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Take Two on Country Health Plan
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Monday, 10 November 2008

The Rann Government’s revised Strategy for Planning Country Health Services in SA was released last week following public backlash towards the original plan which was released in July.

Member for Goyder, Steven Griffiths while pleased that the State Governments revised strategy is open for public consultation and people are able to submit feedback on the planning of country health services at all levels is disappointed that the new strategy does not detail services at each hospital and health service across country South Australia.

A major problem is that the strategy does not make clear the future of individual health services and hospitals but outlines approaches to the delivery and coordination of health care services in country areas, including the implementation of “local clinical network” groups.

“Regional communities in South Australia rightly expect to access high quality health care within a reasonable distance to where they live. It is essential that throughout this consultation period we reiterate the fact that any future plans for our local health services need to focus on the needs of patients, carers and their families, Mr Griffiths said.

The Taskforce have developed principles which will be used to guide planning of country health services including ensuring minimum levels of service delivery for all country hospitals and health services, in consultation and agreement with local communities, are sustained.

“In acknowledging such principles, which are fantastic in theory, it is time for the government to make meaningful funding commitments to rural health infrastructure and workforce – we want to know that our local health services are secure, Mr Griffiths said.

Where consultation should have occurred before the first plan was released, the second time around taxpayers will again foot a massive bill for another Rann Government advertising campaign on top of the $400,000 spent on marketing the previous failed plan.

It is also evident that the Rann Government’s commitment to building the Marjorie Jackson Nelson Hospital has seen them search for ways to provide funding for it. It is cause for concern that they continue to look for ways to tighten up spending on regional health services to fund city based projects.

“I understand the importance of our health services; they are the backbone of our communities, and it is vital we fight to maintain them.

The Strategy for Planning Country Health Services in SA is open for consultation with submissions closing on Friday, 5 December 2008. You can access the draft plan by visiting www.countryhealthsa.sa.gov.au or by contacting the Goyder Electorate Office on 8832 2455.

“I urge everyone in the community who cares about the future of our health services to contact me and contribute your feedback”.
 

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