Rodney Stevens
An important step to rebuilding essential health services across regional and rural NSW has been taken by the state government with the establishment of a Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel, but there are no local representatives advocating for the Northern Rivers region.
The aim of the panel is to focus on building the regional health workforce, strengthening community engagement, and improving the health and wellbeing of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Member for Clarence Richie Williamson said he welcomed the establishment of the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel, but he would like to see the panel include a local representative.
“I support the establishment of the Regional Health Ministerial Advisory Panel,” he said.
“I hope this panel provides full and frank advice to the Minister.”
Mr Williamson said health was an important issue in the Northern Rivers and he would be advocating for a local representative on the panel.
“Health remains a major issue for my electorate, staff numbers, doctor availability, equipment requirements, and patient outcomes, waiting times at ED, all remain front of mind for me in my discussions with the Labor Government and the Minister,” he said.
“I would like to see a more local Northern Rivers representation on the panel and will raise that with the LHD board and CEO.”
NSW Rural Doctors Network Chief Executive, Dr Richard Colbran will chair the 10-member panel of health professionals from across the state, except the Northern Rivers region, with the closest local representative being Kelly Foran of Glen Innes.
Dr Colbran said he was confident the panel will play a key role in supporting the measures required to ensure communities can access the care they need- not just today, but in the coming decade.
“This panel provides an important opportunity to champion the integrated nature of the rural health system and support the delivery of the NSW Regional Health Strategic Plan,” he said.
“In NSW there are tremendously talented and committed professionals across the health and social care system, who work well with the Government, private and not-for-profit providers to achieve excellent outcomes for their communities.”
The 10 members of the panel are due to hold their first meeting this month, and members are appointed to the panel for up to three years.
The other nine members of the panel are Pharmacist Anna Barwick of Walcha, Australian Primary Health Care Nurses Association president Karen Booth of Sydney, Walgett and Brewarrina Aboriginal Medical Service CEO Christine Corby of Walgett, Temora Local Health Advisory Committee chair Cr Rick Firman of Temora, Hunter New England Health community innovation coordinator Kelly Foran of Glen Innes, Southern NSW Local health District Director Integrated Care and Allied Health Louise Fox of Goulburn, Aboriginal Coordinator Murrumbidgee Local Health District Laura Hand-Ross of Deniliquin, University of Newcastle Dept of Rural Health Director Prof Jennifer May of Tamworth, and acting CEO of the Aboriginal Health and Medical Research Council of NSW Shana Quayle of Dapto.
NSW health Minister Ryan Park said he was excited to be working with Dr Colbran and the panel to build on the great work happening in hospitals, health services and communities across regional NSW.
“This important advisory body brings together a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise across a range of areas from clinical care and health service delivery to community engagement and culture and change management,” he said.
“It’s these key connections and local experiences we’ll be drawing on to help us improve health outcomes for people living in our regions, ensuring their postcode doesn’t decide the level of healthcare they receive.
“Retention and recruitment of experienced staff will be one of the key focus areas for this new advisory panel.”