In a little over ten years the Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District’s population is expected to increase by around 50,000 to almost 430,000 people with development being a significant driver for the rapid growth.
Nepean Blue Mountains Local Health District, Director Planning, Redevelopment and Strategic Office, Vanessa Clements
I see it as I look out my window. Cranes occupy the sky. Streets bustle with people.
How well we meet the challenges of a growing population and maximise the many opportunities relies on our ability to masterplan for the future.
At NBMLHD people are at the heart of everything we deliver, and with a population whose life expectancy is on the rise we need to consider the who, what, where and why of how people access our services.
Understanding the needs and views of our community is therefore essential and consultation plays a pivotal role in informing our planning activities.
Significant changes are coming to our region with an enormous amount of activity being driven by the new Western Sydney International airport. Construction is already underway there and at the neighbouring Sydney Science Park, where more than 200,000 jobs are expected to be created across a variety of sectors in the coming years. But what does that mean for health for our region?
As health planners for the District we need to keep a finger on the pulse of these changes to help better predict what clinical services are needed for our community and when they are needed most.
I am proud to say we are already doing this and are developing comprehensive plans which will adapt as our region grows.
In Penrith, Stage One of the Nepean Hospital Redevelopment has brought world class health care to our community. Designed in consultation with our consumers, patients, and staff the building is considered a shining beacon for those seeking high-quality health care. The development of the hospital continues with Stage Two construction underway ensuring services for the community remain current and future proof.
Further west in the Blue Mountains we are focused on a new clinical services plan to guide the future of community-based, outpatient and hospital services. While we are only beginning this journey, we are excited to walk alongside the community, hearing their thoughts and gaining their perspectives to help shape the direction of future health services in the region.
We have recently launched our Strategic Plan for 2023-2028 which is our roadmap for how we will serve our growing community and their health needs. The next five years will be an exciting time for our District as we look to uphold our commitment of together, achieving better health to help create meaningful change across the health system.
The work we do now, listening to our community and planning our health services, places us in good stead to shape our world of tomorrow - to become one of the top destinations for international clinicians and researchers, for collaboration and world class health care delivery.