What began as involvement in a community program has transformed into a personal health journey for Richmond Shire Council Deputy Mayor Councillor Patsy-Ann Fox.
"At first, my involvement with the Healthy Inspirations program was as a Councillor, but I kept participating due to my own health reasons," Mrs Fox said.
"Menopause and high cholesterol have both been health challenges for me recently.
"Healthy Inspirations includes regular check-ups, data collection, and consultations with dietician, physiotherapist, and local fitness experts, which helps me stay on top of my health issues.
"I have had great health outcomes from the program and have totally enjoyed the experiences and being involved, both personally and professionally."
The Healthy Inspirations program, run by Richmond Medical Surgery, is funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) as part of the Chronic Conditions Primary Care Pilot Program.
The program aims to enhance chronic conditions management within primary care settings in North Queensland to help address the chronic disease burden.
Mrs Fox said Richmond Medical Surgery staff were professional, accommodating, and made the experience fun and educational.
"The program has been great for community involvement and getting together with like-minded people who want to improve their health and limit their health issues before they become chronic," she said.
"Rachel, the practice manager, is so passionate about improving the health and wellbeing of the patients and the community of Richmond.
"It's hard not to want to be involved."
Richmond Medical Surgery Practice Manager Rachel McCosker said the program helped patients set health goals by assessing their current conditions and creating personalised care plans.
"The Healthy Inspirations program focuses on lifestyle changes including exercise, diet adjustments, and the use of local allied health services to achieve these goals," Ms McCosker said.
"We would like to see it reduce the stigma around using specialist services, improve community engagement, and encourage proactive health management.
"Our plan is to also create a dedicated rehabilitation space at the hospital to support recovery for residential patients and those who require rehab after accidents and operations, and for chronic disease management."
The surgery is keen to develop health-related and community-driven activities that will support new and existing health professionals.
Ms McCosker said while the surgery had instigated the program, Richmond Health Service, Richmond Shire Council, North & West Remote Health (NWRH), Body Fix Physiotherapy, and CAN Richmond had strongly supported it by organising programs, providing space, and being active participants.
The Chronic Conditions Primary Care Pilot Program is an initiative under NQPHN's five-year Chronic Conditions Strategy developed in 2022-2023 in consultation with stakeholders.
