Heywood Rural Health has begun work on it’s 2027-2031 Strategic Plan and wants input from the community.

The plan will formalise the organisation’s direction over the next five years.

“Our current strategic plan, which has been in place since 2022, is coming to an end in 2026 and we are in the process of developing the next iteration of our strategic plan,” HRH CEO, Leigh Parker said.

“It will take into account all that we know now, and the future that we would like to consider in growing and developing the organisation.”

All health services are required to have a Strategic Plan under the Health Services Act, and step one in developing the next plan is to engage with the community and stakeholders.

“There is a fair bit of work that goes into it, a lot of consultation and that is the key to a good plan,” Leigh said.

“That is where we are at the moment.”

“We want as much feedback as possible from users of our services, but just as importantly we also want feedback from anyone who is not using our services but would like to,” he said.

“We would love to know what are the needs in areas that we are not currently providing.

“There is obviously some limitations on that, we wouldn’t be able to do open heart surgery, but there might be some programs or pockets of the community that we are no adequately covering.

“What the survey asks is, what do you want to see from us in the next three to four years, but also longer term, what does that look like.

“We will also talk to a lot of stakeholders like staff, volunteers, key community groups, key supporters of the organisation.

“Eventually we end up with a plan that is endorsed by the board, and then it goes to the Department of Health for their consideration and eventual endorsement.”

The 2022-2026 Strategic Plan is coming to its conclusion, with Leigh proud of the organisation’s progress during that time.

“One of the messages we received very strongly last time around was the number of doctors in the town, and there was a very strong message from the community that they would love to see additional doctors,” he said.

“I’m pleased to say in that regard we have been able to deliver on that expectation and desire.

“We recently had Dr Ali join us and that brings our numbers up to four doctors, whereas we had been operating with just one for quite some time.  That is a great outcome.

“We have also had an expansion of other services, for example we picked up the Commonwealth Home Support Program which transitioned to us from the Glenelg Shire.”

Feedback from the survey will be a cornerstone of discussions between the board and stakeholders in September.

“All this feedback will help with those conversations when we meet on September 19, he said.

“That will be the next step in the process. “A Strategic Plan is a living document over the course of its life in terms of making sure we are on track, delivering what we can.

“The goal posts can shift when there is a change of government or a change in government policy or changes in the way healthcare systems work, so it needs to be adaptable and reviewed regularly to make sure we are on point.

“In terms of the Heywood Rural Health Board of Directors, this will essentially be their document.

“It is the most important document that they deliberate on because it sets the strategy for the organisation.

“Once that is done, it is up to me and the leadership team to enact that strategy.

“The board is very keen to ensure they have a plan that is reflective of the wants and desires of both the organisation and the community.”

Note: Thank you to the Portland Observer interviewing Leigh Parker and publishing this story and photo.