Media release – Health Consumers Tasmania, 13 February 2024
Community Voice Shaping Local Health Solutions in the Tasman region
Health Consumers Tasmania is helping Tasmanian communities develop their own, place-based local health solutions.
With the involvement of community members in decision-making processes, meaningful and effective strategies are emerging to address healthcare needs across the region.
Bruce Levett, CEO of Health Consumers Tasmania, emphasizes the pivotal role of community involvement in influencing health service provision.
“Tasmanians, when seated at the decision-making table, are influencing decisions about what services they require for their health and to ensure these services are what their region needs,” Mr Levett said.
“A great example is the East Devonport Medical Centre, which faced closure affecting an entire community. The Tasmanian Health Minister was willing to sit down with the community and service providers three times to find a solution that worked for that community. If those community members weren’t at the table and being clear on what they required, the end solution would have looked very different.
“Similarly, the Tasman Voices for Health is meeting tomorrow with health service providers to help map out a way forward for health services in the region.”
Tasman Voices for Health spokesperson, Hannah Fielder, said she was optimistic that a community-based approach would help improve services in the region.
“The community is looking for more options to help with triage and improving access to basic care and medicines in the area. What we want to do is make sure we can take pressure off the health system by being able to access an improved level of services in our own community. Unfortunately, sometimes the only option we have is to call an ambulance. We would like to see calling an ambulance as a last resort rather than the only option.”
Mr Levett said tomorrow night’s meeting was an important opportunity to focus on enhancing access to healthcare after hours and on weekends, as well as supporting local ambulance services.
“The solutions to place-based healthcare are community-led. But for this approach to succeed, the community needs to be trusted, supported, and funded to perform this important work.
“Health Consumers Tasmania stands committed to supporting communities in advocating for their healthcare requirements and urges sustained investment from the government to facilitate community-led initiatives.”
