Hunter New England Health responds to Narrabri’s service concerns

Narrabri Shire Council and concerned community members voiced concerns about local health services and have called on Hunter New England Local Health District to address the matter.

Among the issues council wants addressed are: Increased efforts in recruiting and retaining clinical staff; proper filling of medical shifts including a seven-day-a-week emergency/anaethetist GP (instead of currently seven days per fortnight); increased obstetric resourcing and services in Narrabri; the development of better relationships and communications with private GP practices to relieve pressure on current providers; better consultation with rural clinicians, the community and its leaders; prioritising the appointment of a permanent hospital services manager; and the introduction, or improvements to, other services such as better oncology services (currently many patients are having to travel to Moree for treatment), dialysis and telestroke.

Susan Heyman, executive director of operations, said the Hunter New England Local Health District is committed to delivering high-quality, safe and compassionate healthcare to local communities and will continue collaborating with local health committees and key stakeholders across all levels of government to ensure this is achieved.

“On Tuesday, November 5, HNELHD chief executive Tracey McCosker and I met with The Hon. Roy Butler MP, Member for Barwon, and Narrabri mayor Darrell Tiemens to discuss key healthcare challenges facing the Narrabri community,” Ms Heyman said.

“Our district is actively working to resolve the issues discussed, including those related to pathology services, challenges securing medical, nursing and midwifery staff at Narrabri Hospital, and concerns over community consultation on any proposed changes. The meeting highlighted several recruitment initiatives, including the NSW government’s Rural Health Workforce Incentive Scheme, which provides relocation packages of up to $20,000 for the hardest to fill, critical roles, and the district’s successful international campaign to bring registered nurses to our regional hospitals.

“HNELHD regularly reviews our operations to improve access to, and the delivery of, health services. Earlier this year, we made strategic adjustments to the clinical and community health services structure based on staff input.

“One centralised district offers substantial advantages in funding, efficiency and enhanced access to specialised care for our rural and regional communities.

Splitting our district would bring significant costs by replicating existing services and would not solve recruitment challenges. Our integrated network, supported by the major tertiary hospitals in Newcastle, ensures every hospital in our district has access to specialist services that would be otherwise unavailable, safeguarding high-quality care for all.

“We remain engaged with local stakeholders, including Narrabri council, to ensure we continue to meet the healthcare needs of our regions.”