HealthOne Forster Tuncurry
HealthOne Forster-Tuncurry will be a purpose built facility developed by the Cape Hawke Community Hospital and Health Association on land adjacent to their existing private Hospital at Forster. Located a few kilometres from the existing Community Health facility at Forster, the HealthOne NSW facility will accommodate services that will target:
- Early intervention strategies
- Health promotion and preventive care
- Continuing and coordinated care for those with chronic and complex conditions
- Equity and access for local communities
- Avoidable hospital admissions.
The model will comprise virtual integration of Community Health with multiple GP practices, after hours primary care through extended hours, Nurse Practitioner led triage assessment and care and referral in consultation with GPs. It will provide for specialist inreach into the facility from Newcastle and Taree.
Location and demographics
-
About 70% of the Great Lakes Local Government Area (LGA) population reside within Forster-Tuncurry and the surrounding areas
-
The estimated 2006 population of the Great Lakes Local Government Area (LGA) was 35,520. The Great Lakes is the second fastest growing LGA in NSW and is projected to reach 38,480 by 2011 (up 1.6% pa) and 41,450 by 2016 (up 1.5% pa).
-
In addition to the resident population, the Forster-Tuncurry area has a considerable population influx during the holiday seasons, when the population can almost double and grow to an estimated 40,000.
-
This huge influx of visitors places significant strains on available health services and it is virtually impossible for many of them to be seen by local GPs.
-
In 2001, the Great Lakes population aged over 65 years was 28.6% of the total population, the highest proportion in the State (NSW avg 13.1%).
-
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people made up 2.5% of the population with the main concentrations in Forster-Tuncurry, on the former mission site, and a smaller group in Tuncurry. The indigenous population is much younger than the non-indigenous population with almost half (47%) aged under 20 years and only 18% aged over >45 (3.6% aged greater than 65 years).
Target population groups
-
Socio-economically disadvantaged people, especially the unemployed, young parents, disadvantaged young children and families
-
People with disabilities and chronic disease
-
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people
-
Older people 65+ years
-
Children and families
-
Isolated families and individuals who live outside Forster-Tuncurry township
-
People with risk factors who currently go undetected
Project partners
-
Cape Hawke Community Hospital and Health Association
-
Hunter New England Health
-
Forster-Tuncurry General Practices
-
Great Lakes Shire Council
-
Hunter Rural Division of General Practice
Key contacts
Director Integration and Partnerships
Phone: 0407 259 970
This web page is managed and authorised by Inter-Government & Funding Strategies of the NSW Department of Health. Last updated: 30 March, 2009
