Veterans encouraged to share health needs

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) is asking veterans across the region to complete a quick, confidential health survey.

MPHN is seeking feedback on the specific health needs of veterans, including current, reserve, and former personnel, to incorporate into its updated Health Needs Assessment (HNA) for the Murrumbidgee.

Senior Manager Population Health Planning and Data Dr Jason Bennie said it was critical for the MPHN to understand the veteran community’s health needs.

“Across the Murrumbidgee, and particularly in Wagga Wagga, we have a higher representation of veterans than the state and national average, so we want to ensure we’re capturing feedback from our veterans when planning for future health programs and initiatives for this community,” Dr Bennie said.

“While we’re encouraging veterans to complete the survey, we’re happy for all community members to share their views and experiences, and help guide positive improvements for health and wellbeing in the Murrumbidgee region.”

Richard Salcole, who spent 28 years in the Royal Australian Air Force, two years in the Australian Army Reserve, and periods supporting veterans, said veterans often faced complex health issues both during and after their service.

“Veterans experience things most civilians don’t see,” Mr Salcole said.

“We often move around a lot, spend a great deal of time away from our loved ones, and can be exposed to some pretty confronting situations.

“By sharing our opinions and ideas with services like the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network, we can help ensure our local health services are better able to support us and our families to live healthy, happy lives.”

Veterans and community members can complete the HNA Community Feedback surveys at mphn.org.au/hna