Work to enhance health services across Oxford are well underway, thanks to the dedication of a locally-based working group.

The Oxford and Surrounding Areas Health Service Development Group (OSHSDG), facilitated by Canterbury Clinical Network, includes perspectives from Oxford based health and social service providers, Canterbury DHB, Pegasus Health as well as people who use health services (consumers).  

The group has worked through a series of ten recommendations that were identified and endorsed by the community (collectively called the Oxford Model of Care) and signed off by the Canterbury DHB in February 2019.

Some significant developments the group has achieved includes work around making transport more sustainable; having additional support for mental health services; and work to create a locally-based 24/7 observation service.

Now it’s time to hand the reigns back to the wider community, to oversee the completion of the final model of care recommendations and provide ongoing leadership to future improvements in health services on behalf of people of Oxford and surrounding areas.  To achieve this, the OSHSDG is establishing an Oxford Community Health Advisory Group.

Expressions of interest sought

We are seeking a broad spectrum of community views to be members of the advisory group including young, middle aged and older people; parents; people from diverse cultural backgrounds including Māori, Pasifika and migrant communities; people with disabilities; and people who have experienced mental health concerns.   

Prospective members should be well-connected to the Oxford community, reliable, with the ability to actively contribute in a group environment and work constructively with others. Importantly they must be passionate about consumers being able to access sustainable health and social services. Members will be selected to ensure the group has diversity of community perspectives, connections, knowledge and skills.

Further information about the role and function of the Oxford Community Health Advisory Group, and the expectations of members, is available on the document library  as well as in hard copy at either the Oxford Health Centre, the Oxford Community Trust or the Oxford Pharmacy.

Nominations, including self-nominations, will go to our selection panel who will interview a shortlist of candidates. The form should be completed and signed by the nominee and e-mailed to carol.horgan@cdhb.health.nz or returned to the Oxford Health Centre, Oxford Community Trust or Oxford Pharmacy by 4pm, Friday 3 April 2020.

If you have any questions, please contact Carol Horgan, Canterbury Clinical Network OSHSDG Facilitator, by emailing carol.horgan@cdhb.health.nz or calling 027 212 7294.

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