North Coast

COVID-19 vaccines community consultation now underway

People across the North Coast region are being asked to participate in an online community consultation that allows them to share their thoughts on the COVID-19 vaccines.

Healthy North Coast, that delivers the North Coast PHN program, has partnered with 89 Degrees East to develop a short survey, which coincides with the continued rollout of the COVID-19 vaccination program in the region.

Participants can also register to nominate a registered local community group, sports club or not-for-profit to receive a $2,000 prize.

“We want to support our communities to have access to the best available advice and guidance about COVID-19 vaccines,” said Healthy North Coast CEO Julie Sturgess.

“This consultation is an important step in ensuring everyone living in Northern NSW and on the Mid North Coast can share their thoughts and help us understand local needs.

“Healthy North Coast is continuing to support our communities and health professionals across our region to stay COVID-safe. Access to the right information is crucial.”

The survey takes less than 10 minutes to complete, and all answers are anonymous. It is open until Friday, May 14.

The survey can be found at https://covid19vaccinesurvey.questionpro.com/

“We are excited to support registered local community groups, sports clubs and not-for-profits by making them eligible for the prize attached to the survey,” Ms Sturgess said.

To register, participants can complete the survey and then answer a simple question in 25 words or less: what are you most looking forward to when the world gets back to closer to normal?

People also have the option of uploading a one-minute video to answer the question.

In the meantime, people seeking more information about COVID-19 vaccines should speak to their GP or call the National Coronavirus Helpline on 1800 020 080.

ABOUT HEALTHY NORTH COAST AND THE AUSTRALIAN GOVERNMENT’S PHN PROGRAM

We work alongside community members and health professionals to improve access to well-coordinated quality health care. Our aim is to work together to transform the health care system and reduce health inequities.

Our work begins by gaining an understanding of health care needs of the North Coast. This needs assessment involves our community, clinicians and service providers and is available for all to use. We use this information to work with health professionals and community members to find gaps and facilitate local solutions.

We do this by commissioning services – this is a new way of all of us working together to design services that best meet our community’s needs.

Our PHN program priorities are:

  1. Better mental health and emotional wellbeing
  2. Closing the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health
  3. Improving our population’s health and wellbeing
  4. Building a highly skilled and capable health workforce
  5. Improving the integration of health services through electronic and digital health platforms
  6. Improving the health and wellbeing of older people
  7. Strengthening community alcohol and other drugs treatment services

For more information, go to: www.hnc.org.au