The State Opposition is hopeful solutions to perceived shortcomings will be contained in a blueprint outlining the provision of clinical health services across the South East region until 2035.
The draft Clinical Services Plan will be released for public comment in the coming weeks with Shadow Regional Health Services Minister Penny Pratt among the stakeholders keen to see its contents.
“It is no secret there are many issues which continue to plague Limestone Coast health services such as ageing infrastructure, access to general practitioners, aged care accommodation, renal care and chemotherapy just to name a few,” Ms Pratt said.
“Poor workforce planning, a lack of incentives and a national shortage of health professionals means our state has to be more competitive recruiting to the regions,” Ms Pratt said.
“While I welcome the broad consultation with community, staff and volunteers, I hope that any key findings are implemented in the immediate future not in a decade.”
The draft Clinical Services Plan draws on feedback obtained by interstate independent consultants from various sources including public meetings held earlier this year at Mount Gambier, Penola, Millicent, Kingston, Lucindale, Naracoorte, Keith and Bordertown.
In addition to the face-to-face consultations, an online survey was also available for community members, clinicians, staff and volunteers, consumers and carers to share their views and insights.
More than 600 people provided feedback through the initial face-to-face interviews, community and staff forums, an online survey and through planning workshops.
The findings of the consultants were presented to a recent meeting of the Limestone Coast Regional Health Network regional board
LCLHN chief executive Emma Poland said consulting firm Destravis have provided her regional board with key findings and themes from the Clinical Services Plan consultation process.
“I want to thank residents who have attended our community meetings and shared their ideas on the future of healthcare services in the region,” Ms Poland said.
“The feedback we receive will inform and influence the plan, and ultimately the way we deliver healthcare here in the Limestone Coast.
“A draft Clinical Services Plan is currently being prepared and will be released for community consultation.
“Face-to-face consultations on the draft Clinical Services Plan will commence in late July, with opportunities for the community and key stakeholders to meet again with Destravis at each of the health service locations throughout the region.
“The draft plan will be informed by insights gained and feedback received during the consultation processes, as well as the current level of services provided throughout the LCLHN and the projected needs of our communities into the future.”
When adopted, the Clinical Services Plan will provide a 10-year roadmap for a regionally connected health network to better meet the health and wellbeing need of communities within the region.
Member for MacKillop Nick McBride said planning for the future health needs in the region is vital.
“I am pleased that, following my advocacy, the State Government committed to developing a Clinical Services Plan,” Mr McBride said.
“The fact there was such a huge response to the consultation process proves just how important this is to those who live here.
“I am not surprised to hear that access to GPs, specialists, cancer, dementia and aged care, and allied health services are high on the priorities of people who attended the sessions.
“I look forward to seeing the draft report in July, so that we, as a community, can give further feedback on how our health services should be developed so they deliver for our region.”
Similar sentiments have been expressed by Member for Mount Gambier Troy Bell.
“It’s great to see such a strong level of community consultation feeding into this important piece of work, and I commend the Limestone Coast Local Health Network for genuinely engaging with our region,” Mr Bell said.
“We have seen firsthand how passionate our community is about improving local healthcare, from the campaign for radiation therapy services to the fundraising efforts to fund a feasibility study for a hospice facility.
“These initiatives highlight the importance of listening to local voices.
“We’re looking forward to the release of the draft Clinical Services Plan and to seeing how community feedback has been incorporated.
“This document will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare across the Limestone Coast over the next decade, and it’s vital that it remains grounded in the needs of our local communities.”
