A NEW health plan has been created to tackle the western suburbs’ burden of disease.
High rates of mental health, cardiovascular disease, obesity, diabetes and cancer will be targeted by Western Health’s ‘Better Health Plan’, which was released last Wednesday at Sunshine Hospital. Director of continuing care and allied health, Silvio Pontonio, said there was a higher prevalence of these conditions in the west than anywhere in the state.
In Brimbank and Melton, programs will focus on diabetes and mental health. According to Diabetes Australia-Victoria, Brimbank is Melbourne’s diabetes hot spot, with 11,793 residents living with the condition. An average of 15 residents are diagnosed each week. Mr Pontonio said that in Maribyrnong and Hobsons Bay, programs would target above-average rates of cardiovascular disease.
LeadWest’s manager of business and projects, Craig Rowley, said health literacy groups would be established to educate culturally diverse groups.
A Western Diversity Advisory Committee will lobby for funding,
for allied health professionals and
the adoption of a national
e-health strategy.
The new health plan is the result of collaboration between Western Health, LeadWest and Brimbank, Melton, Hobsons Bay, Wyndham, Hume, Maribyrnong, Moonee Valley and Moorabool councils.
Williamstown MP Wade Noonan said the plan was needed to cater for high population growth and complex, chronic health issues in the west. The plan is expected to last until 2020 and be subject to annual reviews.
