Have your say on regional health priorities

THE Northern NSW Health District is encouraging residents to have their say on the strategic health priorities for the region over the next five years.

The District’s new vision, ‘Together, we deliver excellent care now, for a healthier community tomorrow,’ acknowledges the importance of thinking ahead and working with partners to ensure communities have the appropriate services to thrive.

Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) chief executive Tracey Maisey said the Strategic Plan 2025–2030, launched this week, set out the priorities to meet the region’s future health needs with purpose and clarity.

“It aligns with NSW Health priorities and responds to the unique needs of this region,” Maisey said.

“The plan follows extensive engagement with staff and members of the community in 2024 when we sought feedback on their health priorities over the coming five years.

“We’ve listened to that feedback and used it to inform this plan.”

The Strategic Plan examines the delivery of healthcare, including the expansion of virtual services and services provided outside the hospital setting, as well as the safe adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) tools.

“Looking to the future, we will see shifts in the population, with an ageing population affected by more complex health needs, driving greater health service demand,” Maisey said.

“We need to make sure we are prepared for this and work together to keep our community focused on being as healthy as we can.”

NNSWLHD currently serves an estimated population of 314,905 people, and estimates suggest that by 2041, the population will increase to more than 336,000, with most of the growth concentrated in the Ballina, Byron, and Tweed areas.

Around one in four people in NNSWLHD is expected to be aged 70 years and older by 2041.

“Tell us what resonates with you, and let us know if there is something more we could do to ensure we are best prepared for the years that lie ahead,” Maisey said.

The survey closes on Thursday, July 31.

To provide feedback, visit engage.nnswlhd.health.nsw.gov.au/nnswlhd-strategic-plan