to manage urgent cases effectively.
As a centre for both care and learning, PMUCC supported the education of future healthcare professionals through hands-on clinical training for Student Doctors and Student Paramedics in 2024. With all Medicare-eligible patients bulk-billed, PMUCC exemplifies accessible, culturally responsive, and high-impact care for our region.
FCD Health continues to build a robust, culturally safe health workforce. Through strategic partnerships with Flinders University and CDU, we deliver clinical placements, professional development, and leadership pathways.
In 2024, we delivered 20+ training programs, supporting both career progression and service quality.
This year’sachievements reflect our vision to build a resilient, inclusive, andfuture-ready health service that addresses the unique needs of the NorthernTerritory. Our key achievements include:
FCD Health remains firmly committed to embedding excellence across all aspects of clinical care. In 2024, we focused on integrating quality, safety, and service to ensure that every patient receives timely, evidence-based care. Through national accreditation, enhanced early intervention strategies, and extended clinic hours, we continued to deliver innovative, patient-centred models that improve outcomes and reduce long-term health burden across the Northern Territory.
In 2024, FCD Health proudly supported the clinical training and education of 14 medical students from Flinders University and 3 General Practice (GP) Registrars. These initiatives are crucial to developing a sustainable medical workforce tailored to the specific needs of the Northern Territory. This hands-on support fosters clinical capability, cultural safety, and long-term retention in our region. Seven of these students were provided scholarships by FCD Health to support their continued education and training.
FCD Health has implemented robust financial management practices and risk mitigation strategies to ensure long-term sustainability and operational efficiency. In 2024, the organisation achieved the following outcomes:
These initiatives have reinforced financial stability, enabling FCD Health to expand services and invest in innovative healthcare solutions while maintaining strong governance and compliance. Key risks mitigated included:
These initiatives supported sustainable growth, strong governance, and service expansion, including significant investments in digital health and infrastructure.
FCD Health has prioritised expanding digital health services and enhancing data governanceframeworks to improve patient accessibility, service efficiency, and cybersecurity.
Key achievements included:
These digital advancements positioned FCD Health as a modern, technology-enabled healthcare provider with a strong focus on patient access and safety.
At FCD Health, we believe the most effective healthcare is co-designed with the communities it serves. In 2024, we deepened our commitment to equity, cultural safety, and inclusion through expanded public health initiatives, stronger partnerships, and service innovation tailored to the needs of diverse populations.
Key achievements included:
These efforts have significantly improved access, promoted prevention, and elevated community trust. As a result, FCD Health continues to be recognised as a trusted, innovative, and community-driven leader in health across the Northern Territory.
FCD Health concluded 2024 in a financially stable position. Key achievements include:
While thin margins (<1%) highlight the need for cost efficiency and ongoing workforce optimisation, the overall outlook remains positive, with services stabilising and revenue diversification underway. More details can be found in our 2024 Audited Financial Statement below.
Discover how FCD Health is shaping the future of community healthcare in the Northern Territory. View our interactive Strategic Plan 2025–2027 and see the priorities guiding our next chapter.
View the Strategic Plan
