19 November 2004
Minister announces additional consultation for Far West
Minister for Health Morris Iemma MP announced today the extension of the health consultation process for Broken Hill.
“Initial consultation has shown that because of the unique geographic nature of Far West Area Health Service, further consideration is required before decisions are made regarding the functions of the local health support services,” said Mr Iemma.
“A small group chaired by the Right Hon Ian Sinclair AC will undertake the review and provide advice on the health support functions of the Greater Western Area Health Service to be located in Broken Hill.
“This review will aim to establish where savings can be made within the health service to free up resources for clinical services.
“The vast distances between Far West Area Health Service and other health services within western NSW mean that we need to think carefully about any changes.
“The review will work to explore other parts of the health service with the aim of making the most of valuable health resources,” said Mr Iemma.
The group will consist of:
- Right Honourable Ian Sinclair AC
- Mr Greg Rochford, CEO, Ambulance Service of NSW and former CEO, Far West Area Health Service
- Dr Claire Blizard, Administrator, Greater Western Area Health Service
- Captain Clyide Thompson, CEO Executive Director, Royal Flying Doctor Service, South Eastern Section
The terms of reference for the review will:
- Consider the current Area Health Service staffing and functions located in Broken Hill.
- Consider the views of the community (including key groups such as the Barrier Industrial Council, Broken Hill City Council, the Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation and the Department of Rural Health of the University of Sydney) on the functions that should be located in Broken Hill taking account of the particular health needs of isolated communities in the state’s far west.
- Recommend the functions to be located in Broken Hill.
- Advise on any actions to mitigate potential social and economic impacts of staffing and function changes.
The review will take into consideration:
- The draft structure for the Greater Western Area Health Service that includes a General Manager, Remote Health to be located in Broken Hill.
- The issues raised by the community in consultations undertaken by Ian Sinclair and Wendy McCarthy on the Area Health Advisory Councils.
- The review will support the continued delivery and improvement of clinical services in the region and the current relationship with Aboriginal health partners in service provision.
The report will be submitted to the Minister in December, 2004.
For a range of health information, go online to www.health.nsw.gov.au
|
