Have your say on Health Care

11 Sep 2018, 11:09

Hawke’s Bay people are encouraged to have their say on a regional health proposal that sets out a range of options about how and where they might receive health care services in the future.

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) today released its draft Clinical Services Plan (CSP) – a 10 year concept plan based on 12 months of free and frank discussions with people who live and breathe health care in Hawke’s Bay - from health professionals, support groups and regular users.

The DHB is now seeking feedback from the wider Hawke’s Bay community on the draft concept plan, which sets out suggestions on how to sustain a growing older population and healthier Hawke’s Bay by providing more timely care and support services looking out 10 years.

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board chief executive, Dr Kevin Snee said 12 months of information gathering and workshops had shone a light on what the Hawke’s Bay health system does well, and where things needed to improve.

“There is a strong emphasis, in the draft plan, on stamping out health inequities, changing the focus of hospital services and delivering more community-based care, closer to home,” he said.

“This plan sets out how you might be cared for in the future,  where you’d most likely receive care and how you will be involved in decisions about your care. We encourage the community to get involved and have their say because this is an opportunity to help shape the future of our health services - health affects us all.”

People have until 31 October to reflect on the plan and provide their feedback.  The plan sets out a range of options with strong themes being:

• What services we currently have
• Evolving primary health care (providing more care at medical centres/ pharmacies + specialist appointments/care, including long term conditions, within the community)
• Working with whānau to design the services they need (breaking the health inequity cycle)
• Relevant and holistic responses to support mental wellbeing
• Keeping older people well at home, and in their communities, longer.
• Hospital care/services more defined

To view the draft plan in full visit www.ourhealthhb.nz. Supporting material, which briefly explains what the plan is all about, including a brochure, short video clip and Frequently Asked Questions, is also available online and people can call 0800 248 794 for more info. Information will also be distributed to local libraries.