August 27, 2013
Darling Downs Hospital and Health Service Board chairman Mike Horan is asking communities across the South Burnett to have input into the plan that will steer health service provision over the next 10 years.
Mr Horan said the Board had commissioned Price Waterhouse Coopers to research and develop the DDHHS Health Service Plan 2013–2023 in consultation with staff, community members and organisations.
“The plan will provide our strategic service directions and support the delivery of safe and sustainable health services that are responsive to changing patterns of need throughout all of our DDHHS communities,” Mr Horan said
“This will be a key document for all of our planning and development and we hope that interested community members, health staff and local leaders will take part in our community engagement process.
“We will hold a series of public meetings throughout the DDHHS area during September.
“With our increasing population generally including several high growth areas, the ageing population and the impact of industry and mining, we face major challenges in healthcare provision.
“It is vitally important communities provide us with information for consideration about the healthcare facilities they want, any ideas and suggestions they have for sustainable growth of services and information about the best way forward for recruitment of staff and partnering in healthcare.”
Mr Horan said local people could contribute to the health service plan by attending a forum in their area, online or by email
The DDHHS will also meet with specific groups (Darling Downs South West Queensland Medicare Local, Queensland Ambulance Service, and University of Southern Queensland etc) to gather feedback and ideas.
Mr Horan said he and the Board were excited to begin the planning process and looked forward to meeting with members of the community.
“This is a significant milestone in the development of local health services. The Health Service Plan will guide our decisions and strategic direction over the next decade,” he said
“We now have a wonderful opportunity to build a solid foundation for growth and modernising of health in the DDHHS.
“The plan will provide important information for our ongoing discussions with government about resources.”
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Forums will be held in the South Burnett at:
- Kingaroy – September 2, 4:00pm–6:30pm at Kingaroy Town Hall
- Murgon – September 3, 4:00pm–6:00pm at Murgon RSL Club
