Council welcomes health plan

Published on 07 June 2022

Edward River Council has welcomed the announcement from Murrumbidgee Local Health District (MLHD) that highly anticipated clinical services planning has commenced in Deniliquin.

Council has long lobbied for such a review into our health services, with the previous Council prioritising a review in its Advocacy Strategy.

“Local residents and healthcare advocates told us a review was needed in order to establish just what services are required for our region,” Edward River Council Mayor Peta Betts said.

“We heard calls for a new hospital, for more staff, for improved paediatric services, emergency services and of course more doctors.

“What we knew, was without a thorough review and a plan to move forward, we may not get the services, facilities and expertise we needed,” she said.

The Clinical Services Plan will outline the health services required for the Deniliquin region and how those services will be delivered.

“Our former mayor, the late Norm Brennan and general manager Phil Stone put our case forward for better health services, starting with a clinical services plan at the NSW Government’s senate inquiry in to rural and regional health last year. We are delighted that Minister for Health, Brad Hazzard, Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor and Jill Ludford, CEO MLHD, have listened to our community” Cr. Betts said.

“We appreciate the work local staff at MLHD and all our local health practitioners do for our region, so this is about providing clarity and certainty for our region around health care into the future,” said Cr Betts.  

Residents are encouraged to have their say on what is needed, with community consultation a major factor in the review. Details on the MLHD website.

Media inquiries: Tiffany Carroll, ERC Communications Advisor, tel 0437245196.