Member for MacKillop calls for urgent review of changes to Community Health Nursing Services
21 February 2024
The Member for MacKillop has called for the Government to review a decision to change Community Nursing services in Lucindale, Tintinara and Coonalpyn.
Nick McBride MP raised the issue with the Minister for Health, the Hon Chris Picton in Question time on Tuesday - following numerous complaints to his office from concerned residents who regularly use this vital service.
Community nursing services, currently provided by Country Health Connect through the Local Health Networks, have now changed from a ‘drop-in’ service in the towns, to an ‘appointment only’ service. Regional patients must now ring a centralised phone line to make a booking, which may not be available for several days and may need a referral from their doctor to use the service.
The clinics have also changed the scope of their practice – and no longer offer certain services, including Ear syringing, ECG’s, removal of sutures and point of care INR testing services leaving regional communities to travel further and wait longer when needing medical support.
The changes to regional healthcare were announced earlier this year by the Riverland Mallee Coorong Local Health Network, and the Limestone Coast Local Health Network, with locals reporting to their local Member Nick McBride and his MacKillop Electorate office that there was no consultation with the community.
Mr McBride believes the changes as they currently sit will have a significantly negative impact on what is an already stretched medical system in the MacKillop region in South Australia’s South East.
“Locals heavily rely on community health nursing services. Availability of and access to these nurses negates the need to travel to larger towns such as Naracoorte, Keith, or Tailem Bend when needing medical attention and advice. These services have helped keep people out of hospital, and often avoid the need to see a doctor, therefore freeing up their time to attend to others with more specialised or serious conditions. I know from living here and speaking with our constituents there is both a major Doctor and Nurse shortage – this will impact the entire medical system.”
“I fear that if community nursing isn’t easily available that people – especially the elderly – will think it’s too hard and their health outcomes will suffer. Our rural communities need experienced nursing staff who can offer a broad range of treatments for less specialised conditions. I also know here is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to the health needs of small communities.”
“I look forward to meeting with the Minister in early March who has given me assurance that the concerns of MacKillop constituents – and our Nurses and Doctors - will be addressed by the Department and the Local Health Networks,” said McBride.
Ends
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