Louise Johnson

The Community Council aims to enable the Western NSW Primary Health Network (WPHN) to develop an understanding of the unique health needs issues including access and service gaps. The purpose of the Community Council is to advise the WPHN Board on locally relevant community perspectives to improve health and wellbeing of primary health care consumers in the catchment. The Community Council will also provide advice to the WPHN Board regarding the prioritisation and evaluation of the WPHN regional contracts and co-commissioning activities. The Community Council provides an opportunity to develop and review current areas of focus and to share information about key primary care and community matters within the Local Health District boundary. The Community Councils assists in identifying gaps, barriers, strengths and opportunities for improvement in the provision of primary health care in the localities of the WPHN, and supports two way exchange of information about primary health care between WPHN Board, management and consumers. The Chair is appointed by the WPHN Board. The Chair responsibilities include: • Providing appropriate leadership to the Community Council. • Chair Community Council meetings and facilitate discussion of key issues ensuring effective use of time. • Maintain regular communication with PHN Board Sponsor and Council Coordinator. • Monitor Community Council performance with Council Coordinator. • Establish, with the Council Coordinator, Council Meeting Agenda’s. • Under the direction of the CEO be a media spokesperson for the WPHN organisation in relation to the Community Council and other relevant clinical matters.