Moree Hospital faced extended period without on-site doctor, says MP

Moree Hospital has faced an extended period without an on-site doctor, according to the shire’s representative in state parliament.

Member for Northern Tablelands Brendan Moylan broke the news to the community last week after finding out himself from a community member.

The revelation came as Hunter New England Local Health District faced continued scrutiny from the town of Wee Waa which finds its hospital still operating on reduced hours without a doctor.
When queried by the North West Magazine, Hunter New England Local Health District advised that there had been a doctor in the emergency department on the day of its query.

“These unexpected gaps often occur on short notice and may be resolved just as quickly. For this reason, it is not practical to advise the community on every occasion, and we are mindful not to create unnecessary concern that might discourage people from attending the emergency department when they need to seek care,” a  Hunter New England Local Health District spokesperson said.

The community can be assured that Moree Hospital continues to deliver safe, high-quality care,” the HNELHD spokesperson said.

“Attracting and retaining doctors in rural areas like Moree is a challenge faced across NSW and throughout Australia.

“Despite every effort to secure medical cover, there will be occasions where a doctor may not be on site.

“When this happens, patients are supported through on-demand virtual care delivered by highly trained emergency physicians, alongside highly skilled nursing staff.”

Patients seeking emergency treatment in Moree were required to use the online service My Emergency Doctor (MED).

Mr Moylan said not having a doctor on-hand in an emergency is not good enough.

“Moree Hospital is the most remote of all hospitals which fall within the Hunter New England Health District and should be prioritised to receive a locum,” Mr Moylan said.

“Hunter New England Health have instead put in a telehealth system which is unreliable and inadequate for the needs of a hospital which services a community of around 8000 people.

“This business-as-usual approach is not working. A video screen does not work in an emergency.”

Mr Moylan said the state government has again failed the people of regional NSW and our more isolated community members by not providing essential services.

“Just because we live in the regions does not mean we shouldn’t have access to a doctor in the ED,” Mr Moylan said.

“A video screen is not good enough.

“People are travelling from remote farms and villages with emergency health issues only to be told there is no doctor present.

“It is also on the federal government to pull their finger out and address the chronic shortage of general practitioners in regional areas.”