ALTERNATIVE transport solutions could be in store as part of improved health services for the North West community of Dajarra.
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The Dajarra community will meet key health stakeholders twice a year, after a health forum was hosted by the North West Hospital and Health Service earlier this month.
North West Hospital and Health Service chief executive Sue Belsham praised the Dajarra community and key stakeholders after their meeting at Jimberella Hall in Dajarra.
“The Dajarra health forum was a fantastic example of constructive and open discussion with our communities,” Mrs Belsham said.
“We had a roundtable discussion and received insightful feedback from all attendees.
“For example, we circulated a breakdown of local patient travel use and expenditure.
‘‘During our discussions, a possible alternative transport solution was put forward that we will definitely explore.
“The topics discussed were broad, but clearly community driven. We covered electronic records, Primary Health Networks, Royal Flying Doctor Service schedules, telehealth services, patient travel support and how to inform the North West HHS Strategic Plan.
“We also provided data on baseline health statistics and trends specific to Dajarra and alerted the community to upcoming changes to our services.
“Whilst the North West HHS is geographically large, diverse and sometimes challenging to get out and about, our board and executive are committed to personally staying in touch with our communities, patients and staff.’’ Mrs Belsham said.
Representatives from the Cloncurry Shire Council, Phosphate Hill, Queensland Police Service, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Central and North West Queensland Medicare Local had also travelled to Dajarra to take part in the health forum with local residents.
Cloncurry Shire Council brought valuable local governance expertise to the health forum discussions.
Council chief executive David Neeves said: “Council is committed to advocating for the development of health services in our shire.
‘‘As custodians of our communities, we understand the importance of good health services for the ongoing wellbeing of our community.”