At the forefront of improving health outcomes for the Discovery Coast region are two dedicated leaders, Helen Huntly, a Wide Bay Hospital and Health Service (WBHHS) Board Member, and Pamela Mackie, Chair of the Discovery Coast Community Reference Group (CRG).
Both share a common vision—advocating for the health needs of the local community to be heard and addressed, ensuring equitable access to essential services.
Pamela Mackie, a passionate advocate for community health and the Practice Manager of IMPACT Community Health Service, plays a pivotal role in facilitating discussions that highlight the healthcare challenges faced by residents.
For her, the CRG is not just a platform for discussion but a powerful vehicle for change.
"Being involved in the CRG is crucial for several reasons. It enables us to highlight healthcare deficits, particularly given the lack of hospital services and necessary infrastructure in our region," Pam explains.
"By proactively advocating for improved services, we ensure that the specific needs of our community are addressed, leading to better health outcomes and a healthier, more equitable community."
The CRG meetings have already yielded significant successes, such as the recent Discovery Coast Health Expo, which brought together healthcare providers to showcase the range of services available to the community.
Another early triumph was the implementation of the Patient Travel Subsidy Scheme (PTSS), which now calculates travel from Agnes Water instead of Bundaberg.
This adjustment has provided much-needed relief to residents traveling for specialist appointments in Bundaberg, alleviating the financial burden of multiple trips.
Pam emphasizes that the CRG meetings serve as an invaluable forum for networking, collaboration, and resource-sharing among stakeholders and service providers.
The feedback provided by the community becomes the backbone of recommendations to the Health and Hospital Service (HHS).
Pam’s commitment to the CRG is evident as she guides discussions, listens to residents’ concerns, and actively advocates for local healthcare needs.
For Helen Huntly, her role as a WBHHS Board Member on the CRG has a dual purpose: engaging with the community and ensuring their concerns are communicated to the broader Board.
"I see my role as a conduit between the HHS Board and our local community stakeholders, ensuring their feedback and recommendations are heard by the decision-makers within the health service," Helen shares.
"It's a privilege to be part of a group that has the potential to make a real difference."
Helen also brings updates from the WBHHS to the CRG, sharing information about new initiatives, recruitment successes, and challenges that the service is facing.
One such success is the implementation of the Senior Medical Officer (SMO) model, which has greatly improved the recruitment of GPs in rural areas.
"This change has resulted in almost all vacancies being filled, which is a huge win for our communities," she adds.
Both leaders are united in their belief that CRG meetings play a pivotal role in aligning healthcare services with the unique needs of the community.
Helen acknowledges that budget constraints make it impossible to address every need, but by listening to residents, the Board can prioritise where resources are most urgently required.
Pam reflects on the personal rewards of being part of the CRG: "It's fulfilling to know that our efforts lead to tangible improvements in the community.
Through our advocacy, we’re shaping a healthcare landscape that better meets the needs of our residents."
As champions of local healthcare, both Helen and Pam continue to lead efforts to ensure that the voices of Discovery Coast residents are heard, driving forward progress in local health services and fostering collaboration for a healthier future.
If you are interested in finding out more about our Community Reference Groups please reach out to WBHHS.Consumer@health.qld.gov.au