If you have a chronic disease such as diabetes and arthritis local health experts would love to see you at upcoming forums.
The aim of the South Western Sydney Public Health Network (SWSPHN) forums is to look into what local gaps exist in the treatment and management of chronic diseases.
“We look forward to welcoming community members and healthcare providers to give valuable feedback to help us understand the challenges and issues for people managing their chronic disease or for people caring for someone with chronic disease,’’ a SWSPHN spokesperson said.
The forums will be held in Bankstown, Liverpool, Campbelltown and in the Southern Highlands.
“The focus of the upcoming local health forums is chronic diseases, those that go on for a long time and often don’t go away completely, which are among the most common and costly health problems.
“We often know how to keep them from happening by making changes in our lifestyle such as eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly or avoiding smoking, but what we don’t know is what local gaps exist in the treatment and management of chronic disease,’’ the spokesperson said.
Examples of sickness or chronic diseases people live with for long periods, possibly a lifetime, are heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and arthritis.
One in two Australians have at least one chronic disease and almost two in five adults have two or more chronic conditions.
“We want to hear from local general practitioners, nurses, practice staff, pharmacists and allied health, people working in our local hospitals and local health district, and from community members living with chronic disease.
“Please come to one of the forums and give your valuable feedback on the local needs, gaps, improvement areas, and workforce issues and work with us to enhance and integrate chronic disease management in our region.’’
The first forum will be held in Bankstown on February 16, followed by Campbelltown a week later on February 23.
On March 15 the Liverpool forum will be held, followed a week later, on March 22, by the Southern Highlands forum.
If you’re interested in attending one of the forums click here.
