Local residents are being offered the opportunity to influence the future of healthcare in Wanaka, Queenstown, and Central Otago, by applying to be part of a new advisory network.

Southern District Health Board (SDHB) and WellSouth are calling for expressions of interest for the Central Lakes Locality Network (CLLN), the first of a series of advisory networks being established in the district.

The network’s purpose is to help support the implementation of the DHB’s ‘Primary and Community Care Strategy and Action Plan’, which was launched in February this year. The DHB says the network will play a vital role in helping prioritise and plan health services so they meet the needs of local communities and are well-integrated with the broader health system.

“This is an exciting opportunity to help shape health services in your area,” alliance south leadership team chair Dr Carol Atmore said. “Anyone interested in making a genuine contribution to positive change and helping plan the future direction of health services in Central Lakes should consider applying.”

The purpose of the locality networks is to ensure local models of healthcare align with population health needs and requirements in different parts of the district.

“We welcome applications from all ages and all walks of life: patients and whānau, health professionals, including community-based health providers, people involved in local government and business - anyone who is passionate about improving health services to better meet local needs,” Dr Atmore said.

Locality networks will coordinate with other new features, such as community health hubs (community focused and co-located group of health providers) and the ‘health care home’ model of primary care (which allows access to urgent and unplanned care, offers preventative care and supports people with complex needs).

As the first network to be established in the Southern district, the experience of the CLLN will be used in the creation of other locality networks, likely to be based around Dunedin, Invercargill, Southland, Gore, Balclutha and Waitaki, the DHB said.

“This is a big step forward in progressing and tailoring health care services and better aligning models of care with populations needs,” Southern DHB primary and community strategy executive director Lisa Gestro said. “We look forward to working with communities and getting started in Central Lakes.”

More information about and EoI applications for the Central Lakes Locality Network can be found on the Southern DHB web site. Applications close on Friday November 30.

PHOTO: Supplied.