Services and Resources in Noble Park: Analysis of Health, Safety, and Government Impact

Fieldwork Workbook: weeks 7-8
Services and Resources
Element10: HEALTH/SOCIAL SERVICES
This element explores all the different services and resources available to the population in terms of their
health (mental and physical). Consider public or private health services, volunteer organisations,
community activities and groups (Men’s shed, Probus, Meals on Wheels), etc. What are the main health
issues evident in this community? What common acute/chronic diseases exist (rates)? What priority health
area needs are being met/or need to be improved?
*How does this compare to other areas or to Victoria?
Fieldwork: Observations (include photos) Research Data and Comparisons (LGA)
· Public health services to the people of Noble Park
include a multi-speciality hospital having emergency
services, medicine ward, a surgery ward with an
operation theatre, a maternity unit, a physiotherapy
unit, a pharmacy, etc.
· A number of volunteer organizations exist, such as
library services, Meals on Wheels, Activity Assistant,
etc.
· The community health centre provides a lot of
social services such as care for the aged,
physiotherapy, general health and fitness camps,
etc.
· In Noble Park, few of the main health issues that
are evident are cancer, illicit drug abuse, alcoholism,
obesity, Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus, high blood
pressure, maternal mortality, and mental health
issues
· More than 25% of Greater Dandenong’s
population has a high blood pressure, slightly higher
when compared to 24.5% of Victoria.
· 33.4% people were overweight, and 14.6% were
reported to be obese; in similar terms with Victoria.
· Nearly 50% of the population did not meet the
healthy dietary guidelines.
· The female life expectancy (83.3) is slightly greater
than the male (78.8). Victoria statistics stands as
F:M:: 84.4:80.3
· Only 12% of Noble Park’s population has been
involved in volunteering, compared to 21% of
Victoria.
· The healthcare priority must be given on drug
abuse, obesity, and alcoholism. Primarily, the health
education needs to be boosted, in order to keep the
community healthy
Resources & References
City of Greater Dandenong. (2018). Profile of Health and Wellness. Victoria: City of Greater Dandenong.
Greater Dandenong. (2017). Greater Dandenong LGA Profiles VicHealth Indicators Survey 2015 Results.
Victoria: VicHealth.
Photograph taken by – Amita Chand. Noble Park, September 17/09/18, 2018.
Summary of Analysis - What do these findings tell you about the health of this community? Are any gaps
apparent?
In Noble Park and the City of greater Dandenong, the healthcare index of the people is poor. The issue of
concern is the non-availability of a proper nutrition to almost half its population, with the corresponding
population tending to become overweight and obese. Drug addiction, alcoholism, increase in blood sugar
and blood pressure levels are a worrying factor. There are many public and privately owned healthcare
centres, but not many people avail the services. It is important that the authorities in charge of healthcare
ensure that proper nutrition is made available to all its citizens.