Community input sought for Tamworth Health Service Plan

Two public meetings will be held in June asking for input from local residents about the future delivery of health services in Tamworth and the surrounding areas.

As part of the formal development of the Tamworth Health Services Plan, the community will be asked to offer suggestions about how health service delivery can be improved and what models might best suit the local region in the future.

The Chair of the Tamworth Health Services Plan steering committee, Kim Browne said the plan will take into account a range of factors including demographics, geography and population.

“The Tamworth Health plan needs to document projected changes in the population and demographics of the area, along with determining what clinical services need to be provided in order to meet the needs of the community into the future,” Ms Browne said.

“This includes identifying how health services will be delivered over the next 10 to 15 years. We need to consider different models of health care, multipurpose building design and how we can make the best use of technology.

“In preliminary discussions with health service providers and community it has been identified that we need to deliver more ambulatory care services in the community and within people’s homes,” Ms Browne said.

An expert steering committee, comprising senior medical staff and health service management, along with health strategies consultant Colleen Wilson will oversee the project.

Two community consultative meetings will be held:

• Tamworth Community Centre, corner of Peel and Darling Streets on 12 June 2007 at 7pm

• Coledale Community Centre on 13 June 2007 at 12noon.

Contact: Clare Siddins

Phone: 6767 7137