Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee chair Lynda Barclay says various health services have been of great value to locals.
More than 10,000 patients presented at the Deniliquin Hospital emergency department in the 2024-25 financial year.
Hold tight - we’re checking permissions before loading more content
This included almost 900 patients in June, the Deniliquin Local Health Advisory Committee was told at its monthly meeting this week.
The meeting, to recap on 2025 projects, was provided with health service updates by facility manager Ginny Lange and cluster manager Craig McColm.
Mrs Lange reported data from the emergency department, which she said “highlights what a busy department it is”, adding “these numbers have grown, and we are fortunate to have a very experienced team of nursing and medical staff servicing ED.”
The meeting was told that over the last two years the community has been fortunate to be supported by Health Access, an out of hours GP Telehealth service funded by the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network.
LHAC chair Lynda Barclay explained this had been of great value to locals needing to have a GP appointment after hours for those conditions that don’t require an Emergency Department visit.
“Health Access will continue to be available to Edward River Council residents until September 30, 2025. It is free to the user, and is available from 6pm to 10pm on weeknights, and 12pm to 4pm on weekends and public holidays.
“To make an appointment, phone 1800 272 767. Your call will be answered by a registered nurse, who will take your details, and shortly after you will receive a phone call from the doctor. The Telehealth GP can send the details of your consultation to your local doctor if required. They can also request imaging and pathology tests.”
Healthdirect is a separate federally funded program which is available 24 hours a day, seven days per week. It provides quality, approved health information and advice.
Health information is available on the Healthdirect website (www.healthdirect.gov.au). It provides a symptom checker, which provides expert-backed advice on whether to self-care, see a GP, or seek urgent care.
You can also telephone Healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak to a registered nurse, who will advise you on the appropriate initial care for your condition and refer you to see a doctor if necessary.
Mrs Barclay explained that George Lam and Andrea Arragon, both physiotherapists with MLHD’s Musculoskeletal Services team, also presented at the meeting.
George explained his role around management of services predominantly for hip and knee osteoarthritis, and also osteoporosis.
In addition to that, Andrea is also involved in the newly formed Complex Menopause Service. This service is offered both in person and via Telehealth.
It is a free service designed to assist women whose menopause symptoms have not responded to previous treatments, or who face additional complications from other medical conditions such as cancer.
Women can access a comprehensive approach to managing severe menopausal symptoms including support from women’s health nurses, physiotherapists, dieticians and clinical psychologists.
GP’s, specialists and nurse practitioners can refer eligible women for advanced care. Women are also welcome to make contact with the service directly by emailing MLHD-menopauseservice@health.nsw.gov.au.
“We are very excited that George and Andrea have agreed to come to Deniliquin in September to speak on these important topics. More details around this will be released in the coming weeks,” Mrs Barclay said.
Deniliquin Hospital Emergency Department.
Photo by
Supplied
11°C