Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) invited residents of Cootamundra and surrounding areas to have their say in April/May of this year by completing a survey or attending one of five community consultation sessions.
The survey provided insight into consumers’ experiences of accessing healthcare, their healthcare needs, and the types of health services they would like to see available in Cootamundra in the future.
MLHD Service Planning Manager, Jacqueline van der Neut said 866 survey responses were received, with a broad cross section of the community represented.
“We are so pleased to have had so many people from the local community get involved, including young people, and people from Aboriginal and other cultural backgrounds, so we capture a variety of views and needs within the local area,” Ms van der Neut said.
The project team has also engaged with a broad range of healthcare stakeholders including Cootamundra Health Service staff, social and aged care service providers, medical centres and other health organisations.
“We also have a local Partnership Reference Committee that has been providing input throughout the planning process. This group involves various stakeholders including members of the Local Health Advisory Committee, Council, community representatives as well as local service providers such as GPs, NSW Ambulance, and the Primary Health Network,” Ms van der Neut said.
MLHD Chief Executive, Jill Ludford said consultation with community members and stakeholder groups is an important part of developing a Health Service Plan that responds to community needs and concerns.
“A Health Service Plan outlines the health services required to reflect the community’s health needs into the future and makes recommendations about the best way to deliver these services,” Ms Ludford said.
“Communities play a critical role in the process of developing a Health Service Plan and we are delighted to see so many people getting involved. We thank everyone who took the time to fill out a survey or attend a consultation session.”
Now that the consultation process is complete the responses are being collated and considered, and a draft Health Service Plan will be produced.
“It will take a couple of months to finalise the draft plan, and when it is ready, we will once again be seeking the input of the community and stakeholders,” said Ms van der Neut.
The draft Plan will be on public display for a month, and the community will be invited to provide feedback.
The feedback will be assessed, consolidated and incorporated into the final Health Service Plan where feasible, and discussed with the Partnership Reference Committee prior to endorsement through the MLHD.
View updates on the plan's progress.