MLHD Acting Chief Executive Carla Bailey 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 Bailey said.
“Communities play a critical role in the process of developing a Health Services Plan and we will be providing a range of opportunities for people to be involved, including surveys and meetings with stakeholders and community members.”
A Partnership Reference Committee will be convened to provide local input throughout the planning process. This group will involve various stakeholders including members of the Local Health Advisory Committee, Council, community representatives and local service providers such as GP’s, NSW Ambulance and the Primary Health Network.
The project team will also engage with a broad range of healthcare stakeholders including Cootamundra Health Service staff, social and aged care service providers, medical centres and other health organisations.
Community workshops will be held on 26 and 27 April with all interested community members invited to attend. An online session will also be held on 3 May.
“We want as many people as possible within the local community to 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. Wide input is essential to develop a plan fit for the future,” Ms Bailey said.
Following the consultation process a draft Health Service Plan will be produced and placed on public display for one month for stakeholders to provide feedback. The feedback will be assessed, consolidated and incorporated into the final plan where feasible, and discussed with the Partnership Reference Committee prior to endorsement through MLHD.
How to have your say
Community Consultations Sessions will be held in person and online.
To complete the Community Survey or register for a Community Consultation Session go to the MLHD website or call Cootamundra Hospital on (02) 6942 0444.
The survey is open for five weeks from 5 April to 14 May 2023.
Paper copies of the survey will also be made available at Cootamundra Hospital reception and HealthOne.