Better access to doctors, specialist services and allied health.
Those were the key wish list items of local residents to support local health needs.
Each was highlighted by community members in the latest round of Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network consultation meetings.
Informal ‘Conversations on the Couch’ sessions were held in Berrigan and Jerilderie, and in Deniliquin where similar concerns were noted.
In Berrigan specifically, residents raised concerns about appointment availability and the need for additional GPs, while praising the care provided by the local aged care facility’s GP.
Attendees in Jerilderie also commended their GP and the integration of allied health services within the GP practice.
However, specialist care was an issue, often requiring travel to larger towns, and mental health support was limited.
Despite transportation challenges and long ambulance wait times, residents valued the local hospital’s palliative care and the availability of a community bus to Albury.
MPHN’s chief data officer Dr Jason Bennie said difficulties accessing GPs and specialist services were a recurring theme across all three sessions.
“We also heard about the need for improved mental health support, financial constraints on accessing healthcare, and transportation challenges,’ Dr Bennie said.
“Despite these issues, it was encouraging to hear attendees speak highly of their relationships with local GPs, and their appreciation for after-hours GP services and local rehabilitation programs.”
Another common issue across these communities was the cross-border challenges residents face along the NSW/VIC border.
Although these towns are not directly on the border, many of the services they rely on are located in Victoria.
Across all three towns, cost of living and financial constraints affected people’s access to healthcare, with participants reporting difficulties affording medications and essential health services.
Despite this, there was positive feedback on the quality of telehealth services and the efforts of local pharmacies.
Dr Bennie said insights gathered highlight both the challenges and strengths within these communities.
“We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to engage in these conversations,” Dr Bennie said.
“Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing our understanding of emerging health needs in your community.”
MPHN will use feedback gathered from ‘Conversations on the Couch’ to help inform its Health Needs Assessment of the Murrumbidgee region, which guides decisions around health service improvement and access.
Murrumbidgee residents are encouraged to continue sharing their thoughts on health by participating in the quick, anonymous Health Needs Assessment survey at mphn.org.au/hna or by contacting MPHN on (02) 6923 3100.