Chronic Diseases Network
What is the CDN?
The Chronic Diseases Network (CDN) is a consolidated group of people and organisations with an interest in reducing the rates of chronic diseases and their complications in the NT. The Network was set up in 1997 in response to the rising impact of chronic disease in the Northern Territory (NT) and its existence is a crucial enabling factor for the ongoing implementation of the Chronic Conditions Prevention and Management (CCPMS). The CDN encompasses a wide range of sectors and organisations in the NT and interstate and has in excess of 800 members within Australia.
The Department supports the Network by funding the position of CDN Coordinator and a Member Services Officer. The Coordinator's aim is to actively engage members of the CDN to work collaboratively and play a key role in the implementation and development of CCPMS. The CDN Coordinator and Member Services Officer are part of the Chronic Conditions Strategy Unit (CCSU) with the CDN Steering Committee providing guidance for the strategic direction of the Network and CCMPS.
The Aims, Products and Activities
The aim of the CDN is to support and facilitate amongst its members, an increase in:
- Communication
- Coordination
- Collaboration and
- Collective Memory
Some key products are:
The Chronicle
A quarterly publication with contributions from members. It provides information on NT and interstate projects, innovations and related activities in the field of Chronic Disease. Each edition has a theme with the last edition for the year is devoted to the proceedings of the Annual CDN Conference.
eCDNewsletter
This is a fortnightly email sent to all members electronically informing them of current issues, upcoming events and new research and reports of interest published by various stakeholders.
CDN Activities include:
Annual CDN Conference
The CDN Conference provides opportunities for stakeholders to come together to communicate, collaborate and network, and to promote their services and activities. Over the years, it has become a key event on NT health professional's calendars with participation from both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander presenters and delegates on the rise. It traditionally includes a major focus on challenges and innovations in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health.
Combined Network Meetings
The CDN, the CanNET Project, General Practice Network NT (GPNNT) and Cancer Council NT work in partnership to enable local/regionally based service providers to network with each other in accessing multiple services and/or information through a Combined Network Meeting where locally based training and development opportunities are made available. They are open to anyone who is interested including GPs, Allied Health, Aboriginal Health workers, Nurses Practice Managers, Workers, Chronic Disease staff and Community Workers.
