WHEATBELT HEALTH MOU GROUP THE NEXT MOVE

It’s no secret that Wheatbelt communities believe health services throughout the region need improvement. It’s also agreed that someone needs to assess current services and community needs to enable such improvements.

In an unprecedented move for our region, the three Western Australia Local Government Association Zones in the Wheatbelt, the Wheatbelt Development Commission, WA Country Health Service (Wheatbelt Region) and the Wheatbelt General Practice Network have formed an official partnership to consider health issues affecting the region. This partnership is known as the Wheatbelt Health MoU (Memorandum of Understanding) Group.

The Wheatbelt Health MoU Group is set to become a driving force for change in health services and is working to ensure issues are actioned appropriately and through correct channels. The Group is unique in the diversity of its member organisations and their common goal of working to bring about positive change in health services.

To set about a formal process for change, the Wheatbelt Health MoU Group is overseeing the Wheatbelt Health Planning Initiative. The Wheatbelt Health Planning Initiative is in its initial stages, with an appropriately qualified and experienced Consultant currently being sought. The Consultant will develop health status and health utilisation profiles before undertaking a series of community consultations. They will then use the outcomes of each consultation to provide a comprehensive report that identifies key directions and requirements for future health service planning.

You can expect your Local Government Authority to advertise a community consultation meeting in a town near you. Local Shires will invite community members to attend and will advertise meeting dates and times. By attending a meeting, you can ensure that the issues and needs of both you and your community will be included.

With the backing of such a strong partnership in the Wheatbelt Health MoU Group, the Wheatbelt Health Planning Initiative is assured of being successful. Each member organisation is fully supportive of the project and will work towards improving health services for our region.

Media Contact: Pip Shields Wheatbelt Development Commission

P: (08) 9881 5888

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