Nyngan Health Service manager Vicki Hopper is encouraging members of the Nyngan community with an interest in the future of health services to attend this meeting.

“Health councils provide an opportunity for individual members of the community to work with health managers and planners to identify, from a consumer perspective, the needs of their community and services that are required” Ms Hopper said.

Health councils can bring health issues to the attention of Greater Western Area Health Service and participate in planning and servicing development, quality assurance activities, policy development and review. Training in such activities is provided as appropriate.

The extent of participation in such activities is voluntary but if participation by members incurs costs such as travel, accommodation or childcare, then approved activities are funded or resourced by the health service.

At a minimum, membership requires attendance at monthly meetings of the health council but there is opportunity for wider participation in committees and workshops associated with areas of personal interest.

Attending the meeting will be Manager Community Engagement Darriea Turley.

Ms Turley said council members were committed to giving the community a voice on issues that affect the health and wellbeing of its citizens.

Health councils provide good planning advice to the Greater Western Area Health Service based on local knowledge and also seek answers to questions and concerns being expressed by the community regarding the current running and planning of the health service.

Members come from all backgrounds and do not need to have health professional experience.

In fact, applicants without a health professional background are most welcome as they are able to bring a truly independent consumer perspective to their role.

The meeting will start at 5pm. Nyngan community members are encouraged to attend.

For further Information contact health service manager Vicki Hopper on 02 68351700 or Manager Community Engagement, Darriea Turley, on 0429 848 486.