Cause for concern

Above: Western Sydney University Professor John Whitehall, doctor Jenny McDonald, Healthwise program officer Susan Kable, NSW Rural Doctors Network medical advisor Elizabeth Barrett and Western Sydney University associate professor Andrew McDonald.

Last Friday Healthwise hosted a forum to address the growing concern that there is a lack of local assistance in Narrabri when individuals are diagnosed with psychological and behavioural disorders.

Professors and doctors from Western Sydney University visited Narrabri to discuss issues with school teachers and principals as well as professionals.

The forum helped start a discussion about what service providers and professionals can do about this hot spot.

Western Sydney University Professor John Whitehall visits Narrabri six times a year but this is the first time a forum about his concerns has been held.

“I have come to Narrabri representing Western Sydney Uni for a number of years and I can see huge needs that are simply not being addressed in all medical issues and in particular psychological behavioural issues and autism,” said professor Whitehall.

“There is difficulty getting diagnosis and difficulty getting treatment.

“What is needed is more psychologists, or better access to facilities, I suppose like referral centres in Newcastle.”

Professor Whitehall spoke at the event and said that the maiden forum was a great opportunity for him to meet people and show his own support for the local community.

“It’s the first time we’ve had it and it is very good for me to be able to thank all the school teachers and principles for all the great work they’ve done and have been doing and also to get to know them, said professor Whitehall.

“It is also a great time for us to discuss what services there are and the services we need.

“The idea was to try and measure the problem and see what resources we have got and what more we need from the diagnosis and planning services. This is a terrific meet.”