Hospital services, ambulance ramping and access to GPs were among the key issues discussed today as part of a spotlight on health in the Bendigo region.
The Nationals’ Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad and the Shadow Minister for Health Georgie Crozier held a series of meetings with senior executives at Bendigo Health, the Pharmacy Guild of Australia and GPs.
They were joined by The Nationals’ Member for Euroa and Shadow Parliamentary Secretary for Health Annabelle Cleeland, The Nationals’ candidate for Bendigo Andrew Lethlean, The Liberal Member for Northern Victoria Wendy Lovell and the Liberal candidate for Bendigo Matt Evans.
Ms Broad said the day covered a wide range of important issues.
“We had a series of very constructive meetings with local health providers, and I remain deeply committed to addressing the pressing health challenges facing our region,” Ms Broad said.
The wide range of issues included:
- Chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity and their impact on the health system;
- The need for more housing for NDIS clients;
- Patient transport in the regions;
- The potential expansion of services that pharmacists can provide;
- Wait times to see a GP; and
- Options to encourage more GPs to work in the regions.
“These conversations reinforced just how vital it is that we secure long-term investment in healthcare infrastructure and frontline services to ensure every person in our region can get the care they need, when they need it.
“It is great to see the ways in which hospitals, pharmacists and GPs can all work together, and the best ways they can be supported by government,” Ms Broad said.
Media Contact: Linda Barrow 0484 303 764
