Community & Business
20 July, 2024
Health needs focus of new survey
LOCALS have a chance to help shape future healthcare outcomes and access to vital services by completing an online survey that is open until 16 August.
Community members, healthcare professionals, politicians, and sector representatives are being encouraged to take the Joint Regional Needs Assessment (JRNA) online survey.
Information collected through the survey will help to develop North Queensland’s first JRNA, a collaboration between Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN), and Torres and Cape, Cairns and Hinterland, Townsville, and Mackay Hospital and Health Services (HHSs).
NQPHN chief executive officer Sean Rooney said it was important for the community to have their say on their region's healthcare.
“People's experiences matter and information gathered from the survey will help improve access to better healthcare in North Queensland communities,” he said.
“We want to learn more about the health needs that are impacting people living and working in North Queensland and understand where there may be health needs and gaps in services to ultimately improve healthcare resourcing and service delivery.”
Cairns and Hinterland HHS chief executive Leena Singh described the assessment as a “temperature check” of health services across the region.
“We hold regular consultative forums for our consumers across our region and this type of survey will complement the information we receive from various groups,” she said.
“I would encourage everyone to complete the survey to assist us in understanding the additional health needs our community requires for us to ensure it is captured in our future planning.
“Health affects everyone across the full life spectrum and it is important for us to continually check in with our community to ensure the needs of Far North Queenslanders are met, and that we are incorporating that into any future investment decisions.”
To help shape health care that’s suited to your community's needs, take the 10-minute online survey by going to www.nqphn.com.au/about-us/reports-and-plans/joint-regional-needs-assessment
