Residents of Western Newfoundland participating in the Community Health Needs and Resources Assessment are encouraged to return their surveys to Memorial University, School of Nursing. By returning their surveys they can share their opinions and experiences of the health and community services offered by Western Health.
Residents of Western Newfoundland participating in the Community Health Needs and Resources Assessment are encouraged to return their surveys to Memorial University, School of Nursing. By returning their surveys they can share their opinions and experiences of the health and community services offered by Western Health.
Last October, Western Health and Memorial University School of Nursing launched the Community Health Needs and Resources Assessment, which looks at health benefits and practices, satisfaction with existing health and community services, and any issues and concerns. More than 800 residents have been contacted to participate by completing the survey. The household survey is a key component of the assessment.
“This study is based on the belief that partnerships between communities and health and community services professionals can help provide valuable information regarding the programs and services offered by Western Health,” said Susan Gillam, CEO of Western Health. “The issues that come forward from the surveys are invaluable because they come from our own communities.”
“Household surveys are the primary source of information,” adds Dr. Sandra MacDonald, associate professor at Memorial University School of Nursing. “Responses are coming in from all over the Western Region and while the findings thus far are very preliminary, we are seeing some interesting data emerge.”
Western residents who were contacted via telephone by a research assistant, and who agreed to complete a survey, received a stamped, self addressed envelop in which to return their survey. Respondents are encouraged to return the document before the end of January. “Information from the surveys will be used to inform the next two phases of the Community Health Needs and Resources Assessment, which are key informant interviews and focus groups,” Dr. MacDonald explains.
Survey findings will be released in late 2008.
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For more information:
Heidi Staeben-Simmons
Director of Corporate Communications, Western Health
709-637-5252