Author: Allie Anderson & Cathy Pares
The results of the NSW regional health inquiry released has confirmed the cracks in a health system at breaking point. Politicians are agreed on the extent of the problem driven by chronic underfunding, longstanding workforce challenges, blame shifting, complex layers of responsibility and lack of co-ordination between sectors.
For indigenous people, the report found barriers to healthcare are even greater. They are reluctant to seek care due to racism and there is a lack of culturally appropriate services.
44 recommendations have been made in the report. The NSW government has six months to prepare an official response.
The problem is much closer to home than many Novocastrians might believe. There is a chronic shortage of health professionals in 25 areas across the state including Port Stephens. Excessive wait times for appointments throughout the Hunter New England Local Health District – which includes towns such as Taree, Dungog, Gunnedah, Singleton and Moree – is impacting diagnoses and treatment.
It’s unanimous that country people deserve better.
The NSW Minister for Regional Health, Bronnie Taylor, has spoken of looking at the issue of regional healthcare in a ‘courageous way and a different way’. The inquiry has taken a year to confirm what medical negligence laywers are already well aware of. We suggest that the time for talk is over and urgent action is the way.
https://www.portnews.com.au/story/7725694/nsw-health-inquiry-urges-workforce-review/?cs=12