Residents of Wee Waa and surrounding areas are encouraged to share their experiences of primary health care through a community survey which is now open.
The community survey will help identify local health priorities and any barriers people are facing in accessing primary and community health services in Wee Waa.
Primary health care is the ongoing care that people receive from their local health practitioners. This includes general practitioners, allied health, and community health and wellbeing services. This ongoing care supports a person's physical, mental and social wellbeing throughout their lifetime.
The survey is being conducted by the Wee Waa Collaborative Care project group. The Collaborative Care program is a community-centred approach to addressing primary health care needs in rural NSW. The program developed by Rural Doctors Network has been tested throughout regional NSW working in partnership with local community and health stakeholders.
With the support of NSW Health, the Collaborative Care program has expanded this year to include projects in Wee Waa as well as Liverpool Plains, Murwillumbah and Leeton. The expansion of the program will provide the support needed to identify new and innovative solutions to address the health and wellbeing of the Wee Waa community and surrounding areas.
The community survey is being supported by Narrabri Shire Council, Wee Waa Local Aboriginal Lands Council, local health providers and community support agencies. It is open until 15 December 2024.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Health Ryan Park:
"It's important that we hear from the Wee Waa community about their experience of primary healthcare to help us gain a firsthand understanding of local healthcare needs."
"The survey is open to all Wee Waa residents and seeks to capture a broad range of perspectives from people of all ages and backgrounds."
"This is a crucial step in the Collaborative Care process and ensures that the voices of Wee Waa residents are at the forefront of shaping future health initiatives."
"We're expanding on the program to bring more Collaborative Care projects to the communities that need them the most."
Quotes attributable to Member for Barwon Roy Butler:
"Through this important initiative we want to build a clear picture of the primary healthcare needs of the Wee Waa community, based on real experiences.
"Our goal is to work collaboratively with local residents, council and healthcare providers to address gaps in primary care services and make healthcare more accessible for everyone in Wee Waa.
"Community feedback is essential in helping us provide health services that benefit residents and are the best fit for the community, including improved access to local practitioners and preventive care services."
Quotes attributable to Justyn Walker, Collaborative Care Program Lead, Rural Doctors Network:
"Collaborative Care is designed to empower local communities to have a say in the healthcare they receive."
"We believe local communities are the experts in their own needs. This survey is an important step in understanding the healthcare needs of local people in Wee Waa."
