An open invitation has been extended to local residents to join the Millicent and Districts Health Advisory Council.

Applications for two positions for community members on the health advisory council are invited and the closing date is November 16.

If necessary, a vote will be taken at the annual general meeting of the advisory at Millicent Hospital at 5pm on November 18.

Millicent Hospital “lost” its own chief executive several years ago amidst the statewide scrapping of local hospital boards by the previous Labor Government.

The boards were replaced in 2008 with Health Advisory Councils which have reduced powers.

They provide advice to their local health services and to the Minister for Health Stephen Wade.

There has not been a medical representative on the MDHAC for a number of years.

The current Millicent advisory comprises Brenton Dohnt (presiding member), Dr Kevin McGrath (Wattle Range Council representative) and Alice Brennan (staff representative). 

The other community members are Laurie Dacy, Ralph Domaschenz, Ron Wood, Jeniene Davis, Graeme Richardson, Lorraine Hyland and Tony Glowacki.

Senior staff also attend health advisory meetings including executive officer and director of nursing Michelle de Wit.

Last year’s health advisory annual general meeting had to be rescheduled at short notice owing to a statewide COVID-related lockdown.