Healthy North Coast has this week opened its ‘Better Health’ community survey in a bid to gather valuable insights that will help shape the future of primary health care across Northern NSW and the Mid North Coast. 

Every three years, local communities are asked to share their experiences of primary health care and make suggestions for improvement. It’s a chance for people in Lismore and Northern NSW and the Mid-North Coast to have their say on what’s working, what’s not and to identify any gaps in health services.  

The feedback gathered in the Better Health survey will be combined with data to form a comprehensive review of the health needs for our region. This is called the North Coast Health Needs Assessment 2025-2028. 

“A strong community voice is essential for good health planning and decision making,” said Monika Wheeler, CEO of Healthy North Coast. 

“Residents on the North Coast are engaging with primary health care services every day, whether for their own personal health needs, their family, or as a health carer. They have valuable insight into what’s working, what needs improvement, and what might be missing entirely. 

“So if you think you’re having to wait too long for an appointment with a GP, or you think getting support for mental health is too confusing, or even if you’re satisfied with the health care in your area, please let us know. By sharing your thoughts and experiences, you really do have the power to reshape health care in your town.”  

The previous iteration of the community survey in Healthy North Coast’s 2021 Health Needs Assessment was called Speak Up. From the Speak Up survey, initiatives like the telehealth service North Coast Health Connect and the social support service Healthy Me, Healthy Community in Port Macquarie were born, to address specific local health needs. 

“Your feedback helps us prioritise our efforts, ensuring that available funding is directed to the right areas to achieve better health outcomes for all,” added Ms Wheeler. 

The Better Health survey is open now and will close on Sunday 14 April 2024. It will take residents approximately 10 minutes to complete, with all answers being anonymous and completely confidential. 

At the end of the survey, participants can enter a prize draw to win one of twenty $100 cash cards. 

Visit Better Health North Coast to find out more and take the survey by clicking here.