Regional Health Services

The Regional Health Services team: John Hale, Marika Ilic and Jane Oliver.

(To view the final report of this project please go to the Resources chapter and view NRDGP Reports.)

Have your say on primary health

A new government scheme will see expanded primary health care services in nominated small communities of less than 5,000 people.

The Regional Health Services program aims to keep people healthy and improve the health of regional communities.

The Department of Health and Aged Care asked the Northern Rivers Division of General Practice to get a picture of health needs in the region by undertaking community consultation with 30 small communities. Focus group meetings, town meetings and surveys were conducted in October and November 2001.

The Regional Health Services program aims to provide primary health care services that address the needs of remote communities. The grassroots process saw consultation with local healthcare people, community leaders and the residents to find out what was needed and what they thought the barriers were to better health care in their communities.

There are 220 communities with less than 5,000 people in the Northern Rivers. Of the 30 towns selected 28 were located outside a 20 kilometre radius of large hospitals, such as those in Lismore and Tweed, and outside a 10 kilometre radius of smaller hospitals.

The division, in conjunction with a steering committee, will apply for primary health care funding through the program, using the information provided in the final report. The steering committee overseeing the project comprises representatives from local councils, Northern Rivers Area Health Service, general practice, specials needs groups and community representatives.