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West Moreton Collaboratives Symposium and Expo
November 30, 2022
Earlier this month the West Moreton Collaboratives Symposium and Expo brought together health professionals and consumers to explore health solutions for a rapidly ageing population.
Community members from across West Moreton were invited to attend the free community expo, which hosted over 30 health services and providers. University of Southern Queensland nursing students were also in attendance to assist with health-related questions and provide free health assessments to visitors.The symposium section of the event provided attending health professionals with a full day of educational sessions on a variety of topics including voluntary assisted dying (VAD), human rights and elder abuse, delirium, dementia and depression, trauma-informed care and older people, exercise and brain health, self-managed aged care and oral health and hygiene.
Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN CEO Lucille Chalmers said the event was an important step towards preparing the region to care for an increasing population of older persons.
“The West Moreton region is growing at a rapid pace. Current estimates indicate that by 2026 the portion of people in the West Moreton region aged 65 or over will increase by 50 per cent. Events like this provide an excellent opportunity for health professionals to upskill themselves for the future,” said Ms Chalmers.
The West Moreton Collaborative is a Darling Downs and West Moreton PHN-funded project which is overseen by the University of South Queensland. It aims to improve quality and access to end-of-life care and health care and support for all older persons in the region. Key focus areas for the collaborative are supporting an ageing population, declining numbers of GPs, obesity and chronic illness management, the need for greater exercise, improved nutrition and access to primary health programs.
“We are grateful to have the support of the collaborative as we help build high-quality and well-coordinated health services for our older persons,” said Ms Chalmers.
The PHN continues to work closely with the collaborative to develop key strategies, host educational events and prepare for the start of voluntary assisted dying in 2023.
