NSW Member for Murray, Helen Dalton, is backing Edward River Council’s push for a new Deniliquin Hospital as part of a broader health precinct for the region.
The MP met with the Council and local residents to hear their concerns about the current hospital’s limitations, before taking the issue to NSW Health Minister, Ryan Park.
“I hand delivered the written Position Statement to the Minister for Health, Ryan Park, in the previous sitting weeks in parliament,” said Mrs Dalton.
“I personally explained that the existing hospital is no longer suitable to deliver the full range of health services expected by a regional community and highlighted the opportunity to strengthen Deniliquin’s growing role in training rural doctors and health professionals.”
Mrs Dalton said it was critical that Deniliquin was not left behind when it comes to access to quality health care.
“I will continue to support Edward River Council and advocate to government that the hospital in its current state no longer meets the clinical, operational or infrastructure standards expected of a modern regional hospital,” she said.
“The hospital, in its current condition, has been added to in an ad-hoc manner over the years, and is a collection of buildings loosely cobbled together, which have been re-purposed and re-purposed over the years.
“It’s time the government continued its commitment to rural and remote healthcare and delivered quality healthcare to Deniliquin.”
Mayor, Ashley Hall said Council welcomed the support from Mrs Dalton and was appreciative of her efforts to deliver its Position Statement to the Minister for Health and explain the current hospital’s inadequacy.
“There are so many advantages for both the Edward River district and the wider region in providing the funding for our hospital. It will help deliver better health outcomes, attract and retain skilled professionals, and support Deniliquin’s role as a regional hub for rural medical training,” Mayor Hall said.
“Additionally, it will take pressure off the large regional hospitals which are currently at or beyond capacity, as they are being forced to treat patients not only from their own communities but also many from our area.”
The Council is advocating for government funding to provide a facility that will:
- Support a broader range of medical and allied health services;
- Attract and retain skilled health professionals;
- Integrate with surrounding Local Health Districts and private providers;
- Respond effectively to emergency and acute care needs;
- Cater to a diverse population across Deniliquin and neighbouring areas.
The Position Statement was carried unanimously at the Council’s May meeting.
