Local residents, consumers, community organisations and Blue Mountains Hospital staff recently participated in information sessions to help finalisea clinical services plan for future healthcare, including community-based, outpatient and hospital services.
NBMLHD Director of Planning, Redevelopment and Strategic Office Vanessa Clements says delivering safe and high-quality healthcare requires years of planning.
“A typical clinical services plan looks at least 10 years into the future and uses data projections such as population growth and age profiles to assess the health needs of a changing community. This ensures health care is delivered at the right time, in the right location,” says Vanessa.
“We began work on a Clinical Services Plan for the Blue Mountains back in 2018 holding consultation sessions with the community and stakeholders, however due to events including bushfires, floods and COVID-19 finalising the plan was unavoidably delayed.”
The latest consultations are helping to update the plan and account for the impact those significant events have had and will continue to have on healthcare. The recent information sessions have been a rewarding exercise that helps outline the strengths and opportunities to enhance and improve our current service offerings while looking towards the future.
“It’s been a most humbling experience listening to the feedback and personal stories of our consumers,” says Vanessa.
“Without doubt, everyone we have spoken to highlights the passion, consideration and commitment of our staff when it comes to delivering care.”
“We received particular praise for Blue Mountains Hospital departments including emergency, palliative care, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation and more, and this commitment to high-quality care will underpin our future planning process.”
