Roma and Cunnamulla health services call for community input on advisory networks

Roma and Cunnamulla community members are invited to join their local Community Advisory Networks' and help shape the future of healthcare in the regions.

The Roma Hospital and Cunnamulla Multipurpose Health Service are seeking a diverse group of community members to join an advisory board and help guide health care in the South West.

The Community Advisory Network (CAN) will help identify the community’s health needs and have an input into the planning, and delivery of services.

The group meet every two months, on the third Wednesday of the month, with the next meeting scheduled for 20 August.

Roma Hospital director of nursing and facility manager Karlee Quin said joining their local health facility CAN was a great way for community residents to support regional healthcare.

“Having consumers help with health service planning and decision-making results in better health care services for everyone,’’ Ms Quin said in a press release.

“Consumer involvement helps to balance the views of our healthcare professionals, which enables us to provide health services that truly reflect the needs of our community.

“CAN membership allows local residents who have that broader community perspective to step into the health system and suggest important changes across a multitude of areas.’’

Ms Quin said they were looking for a diverse group to get involved including young people.

“We have several vacancies available currently on the Roma CAN which we are seeking to fill,’’ she said.

“We’d like to encourage as diverse a group of members as possible and I encourage young people, carers, parents, single persons, anyone with an interest in health, to look at joining.’’

Roma Hospital say they are seeking young people to get involved in their advisory board.

South West Hospital and Health board chair Karen Tully said the CANs were a vital component of the healthcare system.

“The role of each CAN – such as those at Roma and Cunnamulla – is to engage with the people of their community and provide feedback to the South West Hospital and Health Board and management about community matters,” she said in a press release.

“The CANs help identify the community’s health needs, allow information to be shared regarding service delivery and allow consumers and community to have input into the planning, development and delivery of public health services in their area.

“Joining their local CAN is an excellent way for residents to become involved in helping guide the future service directions of their community’s health facility.”

Anyone interested in getting involved can contact the hospital on 07 4624 2840 or email [e-mail].

Originally published as Roma and Cunnamulla health services call for community input on advisory networks