Summary
The Central West Hospital and Health Service Board has reaffirmed its commitment to listening to local communities and supporting rural and remote healthcare delivery following a recent visit to Boulia, Bedourie and Birdsville.
The Central West Hospital and Health Service Board has reaffirmed its commitment to listening to local communities and supporting rural and remote healthcare delivery following a recent visit to Boulia, Bedourie and Birdsville.
Board members travelled across the western corridor last week to visit primary health clinics, meet with staff and engage directly with community representatives to better understand local healthcare experiences, challenges and priorities.
Central West Hospital and Health Board Chair Jane Williams said regular visits to communities across the region were an essential part of the Board's role.
"There is simply no substitute for being on the ground, visiting our facilities, speaking directly with staff and hearing firsthand from the people who use our services," Ms Williams said.
"While we are one health service, every community across the Central West is unique. These visits help us better understand local needs, celebrate what is working well and identify opportunities to strengthen healthcare delivery."
The travelling delegation included Deputy Chair Boyd Johnstone, Board members Brett Walsh, Morgan Gronold, Leisa Fraser and Dr Chris Symmons, Chief Executive Anthony West, Indigenous Health Coordinator Kerry Thompson, Clinical Nurse Coordinator Indigenous Health
Mark French, and Manager Board Governance Nicole Kuttner.
During the visit, Board members met with community representatives in each town, providing updates on health service initiatives while also listening to local concerns, ideas and feedback.
Discussions covered a range of topics, including the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme, the challenges associated with accessing healthcare across long distances and the growing healthcare needs of ageing populations across remote communities.
Ms Williams said community engagement was critical to building strong relationships and ensuring future decisions were informed by local knowledge and lived experience.
"Meaningful engagement with our communities is one of the most important ways we can ensure our decisions reflect the realities of rural and remote life," she said.
"By taking the time to listen, we strengthen relationships, build trust and gain valuable insights that help shape future health planning and service delivery across the Central West.
"The feedback we receive during these visits helps ensure the voices of our patients, residents, staff and community leaders remain front and centre as we make decisions about the future of healthcare in our region."
Ms Williams said one of the strongest messages received throughout the visit was the community's appreciation for local healthcare staff.
"At every stop, we heard genuine praise for the care, commitment and professionalism of our staff. It was incredibly pleasing to hear such strong recognition of the important work our teams do every day," she said.
"Our staff are at the heart of our health service, and their dedication plays a vital role in supporting the health and wellbeing of our communities."
The visit also provided an opportunity for the Board to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of delivering healthcare in some of Queensland's most remote locations.
Ms Williams thanked Directors of Nursing and clinic staff across the western corridor for their warm welcome and openness.
"We know how busy our teams are, and we sincerely appreciate the time they took to share their experiences, insights and ideas with us," she said.
"We returned with plenty to reflect on, important matters to follow up and an enormous sense of pride in the people who make Central West Hospital and Health Service such a valued part of our communities."