The Collaborative Care Project in Leeton recently hosted a Health Services Planning Workshop, bringing together over 20 local health professionals from a range of disciplines. Held on Tuesday, 3rd June at the Hydro Hotel, the workshop marked a significant step in identifying local healthcare priorities across the Leeton Shire.

This session forms part of a broader effort to improve health outcomes in the region by directly engaging with healthcare professionals within Leeton's community who are working on the frontlines of care. Their lived experience in supporting patients every day provides critical insights into the challenges and opportunities within the local health system.

Participants collaborated in small groups to explore four key discussion areas, aimed at uncovering current service gaps, barriers to access, and potential innovations to strengthen local healthcare. The facilitated discussions encouraged the sharing of local knowledge, identifying both existing issues and innovative solutions tailored to the needs of the Leeton community.

“The workshop was a fantastic opportunity to not only share our professional experiences, but also work towards solutions that can make a real difference for our patients,” said Grace Buchan, Senior Podiatrist from Active Foot Clinic - Leeton.

Attendees valued the opportunity to provide input and connect with other health professionals in the region. Many commented on the value of collaboration and the positive momentum being generated through the Collaborative Care Project. The project is facilitated by Rural Doctors Network (RDN) with support from the NSW Ministry of Health and local partners, including Murrumbidgee Local Health District, Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, Leeton Shire Council, and Leeton and District Local Aboriginal Land Council.

The insights from this workshop will be combined with findings from the health services survey conducted in April. This information will be used to co-design healthcare solutions that are both effective and locally driven.

For more information about the Collaborative Care Project in Leeton, please contact Maryann Iannelli miannelli@nswdrn.com.au or visit collaborativecare.au/Leeton.