27/09/2022
I spent this evening at the Barossa Health forum, which was organised by our local
representative Ashton Hurn MP and featured a panel of medical experts.
Locals and medical experts had the chance to discuss any problems and voice any
health issues in our Barossa community at the forum.
The numerous attendees talked about the new Barossa hospital's development and where this issue stands with the state government. Funds in the state budget for
completing the specific work. The acquisition of the property parcel and the anticipated delivery date of this vital service for our community.
Despite the fact that governments, councils, and other stakeholders have been
debating this project for the past 30 years, we are unquestionably closer than ever.
Although we may be a long way from completion, it is encouraging to hear how close we are to making this a reality in the near future.
I commend the Health Advisory Council, in especially its president Elizabeth Haebich, as well as the many other members of the community and committee for their
tenacious advocacy on behalf of a new Barossa hospital.
Hearing some of the hardships and obstacles that numerous members in our
community face while trying to receive basic medical care was heartbreaking.
Not to mention life-saving, urgent medical care.
The availability of public resources and the cost to many people with low to medium
incomes. Of course, if a person's health is already declining, they might not be able to work, hence, they cannot afford the expense of necessary medical treatments here in regional areas compared to the city.
Other critical discussion points were the absence of early intervention programs and mental health services.
Lack of transportation for the sick and elderly members of our community who need
transportation daily, weekly, or monthly for medical treatments to Gawler, Elizabeth the city and beyond. As well as the requirements for eligibility to use council- funded transportation programs in addition to government-funded patient assisted transport schemes (PATS).
If elected, I will raise these concerns with council and the requirement that many of
these services be made available to the Barossa community.
The majority of these procedures and services could be provided by a brand-new hospital in Barossa, saving families and the most vulnerable individuals
thousands of dollars and countless travel hours each year.
In order to help our community and finally get this necessity into the building phase, I will encourage council to use their influence as a local government to lobby state
and federal ministers.
A big thank you to the panel of experts in their field Dr Bill Gransbury, Dr Sally Nelson, Dr Ray Goodwin and the President of the Health Advisory Council Mrs Elizabeth Haebich.
Ashton Hurn MP - Member for Schubert The Barossa Council Barossa Area Health Services
Written and authorised by S.H**e Tanunda South Australia
