‘Thank you’ from Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce

There are a number of essential services which regional communities must have if they are to be successful in retaining and attracting quality people.

Not the least of these is immediate access to high quality medical services.

Four months ago I was shocked to be informed by highly regarded local Dr Angus Wang that Narrabri Hospital did not possess a suitable Ultra Sound unit.

I was always under the impression that such a machine was just part of the basic “tool box” of any hospital in a town such as Narrabri.

After speaking to other community members it was clear that I was not alone with my impression.

Narrabri does have a private organisation offering quality Ultra Sound services.

However, we did not have access to a quality unit for after hours or emergency use.

Clearly this situation is unacceptable and our community deserves better.

Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce immediately set about the task of acquiring a suitable unit for our community to be located in Narrabri hospital for the use of all.

Under the guidance of Doctor Wang and other experts the ideal unit was identified.

It only took an email out to the members of this fantastic and generous community of ours to acquire the required amount for the purchase.

The funds required came from a previous extremely well run and successful fund raising surplus and more generous community support in the form of a healthy cash injection by Whitehaven Coal.

This highly efficient community owned Ultra Sound unit now resides in Narrabri Hospital for the use of all who need it.

While going through the process of acquiring this unit it became evident that other medical equipment essential to a community like ours is not available for use in Narrabri Hospital.

This unacceptable situation results in large numbers of locals having to travel hundreds of kilometres weekly to neighbouring towns for ongoing lifesaving treatment.

This situation is clearly unacceptable and must change.

The old line from the hierarchy of Hunter New England Health (not our dedicated local staff) of we “can’t supply Narrabri with some essential equipment because we can’t get trained staff to operate it” is in the view of Chamber a well-rehearsed cop out.

The Chamber believes that quality essential medical equipment must be onsite in Narrabri Hospital if we are any chance of attracting quality operators and for the training of our quality local staff.

Let’s face it, a farmer doesn’t find a tractor driver then purchase a tractor or a mechanic doesn’t employ an apprentice then build a workshop.

The Chamber has expressed this view to the hierarchy of Hunter New England Health in a recent meeting and will continue to liaise at this level for more essential medical services for this wonderful community.

It must be made clear that our local quality staff are much appreciated and not responsible for any lack of equipment.

Chamber would like to sincerely thank the members of this terrific community for immediately and generously responding to our call.

It is you who put this great unit in our hospital for the use of all.

Russell Stewart, President Narrabri and District Chamber of Commerce