Have your say on the future of Yass Valley's health services

The government is asking for feedback from those who use the health services in the Yass Valley. Photo: Supplied.

Do you use health services in the Yass Valley region? Then you are being asked to help shape the future of health in the region.

The Southern NSW Local Health District is currently developing a new clinical services plan, called the Yass Valley Health Service Plan, which will establish priorities for public health and hospital services when it comes to meeting the needs of the growing population over the next five to 10 years.

A health district spokesperson said this process was part of the routine cycle of renewing such plans, as the last one for Yass was created in 2020.

But this year’s plan had been accelerated due to the Federal Government’s $4.7 million investment in maternity services at Yass as well as the NSW Government’s election commitment of $250,000 for a feasibility study for Yass Hospital.

The spokesperson said their team had been undertaking data analysis, consultations and looking at the current service provision, while community consultation was the last stage of the process.

The district’s community survey has received about 150 responses so far, but more responses are being sought.

The health district is asking those who use the region’s health services to give feedback, so the NSW Government can understand their experiences of using the health system as well as their ideas.

“We are eager to learn about your experiences,” a health district spokesperson said.

“Your feedback will help us to shape, design and improve your local health services.”

Questions asked include whether respondents travel to Canberra routinely for public hospital or outpatient services, as well as what, if any, public hospital and health services they consider difficult to access.

More than 17,000 people called the Yass Valley home in 2021, according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics.

To provide feedback for the Yass Valley Health Service Plan, head to the SurveyMonkey website.

It will remain open until 12 July. The plan is expected to be completed by the end of that month.