Sights set on health in 2020
Rewind the memories back to May 2019 and you’ll probably recall the Community Health Forum held by the Central Queensland, Wide Bay, Sunshine Coast Primary Health Network (PHN) and Sunshine Coast Hospital and Health Service (SCHHS) at the Tin Can Bay Country Club.
Over 200 attendees discussed available health services, which ones are helpful, gaps in delivery and needed services. A key action from the day was the formation of a Cooloola Coast Health Network- CCHN.
After a call for expressions of interest in October, a thorough panel evaluation process of applicants’ location, connection to the community, skills and experience and aims for the network were considered, resulting in the selection of a cross board group tasked with discussing issues and implementing actions.
CCHN members include representatives from the Cooloola Coast community, SCHHS, Queensland Ambulance Service, CheckUP, PHN, True Relationships and Reproductive Health, Department of Child Safety, Youth and Women, pharmacy and general practice.
Two meetings have been held to discuss the feedback from the community forum, health and service data and to form a vision for the Network, including aims and future activities.
Key areas of discussion are access to general practice, transport, telehealth models of support and after hours discharge from hospital facilities.
The CCHN will meet again this month to continue discussions and action plans to develop sustainable health initiatives within the region.
