Health a Priority for NEWROC

LOCAL FORUM IDENTIFIES HEALTH PRIORITIES

Over 50 local leaders and health professionals gathered in Trayning on Friday 20 September 2019 to discuss current and future health service delivery, the first of its kind in the region.

WALGA, in partnership with the North Eastern Wheatbelt Regional Organisation of Councils (NEWROC), hosted the Wheatbelt Regional Health Services Forum with representatives from state and local government, private practice, volunteer and not for profit organisations.

“The focus of the day was to discuss local challenges in health service delivery and to develop solutions to these” Cr Davies, NEWROC Chair and Shire of Wyalkatchem President said.

Representatives travelled from Dalwallinu, Southern Cross, Merredin, Narembeen, Cunderdin and across the NEWROC Councils to listen to presentations regarding primary and allied health, aged care, emergency services and private practice. Also in attendance were Hon Mia Davies MLA and Hon Martin Aldridge MLC.

“Attendees had the opportunity to raise key issues facing their communities” Cr Davies said.

“Some of these issues included GP shortages over weekends in regional hospitals, attracting and retaining a health workforce, volunteer exhaustion in the provision of emergency services and limited transport options to access services”.

Health professionals who presented included Sean Conlan, WA Country Health Service, Melissa Spark, WA Primary Health Alliance, Matthew Guile St John’s Ambulance, Dr Emmanuel Awogun and James Sherriff Royal Flying Doctor Service.

Co-host WALGA coordinated a discussion with attendees to develop actions WALGA can implement on behalf of Wheatbelt Local Governments to address the issues raised.

The Wheatbelt forum followed a metropolitan forum held by WALGA at the beginning of 2019. NEWROC was keen to host a local health forum following the development of a NEWROC Health Plan and observing the increase in challenges and issues arising in the health sector across the district.

The event aimed to bring together key stakeholders including the WA Country Health Service and others to provide information to Wheatbelt Local Governments regarding the provision of regional health services and how these services and initiatives are currently making an impact.