Stealth in health
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Disappointingly, what I have been told directly from CEO Scott McLachlan of Western NSW LHD regarding cost not being an issue in the decision to close and downgrade maternity services at Parkes is inconsistent with what I subsequently discovered in a leaked document shortly afterwards.
I publicised this discovery in this very paper two weeks ago, and I now note that a letter to the Editor last week from Mark Spittal, Executive director of Western NSW LHD, acknowledged that cost was a factor considered in their decision.
So, if I can be told one thing then discover the opposite to be true, it raises questions about the accuracy of what we as the community are being told.
I am now increasingly motivated to investigate this further.
I accept there have been difficulties attracting and retaining medical practitioners across rural and regional NSW, but this issue didn't happen overnight.
It raises the question, what is the NSW Government, NSW Health and the Local Health District (LHD) doing to resolve this issue?
Chief Executive of the LHD, Scott McLachlan, advised me the LHD has advertised for obstetricians and anaesthetists in attempt to maintain level 3 maternity services at the Parkes Hospital, which reportedly failed to yield success.
I have asked the LHD to provide reference to what advertising, and the extent of which, they have conducted for these positions.
Unfortunately the LHD have not yet provided a response to these questions.
I will keep digging and report to you what I discover.
Watch this space.
Community Consultation
In related matters, this week I received confirmation from the Western NSW Local Health District (LHD) that they will commence advertising over the next few days inviting recent consumers, or people who are likely to be consumers in the near future, to participate in focus groups regarding maternity services at Parkes and the Lachlan Health Service, including communities that feed into Lachlan Health Service.
The LHD will be facilitating community consultation in August 2019.
I would encourage you to express interest in participating in this process so that your thoughts are considered.
My Community Projects
Public voting is now open for My Community Projects across the Orange electorate, with up to $260,000 allocated for projects to improve the wellbeing of the people in our community.
With 41 projects across the electorate, be sure you have your say in which projects would like to see this government invest funding towards.
Go to mycommunityproject.service.nsw.gov.au to see details of each project and submit your vote.
Brothers 4 Recovery
Recently I met up with Chris Grevsmuhl (left) and Steve Morris (right) of the Brothers 4 Recovery - Drug, Alcohol & Mental Health Charity, which was borne from a noticeable gap in the health service surrounding issues such as mental health, suicide prevention, drug and alcohol addiction and more.
The charity is based from Orange but provides workshops and forums throughout NSW, QLD, VIC and ACT.
50 Years Ago, what an achievement!
We recently celebrated the 50th anniversary of mankind's first step onto the moon!
The Parkes radio telescope was an essential tool in that pivotal and historic space mission and as Aussies, we can be proud for having a vital role in its success.
It's amazing to see what regional Australia can do, the Parkes Dish is a perfect example
Have a great week.
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