Health Forum's focus localised

17th November 2009

THE SPOTLIGHT’S unrelenting glare will remain focused on the region’s health issues tonight when a public health forum is held at the Hervey Bay RSL.

Chronic disease, the needs of women and children, drug and alcohol services and mental health services will be the central themes at the community forum, which is all ears where health tales are concerned.

“They can come and tell us good stories too but we are looking for the gaps in the system,” said Joanne Lambden (pictured), who has helped the University of Southern Queensland set up the first of two forums on the Fraser Coast.

The second will be held at Maryborough RSL next Wednesday.

The forums are also under the umbrella of the Wide Bay Fraser Coast Partnership Council.

“This is part of a bigger picture,” Ms Lambden said.

“It’s all about finding out what services people are using on the Fraser Coast and any issues they may have in accessing these services.

“What we’re looking for is real-life stories, people’s actual stories, people who use the service.”

A second opportunity for anyone who cannot attend tonight’s or next Wednesday’s forums will come through 10,000 survey sheets which will be distributed throughout the region. Tonight’s event runs from 6.30pm to 8.30pm.