Insights from Gundagai ‘Conversations on the Couch’

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network (MPHN) would like to thank the residents of Gundagai who shared insights into their community's health needs during the 'Conversations on the Couch' event earlier this year.

In September, MPHN conducted interviews with residents, providing a platform for the community to voice their perspectives. 

Chief Data Officer Dr Jason Bennie said attendees reported a growing concern for the mental wellbeing of young adults, with residents noting an increase in trauma-related incidents.  

“The locals we spoke to felt that more mental health services were needed, particularly to help people aged between 20 and 30,” Dr Bennie said. 

“People were also having challenges managing pain, with some questioning the limited availability of effective pain medication, and others feeling their concerns were being dismissed due to their age. 

“There was a lot of conversation about the growing need for aged care services for Gundagai’s aging population, with some people finding it difficult to access information about available services. If you’re in this situation, I recommend exploring our free care finder service, which is available on the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network website.” 

Residents also shared concerns about lengthy wait times for medical appointments, and the need to travel long distances to see specialists. Overall, however, people spoke positively about local general practice, aged care, and podiatry services. 

While in town, MPHN representatives spoke to the team at Gundagai Medical Centre, who shared the challenges they faced due to a high workload and staffing issues. 

“The team is acutely aware of the wait times people are experiencing, and are doing everything they can to connect patients with the care they need,” Dr Bennie said. 

“If people need mental health assistance and are unable to get an appointment with the centre’s mental health nurse, please reach out to the Head to Health service, which is available online or by calling 1800 595 212, or in a crisis situation call Murrumbidgee Accessline on 1800 800 944. You can also visit the Connect, Your Way page on the Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network website, which will help connect you with mental health resources in a way that best suits you; either online, over the phone, or face-to-face.” 

Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network will use feedback gathered from the Gundagai Conversations on the Couch to inform the federal government about the health needs in the Murrumbidgee region during the Health Needs Assessment refresh at the end of the year. 

“We sincerely thank everyone who took the time to engage in these conversations," Dr Bennie said. 

"Your feedback is invaluable in enhancing our understanding of emerging health needs for the Gundagai community." 

Residents of Gundagai are encouraged to continue sharing their thoughts on health by participating in the quick, anonymous Health Needs Assessment survey at mphn.org.au/hna or by calling MPHN on (02) 6923 3100. 

For more information on the health status of the Gundagai Local Government Area, please visit mphn.org.au/health-needs-assessments 

Resources

care finder: mphn.org.au/care-finder

Connect, Your Way: mphn.org.au/connect