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Area Health Advisory Council visits Gunnedah
14 April 2009
Hunter New England Health’s Area Health Advisory Council (the Council) will visit Gunnedah Hospital this Wednesday (15 April), to meet with staff, clinicians and local community engagement groups to learn more about the range of services offered in the region.
The Council was established in 2005 and is appointed by the NSW Minister for Health. It has 13 members who are appointed with either experience as a clinician or in community representation.
The Council provides strategic advice to Hunter New England Health in a range of areas, such as policy development, workforce planning and service planning. It has a key role in ensuring that the views of clinicians, communities and patients are heard, particularly in relation to the quality and accessibility of health services.
The Chair of the Area Health Advisory Committee, Associate Professor Lyn Fragar, said the best way for the Council to understand the issues and opportunities facing local health services was to get out and visit as many places as possible.
“We visit about six local health services each year to get a first-hand look at key achievements and issues of concern. In February this year we visited Bingara Multi Purpose Service and in 2008 we visited health services at Tamworth, Scone, Manilla, Glen Innes and Belmont,” Associate Professor Fragar said
“These sessions have been extremely valuable for all parties. The Council members get a feel for what’s happening on the ground, and the clinicians and community groups have a chance to raise any concerns or issues they’re facing, or share anything about the local health service that they’re particularly proud of.
“If necessary, we can help elevate issues that require action to a higher priority. We hope this gives the people we meet with confidence that we are there to assist where we can and that we care about the challenges they face,” she said.
Associate Professor Fragar said the Council was looking forward to visiting Gunnedah.
“As part of Wednesday’s meeting we will be talking to members of the Local Health Advisory Committee and the Peel Community Forum on Health, while sharing morning tea with them. We will also be meeting with clinicians, medical, nursing, allied health and support staff over lunch,” Associate Professor Fragar said.
“We’re looking forward to receiving feedback from the Chair of the Gunnedah LHAC Colleen Fuller, other members of the LHAC, and members of the Peel Community Forum on Health. This will be a good opportunity to talk about the local issues that are important to the Gunnedah Community.
“Community and staff feedback assists the health service to continually improve health services for local people and these meetings are an important part of that process.”
Please contact Emma Gibbs if you would like to request an interview with Professor Lyn Fragar.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767
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