Department of Health, WA

People were asked a series of questions about their thoughts on the health status report and objectives and policy priorities outlined in the Interim State Public Health Plan. A total of 63 responses were received from various stakeholder groups. Local government represented 33 per cent of responses received. 

Data

• A number of submissions highlighted the absence of data and information around social, economic and environmental determinants of health and wellbeing and requested stronger links on how these determinants relate to health inequities and poorer health outcomes. 
• It was suggested that, if possible, data needs to be presented by age group, Aboriginal status, Cultural and Linguistic Diversity status, region, other priority populations e.g. refugees, people with disability
• Submissions also requested easier access to data and sharing of data across departments, health profiles, preferably at the suburb or local government level, to be made available online, and a list of available data sources for local government to use when preparing their public health plans

Objectives and priorities

• There was overall support for the three priorities identified in the Interim Plan, particularly the focus on Aboriginal Health.
• Mental health was clearly identified across a number of submissions as the most notable omission. This was closely followed by drugs other than alcohol and tobacco, including use of illicit drugs and misuse of pharmaceuticals.

Partnerships and other suggestions

• Overall, respondents were positive about the Interim Plan. However a number of submissions indicated that the Interim Plan should include targets, action plan, tangible outcomes, clarification on the types of evidence based programmes and initiatives that local government can implement at a local level to support the objectives and priorities and clarification on the role and expectation of State Government and Local Government when it relates to public health interventions.
• A number of submissions discussed the need to develop WA centric health indicators in order to better measure progress on objectives implemented. 
• Numerous respondents requested a list of health services, within the State that local government may seek to partner with.
• Resourcing was identified as a concern of local government, particularly when there is uncertainty about what local government is expected to do to support the objectives and policy priorities. 
• A number of submissions suggested further workshops or information, particularly targeting elected members and local government executives, to clarify roles and responsibilities relating to the local health plans and to dispel misinformation relating to ‘cost shifting’.

The CHO will consider the feedback received and use it to inform a revised State Public Health Plan. This process will involve:

• Reviewing the health status report to include information on any new public health priorities or objectives and, where feasible, responding to other data-related suggestions raised in the submissions.
• Partnering with mental health related bodies to discuss the potential inclusion of mental health in future State Public Health Plans.
• Partnering with relevant agencies to address the potential inclusion of priorities related to use of illicit drugs use.
• Ensuring that the Plan incorporates:
  • Targets, where possible.
  • An action plan that identifies tangible and achievable outcomes.
  • Clarification on the types of programmes and initiatives that local government can implement at a local level to support the objectives and priorities. 
• Develop information on:
  • what health services are available to support and partner with local government 
  • the role and expectation of State Government and Local Government when it relates to public health.

For your feedback about the Medicines and Poisions Regulations 2015.

Thank you for your input.

You provided valuable feedback.

Your feedback contributed to the Decision Regulatory Impact Statement.

The Decision RIS has now been complete and can be accessed at: http://ww2.health.wa.gov.au/Articles/A_E/Development-of-the-Medicines-and-Poisons-Regulations

Drafting instructions are currently being completed for the Parliamentary Council Office to compile into legislation to be presented to Parliament.

Any questions can be directed to poisonsregulation@health.wa.gov.au

What you thought about cancer prevention in Western Australia

• You were surprised by the overall preventability of cancer
• You were positive about the role government can play in cancer prevention
• More needs to be done to improve awareness around risk factors and screening for bowel cancer
• There are opportunities for improving sun protection messages at high schools
• You were supportive of the HPV vaccination program and Breastscreen WA
• Keep up the good work in tobacco control
• You didn’t know much about oesophageal and stomach cancers, including who is at risk, what the symptoms are, and how to prevent these cancers
• You were confused about recommendations on prostate cancer screening

• Shared the consultation findings with the community and other organisations involved in cancer prevention
• Created an agenda for action on cancer prevention in WA

To see the full consultation findings and agenda for action, click here:

http://healthywa.wa.gov.au/~/media/Files/HealthyWA/Original/Your-say-on-cancer-wa/13009-chief-health-officer-report.ashx