MOUNT Gambier Hospital’s reinvigorated Health Advisory Council (HAC) has hit the ground running by announcing it will hold a major community forum next month.
The forum aims to throw the spotlight on regional health services and gain feedback from the regional grassroots community.
The HAC – which has undergone a major shake-up of its membership and agenda – is determined to lift the profile, role and function of the community representative body.
A major focus of its role will renew fundraising for the hospital and advocating on behalf of the community in terms of health services and needs.
The forum will also be the springboard to launch the South East Kidney Support Group.
Newly elected presiding member Maureen Klintberg said the council now had a membership of 12 members and the group was determined to drive tangible change and harness opportunities for the wider community.
“The skills and the knowledge of our members indicates a proactive and energetic group working in partnership for the benefit of the community,” Ms Klintberg said.
The community forum – scheduled for Thursday, April 5, at Mount Gambier City Hall – will include a number of key speakers, including Country Health SA regional acting director Ngaire Buchanan and visiting nephrologist Toby Coates.
“We have been working with Dr Coates and Kidney Health Australia surveying South East kidney patients – in the vicinity of 200 – to determine their needs in relation to support services in the region with the view to setting in place a pilot kidney support group,” Ms Klintberg said.
Two national Kidney Australia representatives will also attend the forum to provide an update on activities being rolled out by the national body.
Importantly, a group session for kidney patients will be held between 4pm and 5pm on the day of the forum.
With fundraising for the hospital one of the HAC’s key roles, the group has been working with hospital executives to determine a development plan that includes a priority list of needs.
“With the paediatric and obstetric areas being at the top of the list, plans will be further highlighted at the forum in April,” Ms Klintberg said.
The HAC is also keen to boost volunteer numbers at the hospital, which are vital for the health facility.
“Their role is highly valued and we would love to see an increase in numbers of volunteers and their participation at the hospital,” Ms Klintberg said.
“The HAC would be delighted to hear from community members interested in being a volunteer.”
Ms Klintberg also praised health professionals who have joined the body.
“Together with community members, the HAC has welcomed anaesthetist Dr Walid Aly, staff member Jason Humphries and local GP Dr Richard Try as members this year.”
Ms Klintberg said the HAC had already held a workshop attended by Country Health SA acting regional director Ngaire Buchanan, director of nursing Paul Bullen and Community Health Connect regional manager Marcy Lopriore.
“Ngaire’s broad experience and health-related knowledge added considerable depth to the discussion,” she explained.
The HAC leader said the workshop also attracted key council representatives.
Ms Klintberg said the workshop aimed to increase the understanding of the current environment and future health demands as well as changing health technologies.
“The future need to work in partnership with the two councils is highly important,” she said.
Contact Ms Klintberg on 0438 010 780 to book a place at the group session for kidney patients.
