Young Hospital will receive a $250,000 funding boost to upgrade its operating theatre equipment. Photo: NSW Health.
Patients requiring surgery in the Hilltops region are set to benefit from a $250,000 funding boost to upgrade health facilities in the Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD).
Nationals MP Steph Cooke welcomed the investment but claimed that other services in the region were at risk.
As part of the Regional Health Minor Works Program, Young Hospital will upgrade its operating theatre equipment, including the purchase of an endoscopy reprocessing system to support improved clinical care for lower acuity surgeries.
NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said it was part of a broader investment of almost $12 million in 61 projects across the state.
“The Rural Minor Works Program will allow Murrumbidgee Local Health District to upgrade equipment at Young Hospital to enhance the working environment for health staff and improve patient experiences,” he said.
“The program is one of a number of investments our government is making to strengthen rural and regional health services, so people have access to the best possible care close to home.”
Ms Cooke, the Member for Cootamundra, said it was a positive step but one that was overdue.
“This Rural Health Month, we’re reminded that rural and regional communities miss out on $848 per person in healthcare funding each year,” she said, quoting comparative expenditure figures from the National Rural Health Alliance.
“Any move toward closing this gap and delivering high-quality healthcare to our towns and villages is a step in the right direction.
“The addition of an endoscopy reprocessing system will ease pressure on larger hospitals such as Wagga Wagga Base Hospital and allow more patients to recover close to their home.”
Ms Cooke has been outspoken in her criticism of the “slashing” of services in regional communities like Cootamundra where she alleges that the draft Health Service Plan for the hospital could see pathology, surgical and birthing units make way for more spaces in the emergency department.
“With residents of the township of Cootamundra and surrounding villages still waiting for updates on their hospital’s future, I’m concerned people will be forced to travel to Young for safe, modern theatre services, instead of getting the care they deserve locally,” she said.
“It’s not enough to simply shift services; all our communities need sustainable, fully resourced healthcare facilities across the district.”
MLHD is holding its Annual Public Meeting on 21 November, and Ms Cooke said it was a chance to clarify some of the community concerns.
“I hope we’ll see a comprehensive plan that meets the needs and supports the aspirations of every town in our electorate, with a clear focus on the needs of the Cootamundra community,” she said.
You can submit questions on notice to MLHD ahead of the public meeting.
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