Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) is inviting stakeholders and the community to provide feedback on the draft Health Services Plan for Cootamundra Health Service.
A Health Services Plan outlines the health services required to meet the community's health needs now and into the future and makes recommendations about the best way to deliver these services.
MLHD Chief Executive Jill Ludford said communities play a critical role in the process of developing a Health Services Plan.
"Significant stakeholder engagement was undertaken involving local clinical staff, consumers, community representatives, key stakeholders and health organisations to inform the draft plan," Ms Ludford said.
"We thank the community for the positive response. More than 850 people - about 10 per cent of the local population - completed the Cootamundra Health Services Survey. Consultation sessions and community workshops, involving almost 50 people, were also held.
"I want to give a special thanks to the Partnership Reference Committee, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council and Cootamundra Local Health Advisory Committee, who provided exceptional support during the community consultation process.
"Some of main themes to come out of the stakeholder engagement were access to primary care services, access to specialists, ageing and chronic illness, travel, and cost of services."
The Draft Plan and summary document will be on display for six weeks, from 13 May-23 June 2024.
It will be available for review and feedback online on MLHD's website, and paper copies will also be available to view at the Hospital, HealthOne, Cootamundra Gundagai Regional Council and Cootamundra Library. Written feedback can also be provided anonymously, with collection boxes provided at these locations.
"We encourage residents of Cootamundra and surrounding communities to provide feedback about the Plan for their Health Service, and their future health needs, during the public exhibition period," Ms Ludford said.
"There will be opportunities for the community to discuss the draft plan at street stalls planned for 28 and 29 May outside the Outback Bakery in Wallendoon Street.
"The feedback will be assessed and incorporated into the plan where feasible. A summary of the feedback received will be included in the plan."
To view the draft Plan and provide feedback, visit: https://www.mlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/get-involved/your-opinion
