Stronger Stream – Ageing & Disability Services, Community Services:

• Numerous comments were made regarding the lack of services available for carers of individuals with a disability. It was suggested that carers be given more support and access to assist health professionals in the provision of care. This was followed with a comment suggesting there should be a greater provision of places in public areas to assist carers and those with a disability.
• An increasingly common situation is grandparents who have full time care of their grandchildren. Support Services were historically funded by the State Government but has not been provided in the last two years. The Central Coast Rotary Club now provides funding, however the State Government needs to reinstate this financial support and ensure carers are provided the support of provisions required in this situation.

- http://www.raisingotherschildren.org.au/index.html is a group on the Central Coast and Hunter that provides advice and support for individuals who become Kinship Carers (this means anyone including grandmas, brothers, aunts and uncles who have full time care of someone else’s child)

• Several comments regarding the provision of services for elderly individuals who want to remain independent in their own homes rather then enter a nursing home. There needs to be a greater provision of services for home help organisations – this will require increased communication and co-operation between the Department of Health and the Department of Aged Care. Suggestion for those with Alzheimer’s to wear a bracelet with identification details.

Healthier Stream – Health & Healthier Lifestyles:

• There was great concern regarding the lack of emergency department access and long waits for emergency care on the Central Coast. Asked whether private hospitals could provide emergency care. It was acknowledged that North Gosford Hospital has opened a quasi-emergency department between 8am – 6pm Monday to Friday.
• General concern across the community regarding mixed gender wards. This adds to the distress of patients, particularly the elderly.
• Concern for the lack of cancer / radiotherapy services on the Central Coast. A request for a Coalition commitment to make the Central Coast a priority for cancer / palliative care services.
• Specialist and GP costs are very high causing difficulties for those on a pension / small income to receive treatment / can prevent access to treatment. Pension increase are essentially eliminated due to increased bills / rates / fees and rent.
• Obesity levels in the Wyong Shire have increased well above the national average. Needs a targeted approach in terms of education, fitness and healthy eating. 

Safer Stream – Police:

• General agreement among the community that there needs to be an increased police presence, particularly in areas such as Terrigal and Kariong. There was concern that politics was preventing the completion of a police station at Wyong considering the vacant block of land is ready – not due to begin until March 2011.