A two-day conference in Gundagi this week will bring together around 100 people passionate about the best health outcomes for their communities.
Patients and carer advocates of Murrumbidgee Local Health District are set to share ideas, projects, discuss health issues, and hear about innovations and ideas to promote health careers and attract and retain a rural health workforce.
The 2023 May Local Health Advisory Committee forum themed ‘Growing Our Own’ will be held on Wednesday, 10 May, and Thursday, 11 May.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network hold these forums twice a year for Local Health Advisory Committee members to come together to discuss health issues and ideas and share their initiatives with the health service leaders.
Murrumbidgee Local Health District Community Engagement Manager Setchen Brimson said attendees were passionate about ensuring the best possible health outcomes for their communities.
“We have had many discussions over the past year about workforce challenges and it will be a fantastic opportunity at this forum to harness the ideas about how we can nurture our own talent and discuss opportunities for showcasing our region as a great place to live, work and play,” Ms Brimson said.
“These forums are important as they are an opportunity to connect face-to-face with health advocates from across our communities.
“We will also have the chance to really focus on establishing some of the key support mechanisms to help LHACs feel supported and heard in their advocacy role.”
The forum follows a series of Planning and Priority Setting workshops which have been held with each committee. Members will have the opportunity to network and share their ideas and projects.
Ms Brimson said the advisory committee members provide valuable feedback about what’s important in their community, including health ideas, gaps, concerns and initiatives.
“They also find out about new initiatives and what Murrumbidgee Local Health District and Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network are doing to address issues that have been identified,” Ms Brimson said.
“It’s about collaboration – working together to find solutions.”
Click here to find out more about how you can join your Local Health Advisory Committee. Click here to find out how to become a member of Local Health Advisory Committee.
Original Article published by Shri Gayathirie Rajen on Region Riverina.