Dalton Calls For New Model Of Care

Independent Member for Murray, Helen Dalton has called for a new model of care across Murray, including a demerge from Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) and the inclusion of Balranald Hospital.

“People have to travel such large geographical distances for care which is why it is so important to protect and retain the hospitals and services we have in the bush,” Ms Dalton said.

“We can’t keep losing them.“

Ms Dalton said rural health was in crisis and it was time NSW Health really started to listen to struggling communities and provide solutions.

“We have had the rural health inquiry which resulted in 44 recommendations and if government is serious about making a change, we have to start implementing them as a matter of urgency,” Ms Dalton said.

Travelling the Murray electorate, Ms Dalton said the number one issue always came back to a lack of health services in the bush forcing patients to travel 100km for basic care including dressing changes.

She said hospitals were short staffed and nurses were regularly working double or extra shifts to pick up the shortfall.

“We know staffing is a major concern right across the electorate and staff are alarmed about their workload and fear for the future of their hospitals.

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• Health & Wellbeing