The consultation was attended by approximately 20 local residents at the Braidwood Ex-Services Club.

Dr Kelly outlined the contents of the Commission's report through a series of Powerpoint slides and then opened the floor to questions about the report and the impacts that proposed changes could have on Braidwood residents.

Dr Kelly asked the audience about what of three strategic options for a reformed health care system they would like to see and accordingly how much they would be willing to pay for it.

The three strategic options for reform that were presented are:

Firstly - Partial takeover of the health system.

The Commonwealth takes responsibility for funding preventative care, primary care, hospital outpatients, dental care, aged care, non-acute mental health services. 40% of funding for acute hospital patients, States and Territories will continue to fund 60% of acute hospital patients.

Secondly - two stage, full takeover of the health and hospitals system.

Undertake First option, and Commonwealth gradually moves to 100% funding of acute hospital services.

Thirdly - strategic option - undertake the first two options simultaneously although this is not a recommendation of the Health and Hospital Reform Commission.

In closing Dr Kelly explained that the feedback would be reported back to the government and the preferred option would be taken to a special Council Of Australian Government's (COAG) meeting later in the year to try and gain support for the reform option chosen by the Federal Government.

More information about the process can be obtained at: www.yourhealth.gov.au