Health gaps noted

Each was highlighted by community members in the latest round of Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network consultation meetings.

The informal ‘Conversations on the Couch’ session in Deniliquin also highlighted areas of strength in the health industry, with the high standard of diabetic education, telehealth services, and the overall quality of hospital care and social support services all noted.

The Deniliquin session was one of three held in the region, with others taking place in Berrigan and Jerilderie.

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.