The Shire of Murray has revealed it's top priorities after releasing the region's first Health and Social Needs Analysis.
The 62-page report includes research and data surrounding the current and future needs for health services in the area.
It revealed increased medical appointment availability, lower out of pocket expenses and services as closer to home as the top priorities for the Murray community.
The data also showed that only 35.3% of respondents felt they could always get access to health care when they needed it.
Shire of Murray David Bolt said the report revealed the Murray’s rapidly growing and ageing population needs better integrated health services.
“The Health and Social Needs Analysis explores population growth, lifestyle risk factors, health care demand, and community demographics to make seven recommendations that will address a health and wellness gap in Murray,” said Shire President David Bolt.
“There is an increased need for urgent medical and GP care, preventative health programs, mental health services, older people’s services, family and children support, youth services and support.
“Our task now is to take the findings of the report and develop a business case that details the required strategies and infrastructure to address the issue. We are currently seeking a suitable supplier to complete this work and once complete, we will present it to government for consideration,” Mr Bolt said.
Some key facts within the Murray Region Health and Social Needs Analysis include:
- 37% of Murray residents have a long-term health issue, compared to 30% in Greater Perth.
- 39.5% of adults drink alcohol at levels that put them at risk of harm, compared to 34.4% in WA.
- 13.8% smoke, compared to 11% in WA.
- 45.1% adults are not sufficiently physically active, compared with 41% in WA.
- 51.8% of adults live with obesity, compared with 34.5% in WA.
- 28% adults have high blood pressure, compared with 22% in WA.
- 8% of adults have high or very high psychological distress, compared with 10.4% in WA.
- Murray’s population is expected to grow by 9% every five years and projected to reach 21,610 people by 2031.
- 24.1% of the Murray population is over the age of 65 years.
- Murray is ranked 42nd most disadvantaged area out of 139 Local Government Areas in WA.
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