At Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS), we believe that strong, meaningful relationships between health services and the community are essential to delivering the best possible care.
A key part of fostering these relationships is the role of our Community Reference Groups (CRGs), which provide a vital platform for local voices to be heard and for health services to adapt based on real community feedback.
This month, we highlight the significant contributions of two Gin Gin CRG members, Peta Jamieson, WBHHS Board Chair, and Eileen, Chair of the Gin Gin CRG, both of whom are committed to ensuring community health needs are met.
As a dedicated Board Member, Peta Jamieson emphasises the value of the Gin Gin CRG as a critical two-way communication link between the community and WBHHS, including the local Gin Gin Hospital. "The CRG provides a crucial mechanism for direct communication, ensuring that any concerns, areas for improvement, or celebrations of patient care can be addressed in a timely manner," Peta said.
This open dialogue supports the ongoing delivery of high standards of patient care across the region.
The Gin Gin CRG offers the community a unique opportunity to raise issues that matter most to them, while also celebrating what works well. As Peta notes, “I love hearing about initiatives being progressed, particularly when important connections can be made between the hospital and the wider WBHHS team." Peta’s involvement at both the CRG and Board levels allows her to bring community concerns into larger discussions, helping to shape the future of healthcare services across the region.
For Eileen, the Gin Gin CRG Chair and a retired registered nurse, being part of the CRG is an opportunity to give back to the community she loves, using her knowledge and experience to support local healthcare improvements. "It’s important to plan for and deliver the best possible health care, including hospital personnel, equipment, and clinics for the community," she explains.
"The CRG allows us to communicate with people, address their concerns, and let them know who to reach out to when they have health issues."
Eileen also highlights the benefits of community involvement in shaping health services: “The people in our community can see that we are aiming for the best healthcare for them. They know who to contact to discuss health concerns for themselves or others." Her role as Chair involves coordinating meetings, welcoming guest speakers on topics of interest, and sending reminders to committee members. She enjoys contributing in a way that may, even in a small way, improve local healthcare outcomes.
Both Peta and Eileen are committed to ensuring that the voices of Gin Gin residents are heard, valued, and acted upon. Through their leadership roles, they help to ensure that community concerns are considered when planning health services and facilities, while also reinforcing the importance of celebrating the successes in healthcare delivery.
The Gin Gin CRG is more than just a meeting—it’s a platform for shaping healthcare that works for the community. By connecting service providers and residents with health service leadership, the CRG strengthens relationships and fosters trust, ensuring that healthcare solutions are responsive and relevant.
If you are interested in finding out more about our Community Reference Groups please reach out to WBHHS.Consumer@health.qld.gov.au