POPULATION health figures show that the Swan Hill region has higher than state average rates of smoking and alcohol use, as well as people living with mental health and chronic conditions – such as heart and lung disease – resulting in preventable hospital stays.Swan Hill also rates high on the index of relative socio-economic disadvantage, which is based on things like unemployment, low income or education levels, and lack of internet access.
All of these can be barriers to people accessing the care they need.
Swan Hill residents are being encouraged to take part in online conversations aimed at understanding local health care needs, through the Murray Primary Health Network (PHN).
The Murray PHN reviews regional health data annually, to help guide its funding decisions to support and improve the primary health system.
They also conduct a major health needs assessment every three years.
Murray PHN chief executive officer Matt Jones said that while data analysis offers strong insights, it was local experience that provided a deeper understanding, context and perspectives to the figures.
“People who use and work in local health services are best placed to share what is or isn’t working well,” he said.
“We want to hear about the things that make accessing services difficult, as well as any ideas for improvement,” he said.
“The more people who participate and tell us what is important to them, their families and community, the more meaningful our planning will be.
“Having a comprehensive view of health helps us work towards making the local primary health care system as effective, efficient and equitable as possible.”
Community members can take part in the online conversation on Tuesday (July 27) between 3pm and 4pm.
The session for health professionals will be held on Wednesday from 4.30pm to 5.30pm.
For full details, including to complete a survey, visit murrayphn.org.au/hna
