The community has called for better access to specialist healthcare services and further development of local health infrastructure within the district.
This was strongly voiced during the Limestone Coast Local Health Network (LCLHN) public consultation for the development of the clinical services plan, which wrapped up on February 28, 2025.
The goal of the consultation was to engage the community in identifying what matters most in advancing local healthcare services.
This publication reached out to the health minister for an update on the consultation process and the community feedback gathered. In response to our inquiry, the LCLHN provided answers via a South Australia Health (SA Health) media advisor.
We asked:
- Could you share how the consultation process unfolded? Did it align with LCLHN’s goals and expectations?
- Can you provide the number of both in-person and online (“Your Say”) submissions received specifically from the Naracoorte Lucindale District?
- What were the recurring themes or suggestions shared by participants about what they would like to see improved or added to the LCLHN’s clinical services and patient care delivery?
- How did respondents feel about the quality of services at Naracoorte Hospital and the Lucindale Health Centre? If they were satisfied, could you explain why? And if they weren’t, what concerns were raised?
- Following the consultation, what are the forthcoming steps? How does LCLHN plan to action the feedback and implement new initiatives?
Without providing specific responses to our questions, LCLHN chief executive officer Emma Poland said they were “pleased” with the number of people who engaged and provided feedback during community consultation.
It is understood that 227 responses were received via an online survey while almost 200 people attended face-to-face sessions held across the region in February.
Meetings were also held with health staff, community organisations and other health providers.
“I want to thank everyone who has taken the time to be part of the consultation process for the development of a clinical services plan for the Limestone Coast Local Health Network,” Ms Poland said.
“Increased access to specialist services and the future development of local health infrastructure were among the key topics raised,” she said.
Ms Poland claimed that she was pleased with the number of positive comments from community members about the level of care provided by staff at the Naracoorte Health Service and the Lucindale Health Centre.
“This is a testament to the dedication and professionalism of our staff who work every day to provide high-quality and compassionate care to the people and communities we serve.”
She said the LCLHN was now working towards developing a draft plan based on the feedback received during the consultation process.
“The community will have another opportunity to share their views when the draft plan is released in the coming months,” she said.
The consultation process did not capture residential postcode data for responses.
At the February Naracoorte Lucindale Council meeting, councillor Monique Crossling voiced her disappointment at being the sole council representative at the community consultation held at the Naracoorte Hospital by consultants of the LCLHN.
“Last night (February 24) I attended the face-to-face consultation at the Naracoorte Hospital, (and) to say I was disappointed that I was the only council representative is an understatement,” Cr Crossling said.
“It’s a very important part of our community, (and) there were over 30 people who attended.”
During the February council meeting, she had urged everyone to give their feedback, as the plan was the roadmap for health for the next 10 years.
Cr Crossling urged members to attend the session at Lucindale the following day.
The [Naracoorte] News was informed by Lucindale residents that in the wake of the state government slashing services at their health centre, around 50 people attended that meeting.
This article appeared in The Naracoorte News, 23 April 2025.