Redevelopment locked in
Scroll down to see how this issue has developed
For some campaigners in Inverell, the news has been years in the making. The Inverell Hospital is in-line for a major redevelopment after funding was approved in the 2017 NSW Budget.
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Things need to change: Why we got on board
There is no denying that the doctors and medical staff working at Inverell Hospital do an incredible job. But the fact is there are just not enough hands to do the work.
Stories have surfaced across the district of seriously injured local people unable to find treatment at Inverell Hospital because there was no locum doctor on site.
Councillor Paul King fractured his ankle, a story among many we have heard of patients presenting to the Inverell emergency department and waiting hours to see a doctor. Paul spoke highly of all the staff at the hospital who delivered excellent care, but had this to say:
A locum doctor is one who temporarily sees patients in place of a permanent position. Hunter New England Health is aware of the problem and have told us they are working to fix it. But we need something now because we are not the only ones facing this problem.
Our Glen Innes neighbours are battling the same issue after a locum doctor did not show up for duty on the last weekend in November. While a local GP took accident and emergency patients in the locum’s place, and said it was a rare occurrence that the locum system failed, it seems absurd that suffering patients should “have the option to go to Armidale hospital”.
Our local MP, Adam Marshall, wants doctors working on a roster basis, but a 32-year GP in Glen Innes says that system does not work.
What we know is we need change. Because seriously ill or injured people need treatment. And our local hospital staff need help to keep providing the highest standard of care.
The petition can be signed at these locations:
- Inverell Shire Council Administration Office – Otho Street.
- Inverell Shire Library – Campbell Street.
- Inverell Pharmacy, Inverell Furniture Court, Inverell Times, Inverell Newsagency – Byron Street.
- Campbell and Freebairn Chemist – Otho Street.
- Inverell Newsagency – Otho Street.
- Andersons Carpets – Lawrence Street.
- First National Real Estate on Byron Street.
- Tingha Post Office.
- Bundarra General Store.
- Australia Cafe, Inverell.
- Ashford Post Office
- Skybridge Financial, Inverell
How the issue developed:
DECEMBER 16: We understand more than 1600 signatures have been collected and presented to Hunter New England Health. Northern Tablelands MP Adam Marshall met with Hunter New England Health today.
Over the past week, patients and resident have shared their stories, calling for change. Many wrote in support of hospital staff, but the need for doctors was strong.
DECEMBER 15: At 11.30am, the signature count for the Inverell Hospital petition was numbered above 1200 and there are now 15 locations in Inverell and the surrounding district where signatures are being collected.
We understand local MP Adam Marshall is meeting with Hunter New England Health tomorrow to present the petition, but signatures will still be collected up to December 23.
DECEMBER 14: The Rural Doctor’s Association of Australia says there are more than enough young doctors graduating to serve the nation’s health needs but not enough are moving to rural areas. A review will commence soon.
DECMBER 14: Delungra couple Michael and Rena Valiukas said they waited in Emergency from before 8pm until after midnight, waiting for assistance. Read their story.
DECEMBER 13: Deputy Mayor Anthony Michael collected more than 100 signatures on Otho Street
DECEMBER 9: After facing the prospect of driving to Armidale to treat a sliced foot, local man Brad Hilton called on the community to support a petition to address staffing issues at Inverell Hospital. Read more of Brad’s story here.
DECEMBER 7: Hunter New England Health, the regulating body for local hospitals in the region, addressed community outrage over the lack of doctors in Inverell. They told us they are working to fix the problem but until then, the locum system would continue.
DECEMBER 5: Kelvin and Candy Jubb gave Inverell almost ten years but the lack of health services drove them from town in the end.
DECEMBER 1: Suddenly, blood was everywhere. When the angle grinder jumped from Paul O’Brien’s hand and fell on his leg, he thought he had cut an artery. Ambulance responded quickly but there were fears there was no doctor in Inverell to treat him.
Meanwhile, one Saturday afternoon, there is a scream from the front paddock, and in short order, a family rushes their eldest daughter to the closest emergency room. She has slashed her arm badly in a equipment accident and her brother is compressing the wound as they speed the hour to the largest district hospital. Read the full story.
NOVEMBER 30: There was no doctor at the Inverell Hospital on the last weekend in November. Word spread to local MP Adam Marshall who said that he was concerned that this was not an isolated incident.
