A Liverpool Plains healthcare planning project has taken its next step forward following a recent Prioritisation Workshop held on 15 September at the Quirindi Hub.

The Collaborative Care Project, supported by NSW Health and led locally by RDN Health in partnership with local stakeholders, aims to improve community access to vital health services.

Health service providers and government representatives came together to review health service needs in Liverpool Plains and to identify the most pressing health priorities.

After a robust discussion, the Project Group identified three key priorities to work towards.

The first priority is improving access to General Practitioner (GP) services and alternate pathways for care that reduce pressure on the limited GP workforce.

The second priority is improving the community’s understanding of the available health services and how to access them.

The third priority is providing support to help community members navigate the complicated healthcare system, ensuring that there is “no wrong door” when seeking healthcare support.

These priorities were drawn from a community health services survey held late last year, interviews with local health professionals, and local health statistics.

Local partners: HealthWISE, HNE Health, HNE Primary Health Network, Liverpool Plains Shire Council, Quirindi Care Services, Rural Doctors Network, and WalHealth, will now investigate opportunities to address these priorities.

Community Project Officer, Samantha Shipman, said the project is about harnessing the collective strengths of health professionals, support agencies, and the Liverpool Plains community to build sustainable improvements in healthcare.

“The priorities identified are opportunities to work together to improve the wellbeing of the Liverpool Plains community,” Ms Shipman said.

“We are committed to working together to make real change.”

The Collaborative Care Project is facilitated by Rural Doctors Network on behalf of local stakeholders and supported by the NSW Ministry of Health.

The project aims to strengthen health service delivery through genuine community collaboration.