C&C DHB embarks on “Journey Forward”

16 June 2005

C&C DHB embarks on “Journey Forward” for mental health and addiction services

A public consultation process on the future configuration of mental health and addiction services in the Capital & Coast DHB district is now underway.

Submissions are being sought on C&C DHB’s ‘Draft Mental Health and Addiction Service Development Plan for 2005–2010’ - which has been given the short title “The Journey Forward”.

“Groups and individuals in the community have a wealth of experience and insight into what sort of mental health and addiction services are needed in this district. We’re asking them what they think the array of services needs to be, and how those services should work together,” says Margot Mains, the chief executive officer of C&C DHB.

“Our draft document suggests what the priorities for mental health service development should be, and proposes a framework within which future service development should take place. We’re hoping this public consultation process will encourage a lot of discussion and feedback on that proposed strategic direction.

“The DHB will be holding a series of public meetings [see details on Page 2 of this release], and is also offering to meet with community agencies and groups who have a particular interest in mental health and addiction issues. We also are happy to attend their meetings to discuss this document. Written submissions are also being sought, from anyone who wishes to comment.

“We’re genuinely committed to listening to what the community has to say, and making any changes which are appropriate. The Board will then consider the draft, and the feedback we get through this consultation, and arrive at a final version of The Journey Forward, which will guide our decisions on the services we provide between now and 2010.

“The public’s input is crucial to the success of this consultation, which in turn will be crucial to the success of mental health and addiction services in the years ahead. We would greatly appreciate any input which groups and individuals in the community can make,” Margot Mains said.

The consultation is now open, and will close on Friday 29 July. All submissions must be received by that date.

The draft Journey Forward document, as well as a booklet for submissions, is now available online at www.ccdhb.org.nz – look under “latest News” for “PUBLIC CONSULTATION: The Journey Forward”. Printed copies will be available next week – anyone wanting a copy should contact Peri Te Wao - peri.tewao@ccdhb.org.nz – or call toll-free on 0800 999-442.

A list of the public consultation meetings on the draft ‘The Journey Forward’ follows;

Kapiti Public Meeting: Tuesday 12 July, 10am-12noon Coastlands Shopping Town, 1st floor, Rimu Room

Johnsonville Public Meeting: Tuesday 12 July, 2-4pm Johnsonville Community Centre, Room 1, 3 Frankmoore Ave

Fono (Porirua): Tuesday 12 July, 6-8pm, Pataka, Porirua

Fono (Wellington): Friday 15 July 2005 6-8pm Newtown School, Newtown

Porirua Public Meeting: Tuesday 19 July, 10am-12noon, Pataka, Porirua

Hui: Tuesday 19 July, 2-4pm, Lotteries Building, 1st Floor, 54 Cambridge Tce

Wellington Public Meeting: Tuesday 19 July, 6-8pm, Newtown School Hall, Mein St

(PLEASE NOTE: these meetings will include consultation on the draft ‘The Journey Forward’ document, and consultation on the DHB’s draft District Strategic Plan, a separate consultation which is also now underway [see our website for details])

ENDS

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