MPHN hears about health concerns in Tumbarumba, Batlow and surrounding communities

Twenty two Tumbarumba and ten Batlow locals took the opportunity to share their health experiences and concerns at Murrumbidgee Primary Health Network’s (MPHN) Conversations on the Couch sessions on Thursday 28 and Friday 29 April.

MPHN’s Planning and Reporting Manager Toni Preuss said those who attended provided a variety of thoughtful insights into the current health needs of the community.

“Some of the key concerns raised from Tumbarumba locals included a lack of affordable housing, high cost of living and the cost of travelling for specialised health services,” Ms Preuss said.

“We also heard many people express their appreciation for the community transport, local hospital staff and local health services.

“Batlow locals also shared concerns about travelling for specialised health services and some locals are now accessing GPs in Wagga Wagga and surrounding areas due to the impact of the 2019/2020 summer bushfires.

“I’d like to thank all community members who provided feedback during the event. The information provided is invaluable to guiding MPHN’s understanding of community concerns and experiences and the development of the region’s Health Needs Assessment.”

Conversations on the Couch is an MPHN initiative to capture health needs and concerns of local communities across the Murrumbidgee region as part of its Health Needs Assessment.

Tumbarumba Local Health Advisory Committee chair Chris Blake said the Conversations on the Couch event was a valued opportunity to give voice to the community’s health concerns.

“The Conversations event provided Tumbarumba community a great opportunity to openly speak about their issues, share their concerns and play a role in shaping the health services in the future,” Mr Blake said.

“After the impact of the bushfires, people in the area are keen to influence and improve the health services in the town and surrounding area to further support recovery.”

MPHN Acting CEO Narelle Mills said the organisation’s Health Needs Assessment is a three-yearly process to help identify opportunities for improving health outcomes.

“One of the most important ways in which we measure if we have the right services in the right places at the right time is by asking people of the Murrumbidgee to give us feedback about what they need,” Ms Mills said.

“In addition to Conversations on the Couch, we are also providing community members in the Snowy Valley Council local government area an opportunity to complete an online survey and I would like to thank all those who have taken the time to participate.”

To provide feedback via a survey visit www.mphn.org.au/hna and scroll down to the blue survey buttons.