Ideas flow at first health watch committee meeting

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 12, 19 August 1986, Page 16

Ideas flow at first health watch committee meeting

The first meeting of the newly formed Waimarino Health Watch committee was held last week at Waimarino Hospital. Problems discussed included poor nutrition in schools, lack of transport for the elderly, the need for warm clothes for children during winter and the lack of a creche in the area. Also discussed in depth was the desperate need for an alcohol and drug assessment centre in Wanganui to work in conjunction with the newly formed resource centre in the Waimarino. It was suggested that a questionaire be circulated to

find out where the health services were most needed. The committee discussed areas of need known of by the committee and ways to help, expecially through the promotion and education of health. All but four of the 18 members were present to discuss ways in which the committee could help the community. Wanganui's area planning officer, David Lord, also attended in an advisory capacity. Mr Lord said that the committee would be a great asset because of the large number of health profes-

sionals among its members. and their commitment to the community. He spoke of his role as a liason person between the Wanganui area health board and the committee. Also discussed was the running of an orientation workshop in September for all members of local health watch committees to meet and exchange ideas concerning health in their communities. The workshop will also be a familiarisation course that will help members to understand their new role. Local doctors agreed to speak to the committee at their next meeting about areas of need and to advise on action. At the meeting Jenny Kerrand Don Allomes were elected joint chairpersons and Rosalind Donald was elected secretary. The committee's next meeting is on 9 September and it is hoped that members of the public will come along with suggestions for improving the health of the community.