The Reminder is making its archives back to 2003 available on our website. Please note that, due to technical limitations, archive articles are presented without the usual formatting.
The public is holding the stethoscope as the NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority undergoes a checkup. In an effort to continue to improve its services, the health authority has been gauging the public sentiment through surveys and public forums. Data gathered through the Community Health Assessment will be compiled into a report, which will be used in the implementation of health care. A key component of the assessment was a phone survey of 400 residents within the region, conducted late last year. It included 45 questions relating to three areas: health system performance, quality of life, and safety and injury prevention. "The purpose of the survey really was for us to gain information in areas where we currently don't have sufficient data," said assessment coordinator Catherine Hynes, who is based in Flin Flon. The survey helped show the health authority areas that are working and those which may need improvement. The majority of respondents, for instance, said their health is "excellent" or "very good." But one-third of people classified the availability of health care services for their age range as "fair" or "poor." The survey was conducted in conjunction with seven other health authorities across the province. Winnipeg-based Acumen Research was hired to make the calls. Other assessment tools the health authority has used or will use include one-on-one surveys with community leaders, and public forums in communities throughout the region. The assessment is expected to be completed by the end of September. "Once we finish gathering data, then we'll be writing a report that we will be sharing in the communities on our findings," said Hynes. Manitoba Health requires all regional health authorities to conduct community health assessments every five years. The NOR-MAN Regional Health Authority covers 10 Northern Manitoba communities, the largest of which are Flin Flon, The Pas, and Snow Lake.
