Shadow Minister for Rural Health Kate Washington.
NSW Labor is once again highlighting the need for better health services in regional, rural and remote NSW after the shock closure of an aged care facility in Harden has left local residents upset and anxious about their future.
The closure of this facility in the Murrumbidgee Health District and its much-needed beds comes as a NSW Parliamentary Inquiry into regional, rural and remote healthcare gets underway.
Residents are concerned that the closure of the Harden Residential Aged Care Facility will lead to the loss of one of the town’s doctors and reduced coverage at the Murrumburrah-Harden District Hospital.
A shortage of doctors in regional towns has been highlighted by recent tragic incidents in Wellington, Coolah, Tumut, Grenfell, and West Wyalong, as well as the death of a patient in Gulgong when there was no doctor at the hospital.
Shadow Minister for Rural Health Kate Washington said: “It is shocking to see elderly residents losing their homes at short notice.”
“This small community has worked hard to attract and retain local doctors, but they’re unlikely to stay if the service doesn’t stay open. The ripple effect of this heartless decision could have tragic consequences,” Ms Washington said.
“The lack of support has seen doctors leaving and hospitals left unstaffed in several towns. Residents in Harden fear that their town will be next.
“Local Members Steph Cook and Michael McCormack should be doing everything they can to ensure elderly residents aren’t evicted and the town’s doctors can stay.”
A NSW Parliament Upper House committee is currently investigating the Government’s management of regional, rural and remote healthcare.
“There are too many tragic stories of families losing loved ones because they were failed by a health system that is too sick to cope,” Ms Washington added.
“Steph Cooke and Michael McCormack should not be standing back and hoping the private market steps in given the potentially dire consequences for the town. They should work with the community to help them keep the doors open.”
